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Vol. 9 No. 38
The Voice of North Grenville
September 29, 2021
Time for truth We live & work locally.
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Electric vehicle charging stations installed at KDH
1.866.699.1799 by Jenny Read Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is pleased to announce that its upper parking lot has recently been equipped with three electric car charging stations thanks to Tesla. The charging stations (connectors) – two made for Tesla vehicles and a third that is for all EV brands (J1772) – are available on a first come, first served basis for patients, visitors, and staff. There is no extra fee for using the charging stations, although standard parking rates apply. The charging stations are part of the Tesla Destination Charging Program to encourage Canadians to choose zero emission vehicles. Tesla provided the connectors and signage, while KDH was responsible for connecting power to the charging stations and painting the parking spaces to denote the electric vehicle spots. “The addition of the electric vehicle charging stations is emblematic of KDH’s commitment to innovation, the environment, and the implementation of green initiatives,” said the hospital’s CEO, Frank Vassallo. “We are proud to be able to support the adoption of electric vehicles and the transition away from fossil fuels. I also want to thank Tesla for their very generous support of this important initiative.” “Switching to clean-air transportation creates a healthier environment for all of us, and aligns with the KDH mission of building healthier communities,” added Tammy Buehlow, Building Services Manager and coordinator of the hospital’s environmental efforts. The best news? The three charging stations are in constant use, according to Tammy. As a Tesla Destination Charging location, KDH is in good company among more than 4,500 hotels, vineyards, restaurants, and Parks Canada sites, along with other Canadian hospitals like the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto.
Gateway Signage Program to take effect in rural subdivisions signs will be required for the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter proposed speed limit changes for the rural subdivisions.” Expect changes to the The cost of this program is posted speed limits in rural about $50,000. Hamlets within the musubdivisions across the Municipality of North Grenville. nicipality will require further At the Council meeting of assessment before the gateSeptember 21, Council fol- way program is implemented, lowed recommendations so no speed limit changes in from staff to approve and those areas will take effect at enact a by-law to designate this time. One of the complithe speed limit in all rural cations for changing the speed subdivisions at 40 km/h limits in rural hamlets is that and erect gateway signage many of the roads running to reflect this speed limit. through such areas are County Gateway signage refers to Roads. Council will expect a the practice of utilizing signs report on this matter by the at the entrance and exit to an end of this year. Mayor Peckford stated area to define the speed limit that, “no doubt, our efforts in within said area. Director of Public Works, regards to these named subdiKaren Dunlop, explained visions will beg the question that, “Staff have identified 23 for residents who […] have rural subdivisions that will been waiting for some time, be included in the 40km/h and are very hopeful that they, gateway speed limit zones in too, may get a 40 km/h speed the Municipality. 36 sets of reduction.” by Rachel Everett-Fry
Aside from the rural hamlets, one area of such concern is Smith Road in Oxford Station. Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan noted that staff and Council have been receiving a number of messages from concerned residents about speed on Smith Road. Director Dunlop explained that Smith Road has indeed been assessed, but as a separate entity from the hamlet of Oxford Station. Traffic calming measures will take place on Smith Road, though what those might be will be determined and brought back to Council with the report on hamlets. Keep these speed limit reductions in mind as you travel throughout the municipality, and note that increased OPP presence is likely, as drivers adjust their habits in light of the changes.
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Boutique travel agency provides peace of mind by Erika Cuccaro COVID-19 has been cancelling vacation plans for 18 months. Now that travel restrictions are easing, many Canadians are eager to book their next trip. But even though travellers are ready to hit the road, there’s still a tangle of complex travel regulations and requirements to navigate within Canada and around the world. Kemptville-based personal travel manager Scott Waldron helps his clients navigate the post-COVID travel boom, making their travel dreams come true. Founder of Gravitate Travel, Scott has 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He first opened Gravitate Travel in Toronto where he operated for seven years before
moving to Kemptville with his partner. A lifelong travel enthusiast, he started his career as a Cultural Ambassador at Walt Disney World. He’s visited over 36 countries and plans to visit Japan in the coming year. Over the course of his career, Scott has built connections with partners – like airlines, hotels, tour companies and more. These connections help save clients money with better rates and special deals. Clients also enjoy great perks like room upgrades and exclusive packages. A personal travel manager makes planning your next vacation much easier than booking online. Whether your next trip is for business or pleasure, Scott will take the time to get to know you through a detailed intake appointment. A loyal
supporter of local businesses, my clients accurate advice,” he is just as likely to meet you says Scott. at your favourite local cofAside from COVID-19, if fee shop as he is to conduct anything goes wrong on a trip the meeting by telephone or – say a flight gets cancelled, virtually. a client loses their passport or reasonable planning something unexpected comes • Brakes •For aVehicle repairs fee,•he will create an itinerary, up – Scott steps in to advocate Class “A” Mechanic • Suspension curating experiences that will for them and helps • Sale of Quality Pre- • Tire Sales solve the delight Owned you – while staying problem. • Air Conditioning Vehicles within your budget – and your next trip to Alignments • Flat Bed Tow Truck • Want advising you on practical be worry free? Book a no613-989-3839 matters like current travel obligation meeting with Scott requirements C oand u nrestrictions. t y R d 1 , Mand o u ndiscuss t a i n your O n t post-COVID ario While COVID-19 travel travel plans today! restrictions have eased and Gravitate Travel is a bouborders are starting to reopen, tique travel agency that builds different regions have very relationships with clients to different entry requirements create unforgettable travel for visitors. Not only that, but experiences. Certified by the travel policies and procedures Travel Industry Council of change on a dime. Ontario (TICO), Gravitate “An important part of my Travel will make your travel job is to stay on top of entry dreams come true. requirements and COVID-19 guidelines for Canada and around the world so I can give
Steve Clark’s office responds Following Steve Clark’s comments reported in the Toronto Star on September 18, in regard to the proposed prison in Kemptville that “there was understandably a bit of ‘fear of the unknown’ and ‘fear of change’ and these fears were stoked by a few small but vocal special interest groups from outside the region”, the Times asked his office for clarification. The following reply was received from MPP Clark’s Executive Assistant, Doug Brewer: “Minister Clark was likely referring to the people from outside of North Grenville who made presentations at the various public meetings and consultations on a wide range of topics not specifically related to North Grenville including prison reform or the aboli-
tion of correctional services in general (against human caging). These special interest groups were often contradictory – some saying that these types of prisoners could be safely let out into the community, while others suggested that they would be really dangerous to have in the community, even while incarcerated. Some other falsehoods were also perpetuated, such as claims that this type of facility is ‘always located in towns of over 100,000 people’ or that it will ‘kill the local property values’. The town of Milton was about 7,000 people in 1972 when their correctional centre was announced and building began, opening in 1974. I suggest you look at their current population and real estate values to validate that argument. The Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee
munity. But if the answers don’t fit one of the narratives that are being driven, they don’t always accept the answer. And, as is often the case when the provincial government decides to use land that it owns, there is no shortage of ideas from other people about how the land could have been used for some other purpose. When someone builds a house they’re often confronted with similar opposition from a neighbour who wishes that piece of land remained vacant, or turned into a park. But homes need to be built, and sadly, we also need modern, upgraded correctional facilities. MPP Clark and the North Grenville Council have been working with the Solicitor General’s Office to ensure that the Kemptville community will be well served
and St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Centre are other examples. It’s interesting to note that the expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Centre in Brockville, which was also announced as part of this Eastern Ontario Correctional Bundle Announcement (and is located around the corner from MPP Clark’s home), has been met positively by the local community for whom this type of centre is not an unknown and none of the perpetuated falsehoods would gain traction. Contrary to the Toronto Star story, there have been multiple public meetings and consultations. Many questions have been asked and answered, and asked and answered again. And that’s entirely appropriate – people will have questions about a new facility in their com-
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by the location of the new facility and by the Kemptville community’s use of the surplus lands which are currently underutilised. Working in collaboration often creates the best end results and MPP Clark will continue to push to achieve the best deal for North Grenville working with the Office of the Solicitor General and North Grenville Council.
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Editorial
The North Grenville Times
Time for truth Reconciliation, you have to have Truth. People have to know and understand why the day is marked. We have to know the truth of our shared past, the legacy that still dominates a significant section of the population of Canada. The fact is that most Canadians have very little idea of that past, or that legacy. This is partly because we didn’t learn about it in school, partly because we don’t know how to find out, and partly because it is hard work to discover the truth in all its dimensions. There is so much untruth out there. So many false ideas of what Indigenous people have experienced, what benefits and advantages they are accused of enjoying at public expense. “They get everything free”, is just one of the untruths that people accept too easily. There is also a reaction to the sometimes misleading media reports that focus on the dramatic, or the politically correct. But reconciliation only follows truth, otherwise it
by David Shanahan Canada is marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this week, in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada “to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process”. There are some who dismiss the initiative as an empty symbol, a token gesture by Canada with little impact or meaning. That very much depends on each one of us. September 30 could have the same profound significance as Remembrance Day, or become like Queen Victoria’s Birthday, just another day off work for some. What will make the difference? Truth. Before you can have
Letters to the Editor Open letter to Premiwe Ford re the proposed prison Dear Premier Ford, Last week I sent an email to Minister Clark regarding his failure to meaningfully respond to the many local residents of North Grenville who are expressing concern and opposition to the plan to build a 235-bed facility on farmland in the town of Kemptville. I couldn't ask for a better example of Mr. Clark's dismissive behaviour than the following quote found in today's edition of the Toronto Star: 'In his capacity as local MPP for the riding of LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Clark said in a statement that "there was understandably a bit of 'fear of the unknown' and 'fear of change' and these fears were stoked by a few small but vocal special interest groups from outside the region." For clarity, there are two grassroots organizations in opposition; both groups were founded by and comprise local residents working with like-minded people in Kemptville and North Grenville.
The facts speak for themselves - this plan is bad for the community, bad for prisoners and their families, and bad for the residents and taxpayers of Ontario. No fear-mongering has been required. Mr. Clark's attempts to discredit local opponents, and the experts who have brought context to the conversation, will not be successful. Sadly, his comments only reinforce his lack of respect for the people he purports to represent. Plans to build the "Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex" in Kemptville were made before the onset of the pandemic, and without any consultation with our local municipal government nor the people it serves. This province is a very different place than it was then. Your government has the opportunity now to make better choices about how to spend scarce public funds at this critical juncture. It is not too late to reverse this decision. Sincerely, Colleen Lynas, Coalition Against the Proposed Prison (Kemptville)
The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402
September 29, 2021
doesn’t last, doesn’t work, solves nothing. Look at the example of Remembrance Day. For decades, it was marked with respect and a certain reverence for brave heroes and great sacrifice. But, as the truth about the incredible horrors experienced in war, and the long-lasting effects of post traumatic stress on veterans, became more widely known and understood, the importance of Remembrance deepened. Knowing the truth in all its shades and layers provided us with a greater understanding and a greater appreciation of the day and what it stood for. We can accept a superficial acknowledgment of Indigenous history and experience, but that still leaves a huge gap in understanding, an enormous barrier to real reconciliation. Government apologies and statutory holidays can remain just gestures, designed to make us all feel better. All of us, that is, except the Indigenous communities that remain without safe drinking water, adequate housing, economic opportu-
nities, a system of legislative apartheid under the Indian Act, and so many unseen and largely unknown acts of oppression that continue to this day. Canada can point to a Land Claims process to show how willing governments are to face the mistakes and injustice of the past. But Canadians don’t know how difficult it is for any just conciliation to take place in the face of ongoing government resistance to genuinely deal with land claims, the long list of bureaucratic barriers that are thrown up to prevent real settlements of historic wrongs. Stephen Harper apologised for Residential Schools, and then turned around and cut research funding to Indigenous research units which had provided the evidence that forced the apology in the first place. Justin Trudeau claimed, when he was first elected Prime Minister, that the relationship between Canada and the Indigenous peoples was the most important one for him. But years later, and a $600 million election, people all
over this country still can’t drink the water, still don’t have adequate healthcare, still fall far short of the services other Canadians can take for granted. So it’s not a party political issue. There have been, to be fair, many positive changes over the past decade or so in the way Canadians relate to the First Nations. Land acknowledgments have become more common, as the truth of the statement, “We are all treaty people”, is recognised by more and more bodies in Canada. But still many Canadians don’t accept or understand the truth of that statement. We, through our political representatives, have committed Canada to honour legal agreements signed over many years. We are parties to those treaties, whether we like it or not; whether those agreements were fair and honourable, or not. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been “accepted” by Canada, but how many have read the document, or know the legal implications?
Dear Editor, Leadership is more than management. It is more than merely shuffling papers on a desk, or just making it look like something is getting done. Leadership is valuesbased action towards a goal, and the ability and courage to bring others forward with you. It is intimately related to a view of what is right and necessary in a given situation. Above all, true motivated leadership is rare. Leadership is often spoken of in political circles, and yet this seemingly magical elixir so rarely manifests itself there. When it does appear, it is often in relation to things we take for granted in other areas. Like this newspaper. It comes to us every week. It communicates much of what is important to our community. But it wouldn’t be here without the sacrifice, wit, and courage and the strongly held conviction that ideas must be brought forward is central to its role. Yes. In fact, leadership is important in attaining anything of value. Of course, an example of a place where leadership is, or should be, very important is at the level
of local politics. True leadership there would carve out a direction relative to important issues, and represent the best solution for any particular challenge. And there are many. The Municipal Act, in section 224, sets out the following requirement, among others, in describing the role of municipal Councillors: “It is the role of Council: a. to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality”. Other role descriptors follow. But it is this one upon which I focus at this time. This requirement entails the assessment of issues around the concepts of “well-being” and “interests” of the municipality, the municipality ultimately being the municipality’s residents. It entails, further, the courage and determination to follow through with leadership toward concrete policies which achieve the best result for the people of the municipality. Period. Against ALL comers. Leadership is key here. As regular readers will know from my numerous articles and public actions (founding of JOG, etc), I have been, and
am still, critical of the municipality’s lack of leadership against the province’s imposition of a jail on our community. That hasn’t changed. And it won’t, without substantial change on Council’s part on this issue. I must say, though, that a glimmer of hope for Council has shown itself on another issue: an application for a zoning change for pit expansion has been made to Council by an out-of-town aggregate company. Council has delayed approval, thus, at least temporarily, saving a part of South Gower from the further provincially sanctioned ravages of another aggregate company. Thanks again, Mr. Clarke. I hope Council will creatively use powers at its disposal to support local citizens who oppose this further destruction of their neighbourhood. I look forward to seeing how Council and the Mayor will continue to lead, hopefully with courage, on this issue. We shall see. Jim Bertram
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Dear Editor, Again, I am very grateful for the North Grenville Times. In particular, this
It is in direct opposition to the Indian Act and the policies of successive governments. This has far-reaching implications for all of us, if we take it seriously. But beyond legalities and legislation, it is the morality of Truth and Reconciliation that should concern us most. Canadians have an image of themselves as being fair and moral and tolerant. History does not support that idea. We need to know the truth, so that we can properly move towards reconciliation. A patronising pat on the head, or an empty symbol of a statutory holiday and wearing orange is not reconciliation. These measures can have a deep moral content, if we understand why we act on them. The injustice inflicted on Indigenous people in Canada was made possible by the fact that Canadians, aside from a few politicians and bureaucrats, didn’t know it was happening. There is no excuse for such ignorance now. This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation should make us ask why we need reconciliation, and with whom. What is the Truth we haven’t known or understood? How do we move forward in a meaningful and truthful way? That is why the future impact of the Day rests with us. week, my heroes are, first, Rachel Everett-Fry. I’m guessing that I might never disagree with her. In her article, “Don’t get taken for a spin”, she speaks of Michael Barrett’s vote against Bill C-6. Why should there be any question about conversion therapy? It is simply barbaric. Thank you so much for this input. Also, an excellent letter by Rosalind Brooks that I totally agree with. Another is Shirley Price’s great take on the vaccinations. I was at a local store this morning to do some shopping, and a man in front of me at the cash completely lowered his mask while talking to the cashier. I find this offensive. I wasn’t afraid so much, because I have been double vaccinated; but the point is that this is lack of respect for other people. I consider it selfishness. Also agree, I think almost Letters cont'd on page 5
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North Grenville’s Vaccination Policy for Municipal facilities by Jill Sturdy North Grenville’s Municipal Council approved a new COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy for clients, guests and staff employees. In light of the Government of Ontario’s new vaccine mandates for businesses, public spaces and indoor recreational facilities, municipalities across the province are working to keep residents safe, while ensuring access to municipal services and spaces. “North Grenville, as part of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Public Health Unit, has knocked it out of the park with the highest vaccination rates in Ontario. I am so proud of members of this community for doing everything they can to protect themselves and each other, said Mayor Peckford. “While the risk of a fourth wave owing to the Delta variant is quite real, we expect that with a continued commitment to vaccines, and rigorous public health protocols, we can minimize further disruptions.” Effective since September 22, the Province of Ontario requires patrons to provide proof of identification (showing name and date of birth), and of being fully vaccinated to access certain businesses and settings. North Grenville residents and business owners will be able to enter the Municipal Centre to receive services at the front desk on the main floor without showing proof of vaccination, given the capacity to observe social distancing protocols and masking at all times. In addition, proof of vaccination is not required at the North Grenville Public Library, and support will be offered to those seeking assistance with obtaining their vaccination documentation. Proof of double vaccination will be required, however, from spectators or participants of any event held in one of Municipal arenas, community rooms, theatres, or other municipal facilities throughout North Grenville (i.e. Community halls in hamlets). Exemptions to this policy include, youth under 18 who are actively participating in an organized sport (sports leagues, organized pick up sports) and coaches and officials, children under the age of 12, and those with a medical exemption (documented proof from physician required). “Access to Municipal facilities will reflect the strong commitment in our community to keep COVID cases down, students in school, and businesses open,” highlighted Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman. “While COVID has clearly threatened the livelihood, health and wellbeing of so many in our community, by taking careful and deliberate steps this fall, we are very hopeful that we can continue the return to normal.” More information on North Grenville’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy can be found on the website at: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus. Visit the Ontario government’s website for the province’s Proof of Vaccination Requirement at: https://covid-19.ontario. ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination.
OPP news
Letters Cont'd always, with Steve Gabell about climate change. And last but not least would be Peter Johnson, who says, “Genuinely smart people look for answers from people who are smarter than themselves”. Well done people. You gave me faith in my fellow men and women. Well, at least, in some. Cheers, Kath Piché
September 29, 2021
by David Shanahan New area of concern for OPP: There is a relatively new problem being reported by the OPP in the past weeks. As more and more people are shopping online, delivery vans are bringing a large range of products to people’s doorsteps. Or, in the case of rural residents, to their mailboxes. Recently, the OPP reported an incident in Augusta Township where unidentified individuals were seen following such delivery vehicles and attempting to steal parcels that had been left in mailboxes. The incident in Augusta brought this new criminal enterprise to light when the oc-
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UPDATE NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN NORTH GRENVILLE
On September 30th at 12:00pm, Council will raise the Every Child Matters Flag. Indigenous leaders, members of the public, students, families and Municipal Staff are warmly invited to attend this public event. As such, the Municipal Office will be closed from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. For updates related to COVID-19 and the North Grenville Municipal Centre visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus Municipal Centre Office hours are between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Monday-Friday). Stay informed about your community by subscribing to our weekly e-news at: www.northgrenville.ca/connect.
UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS Council will meet in Council Chambers. While members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, seating has been arranged to facilitate physical distancing and accordingly is limited. Pre-registration at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca is required. Persons arriving without pre-registering will be accommodated where there is sufficient seating capacity to permit attendance while complying with safety protocols. All attendees will be required to self-screen and masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk when pre-registering so that we may best assist you. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca This meeting will be live streamed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: www.northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes. Council agendas are available at: www.northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes • Council Meeting (Closed Session) – October 5, 2021 at 5:00 pm • Council Meeting (Open Session) – October 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm • Council Meeting (Closed Session) – October 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. • Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, October 4, 2021 at 3:00 pm • Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 4:15 pm • Heritage Advisory Committee – Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 4:30 pm • Health, Wellness and Fitness Advisory Committee – Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 4:00 pm • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm TAX BILLS All 2021 final tax bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Administration Office. The due date is September 30. Payments can be made by credit card when paying online through the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca. MAYOR’S YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking applications from individuals aged 14 to 23 years of age to join the first ever Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee for the term of the 2021-2022 school year. Join Madame Mayor and have a say in your community! For more details and to apply visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers or contact the Deputy Clerk by email at jworkman@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext. 171. Deadline to apply is October 3, 2021.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the following positions. Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers. Should you require a paper application, please contact Human Resources at hr@northgrenville.on.ca. • Seasonal Equipment Operator (application submission deadline: 4:00 pm on Friday, October 1, 2021)
The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca www.NorthGrenville.ca cupant of the residence where a parcel had been left in the mailbox “exited the home to retrieve the package minutes after it was delivered, and observed the front passenger of a black sedan appearing to remove the package from the mailbox. The complainant hurried toward the mailbox, at which time the unknown vehicle and occupants drove away quickly”. The OPP believe that the suspect vehicle had been following the courier vehicle to observe for deliveries. The Grenville County OPP is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspects and vehicle from this incident, and want to remind residents to be vigilant when having items delivered to their homes. Delivery drivers
Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002
should also remain vigilant and report incidents where they feel they are being followed. Some ways to avoid becoming a victim include requiring a signature upon delivery or subscribing to text message or email updates regarding your delivery status. Some retailers also allow purchasers to provide "Safe Drop" locations or alternate addresses. Anyone with information about this investigation or surveillance footage of the area is being asked to notify the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers. 5
ca. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn a cash reward. Bystander saves a life: On a happier note, the OPP report a brave and life-saving act by a woman who was fishing on a canal in Cardinal. The report noted: “On September 20, at approximately 7:18 pm, the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report that a motor vehicle entered the canal near Legion Way, in the Village of Cardinal. “It was reported that the driver of the vehicle lost control and reversed into the canal. A female bystander who was fishing nearby jumped into action and entered the
water to assist the driver. The bystander was able to safely pull the driver out and away from the vehicle as it became submerged. Upon arrival by police and emergency services, all parties were found to be unharmed. The efforts of the bystander were recognized by all emergency personnel and members of the public that witnessed the event. The Grenville County OPP contacted the individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, and thanked her again for her lifesaving efforts. Her actions that day likely prevented a tragedy.” It’s good to see a positive and inspiring story to balance the less agreeable report from Augusta. www.ngtimes.ca
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Babin, Patrick June 18, 1932 – June 12, 2021
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 805 Prescott Street on Monday October 4, 2021 from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Due to Covid 19 Protocols and limited spaces, those who wish to attend must RSVP on Pat’s webpage. As an expression of sympathy over the loss of our humble, gentle friend and mentor, a donation to the Friends of the North Grenville Public Library, 1 Water Street, PO Box 538, Kemptville, ON, K1A 1J0; or to Dundas Manor Long-Term Care Home, 533 Clarence Street, Winchester, ON, K0C 2K0, would be appreciated. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435
Donnelly, Gertrude Faye January 14, 1956 - September 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Gertrude Faye Donnelly announce her passing in her 66th year. Loving mother of Blake Donald Malcomnson and Shannon Faye Harkema. Beloved Grandmother to Cassie, Miranda, Andrea, Rayne, Pieter and Nolan. Dear daughter of Gertrude Kathleen Donnelly and the late Garnet Clifford Donnelly. Dear sister of Wayne, Ronnie, Kay, Cheryl and Lynne. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Faye was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others especially her kids and grandkids. Some people only walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Condolences/Tributes Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435
Council to mark The Steve Clark Prison in fact, are hiding from the National Day for Truth by Victor Lachance On Sunday, September 19, public? You could not have 2021, the front page of the To- better proof of our MPP’s toand Reconciliation ronto Star featured an article tal disregard for the legitimate about local opposition to the concerns of our community. with flag raising proposed Kemptville prison. Is this not further proof that Over the past few months, Canadians have been honouring the lives of children found in unmarked graves at residential schools across the country. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has identified that approximately 4,000 children died tragically in residential schools. In June the Canadian government passed legislation to mark September 30 as a federal statutory holiday to acknowledge truth and reconciliation, as recommended by the TRC. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, previously known as Orange Shirt Day, is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. It is also a day to honour and remember the survivors, their families and communities who continue to bear witness to these tragedies. “Reconciliation is the only way forward given the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous kids and their families. We can appreciate the tremendous loss that residential schools created for tens of thousands of Indigenous families, and their communiSeptember 29, 2021
ties,” said Mayor Peckford. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in North Grenville On September 30, at 12 pm, Council will raise the Every Child Matters Flag. Indigenous leaders, members of the public, students, families, and Municipal Staff are warmly invited to attend this public event. As such, the Municipal Office will be closed from 12 pm until 2 pm. Indigenous community members who wish to have a particular presence at the event are encouraged to reach out and contact Jill Sturdy at jsturdy@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext. 168. “Council recognizes that September 30 is an opportunity for reflection, and, as such, has approved a day of observation and learning for municipal staff. In addition, all staff will be afforded the time to attend the flag raising ceremony,” added Council Kristin Strackerjan. Several recommendations outlined in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action are focused on the role that municipal governments can play. These include: Training on Indigenous
the proposed location of the prison in Kemptville is nothing but a political decision that has no merit? Because of this lack of transparency, local opposition groups have and continue to work with members of the community to gather and disseminate information for North Grenville residents to assess the merit of the proposed prison. None of the research, evidence, and expertise disseminated to the community has been countered by the provincial government. As has been noted before, based on what we know, a new prison in Ontario should not go in anyone’s backyard, much less a small town like Kemptville. But, apparently, we’re afraid of the unknown. Well, Steve Clark is partly right. There is much too much that is unknown, because the province and our MPP won’t provide the information the community has been seeking for over a year. For example, in response to an Access to Information request, the provincial government withheld 135 pages out of a total of 145 pages relevant to the question of why the province chose Kemptville as the proposed location of an unnecessary
In it our MPP Steve Clark was quoted as follows, "there was understandably a bit of 'fear of the unknown' and 'fear of change', and these fears were stoked by a few small but vocal “special interest groups from outside the region." Could Steve Clark be more disrespectful and insulting to the residents of North Grenville and Kemptville? Could he be more uncaring and dismissive of his constituents, so many of whom have tried to obtain information that the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Steve Clark have not provided and,
issues for municipal staff and Council Raising of the Every Child Matters Flag on September 30 Development of a land acknowledgment, in consultation with local Indigenous leaders and expected for early 2022 Public engagement sessions later in the Fall with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members For more information visit: www.northgrenville. ca/live/community-involvement/truth-and-reconciliation 6
The Voice of North Grenville
Ann Hurd Celebration of Life A Celebration of Life for the late Ann Hurd of Kemptville, who left us on June 19 2021, will be held on Saturday, October 9 2021 at 1:00pm at Saint James Anglican Church, Kemptville, Ontario. Her full obituary is posted here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theglobeandmail/obituary. aspx?n=ann-elizabeth-hurd&pid=199189455 Because of COVID restrictions seating in the church will be limited so we ask you to please RSVP to molly.hurd@gmail.com. The service will also be live-streamed, so if you cannot attend in person, or have not been fully vaccinated, you may access it here: https://www.facebook.com/StJamesKemptville/
the north grenville
TIMES Gord Logan
Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca
and unwanted prison. According to our MPP, our community is being stirred up by some unnamed outsiders. Really? This is a classic red herring argument to deflect from the fact that the people of North Grenville can think for themselves and work together to stop this bad idea from going forward. Has he not received the hundreds of emails and online questions from the residents of North Grenville, his own constituents? There are, in fact, many valid reasons and concerns for the significant local opposition to the proposed prison in Kemptville. It is no surprise that many local residents, having learned about the failings of our corrections and judicial systems through content matter experts, are speaking out on this needless plan to expand the province’s capacity to incarcerate people. It is no surprise that many local residents, understanding the critical importance of preserving our farmland, are speaking out against destroying existing buildings, and paving over a critical piece of our agricultural and farming heritage, to build a prison. It is no surprise that local residents, aware of the tragic history of the country’s Indigenous peoples and the systemic racism in our justice and corrections systems, are saying there is a better way. Knowledge is power, and
apparently Mr. Clark resents the idea that residents of North Grenville possess it. The prison is a crucial local issue for the future of Kemptville, but it is an equally important provincial one, given the estimated quarter of a billion dollars required to build an unnecessary prison. Back in 1961, John F. Kennedy referenced Edmund Burke when he said “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing.” And it was as far back as 1867 that John Stuart Mill said that bad ideas need nothing more to succeed than that people look on and do nothing. Does this describe the situation we face today concerning the prison and our MPP’s repeated dismissal and disrespect of our community? The prison is a bad idea, and our community’s concerns should be foremost in our MPP’s mind. Luckily, we have plenty of time to come together and convince the provincial government that this community’s vision for Kemptville and North Grenville does not include or fit with a prison.
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What is involved in the Municipal updates on Truth and Reconciliation Ontario Vaccination Hillary reported that the Municipal employees the the “Every Child Matters” by Rachel Everett-Fry First Peoples Group has day off before a fulsome flag raising ceremony on the Passport Policy been hired to assist in this discussion about the pur- 30th, and will be afforded 2 Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Full Vaccination Definition: An individual is considered fully vaccinated if they have received: • the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines, • one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or • three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada; and • they received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated. Health Canada approved vaccines: 2 doses: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD 1 dose: Janssen/Johnson & Johnson mRNA vaccine: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna Vaccination Proof Receipt: If you have questions about how to obtain a copy of your vaccination receipt, visit the COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal [https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/] or call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900. You can also refer to the Using Your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions [https://news.ontario.ca/ en/backgrounder/1000806/using-your-vaccination-receiptfrequently-asked-questions]. Identification Proof: Validation of vaccination will be based on two key identifiers: 1. Name of the identification holder; and 2. Date of birth Photo identification is not required. Proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt include: Birth certificate Citizenship card Driver’s licence Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card Passport Permanent Resident card Validation of identification is considered to have been completed/successful when the name and date of birth of the presenter of the vaccination receipt, and the name and date of birth on the identification, document match. If the name and date of birth on both documents do not match, the individual will not be allowed to enter the business or organization.
Calm restored Join Beth Donovan Hospice for a free Guided Meditation Series where you can breathe, unwind, and enjoy a time of calm and peace from the comfort of your own home. Even if you have never tried mediation before, this is a great opportunity to explore the potential benefits of this practice. While there is some mystery and confusion surrounding meditation, the truth is that meditation is something anyone can do! It can be learned in just a few minutes, and the benefits can be felt immediately. Many people report feeling an increased sense of relaxation, concentraSeptember 29, 2021
tion, and connection when they initiate a mediation practice. There are many forms of meditation, but simple mindfulness is one of the easiest to implement. The standard approach is to sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. The goal is to try to stay in the moment and bring your attention back to the present whenever your focus starts to drift away. Your mind will drift, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. With a bit of practice and guidance, your mind will settle, and you will gain a greater sense of calm and peace.
process. Councillor John Barclay noted that #57 of the Calls to Action in the TRC calls for education and training of public servants on Indigenous history, law, and anti-racism. He said, “We’re well on our way to providing education to staff and council.” Councillor Kristin Strackerjan stated: “I know that this is not a simple topic to address, and that we want to make sure that it’s done meaningfully. I appreciate that it has gone far beyond a land acknowledgment, and that there is meaningful action taking place in order to come to a place where we’re making informed and engaged decisions on this, and not simply forging ahead with what we think is best at this stage from a Municipal perspective”. At the September 21 meeting, Council also discussed how to mark September 30. Deputy Mayor McManaman and Councillor Barclay both suggested that giving Council and
The Municipality’s efforts toward Truth and Reconciliation were reviewed at the Council Meeting on September 21. Strategic Initiative Coordinator, Hillary Geneau, delivered a report to Council. In June of this year, Council directed staff to begin working on a land acknowledgment, and to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission [TRC] Calls to Action from 2015. On August 11, Council followed in the steps of the Federal government and recognized September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In her report, Ms.Geneau stated: “The Municipality is committed to a meaningful reconciliation process. To achieve this, the planned process will engage local Indigenous people to work alongside Council and Staff in identifying strategies which respond both to the TRC Calls to Action, as well as to interests and needs of Indigenous people who live and work in North Grenville”. One of the first steps in this process has been Indigenous Awareness Training for all Staff and Council, which will be integrated as part of the general training process for staff in the future. Hillary also stated that the Municipality will be “completing a diversity and inclusion plan in the near future.” Developing a land acknowledgment, and a full response to the eight TRC Calls to Action that are applicable to municipalities, remains a work in progress.
pose and importance of the day was, in the words of Councillor Barclay, “putting the cart before the horse.” Councillor Strackerjan raised a motion “to offer the opportunity for any individuals within the municipality who identify as Indigenous, or have a personal connection to that day, to be afforded the opportunity to take the day off as a holiday.” As such, recognizing the day will remain up to the discretion of staff. All staff, however, will be encouraged to attend
hours off to do so. The flag raising ceremony will be a public event. The public, especially children and youth, are encouraged to attend and mark the importance of the day. The Municipality also encourages those with the day off to devote some time to education. Resources compiled by the Municipality can be found at: https://www. northgrenville.ca/live/community-involvement/truthand-reconciliation#truthand-reconciliation.
THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor
General Practice Corporate / Commercial Family Law Estates Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney tom@tmblaw.ca 613.258.1277 222 Prescott St., Kemptville
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2678 County Road 43 Kemptville, Ontario www.ngtimes.ca
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73’s settle for split during exhibition schedule breaker at 9:24. Final twenty saw Lynch flip it across to Johnny Howie on point to launch a missile top shelf at 1:56 for the 73’s insurance goal. Pembroke on a PP countered with a screened slapper from Jordan Fuller PPG at 8:26 to move them within one. Pembroke pulled their stopper at 18.24 with PP to give them a five on three advantage without results. Kemptville outshot Pembroke 38 to 21 with 73’s having 5 PP without success and Lumber Kings 4 PP with a goal. Kemptville was successful for their home opener and just need to engage their offensive PP special team to match its defensive PK unit. Next home contest is with the Rockland Nationals on Friday, October 1 at 7:30 pm.
Hunter Brazier comes on strong...73's take home opener with 3 - 2 victory. by the sportsguy Kemptville 73’s closed out their back to back exhibition challenge with Brockville Braves on Sunday matinee in their barn. 73’s, looking for payback after the SOL suffered in Brockville on Saturday, reversed the outcome with a SOW and settled for a split for exhibition schedule. Brockville came on strong to start the first when a broken play by Ingram to Reece Glover and past Tyler Laureault at 2:48. Howie combined with Cartwright to drive it towards the net and Hunter Brazier picked up the garbage around Will McEvoy for a tie at 18:23. Braves broke the tie from Owen Belisie with a helper from Rainey at 18:46. Second scenerio saw Boucher find Luke Tchor at 15:58 for the insurance point for Brockville. Final twenty Kemptville with PP came on when Howie set up Houle to Hunter Brazier for PPG and second marker of the afternoon to put them
within one at 8:36. Haughian sprung Eastwood so Benjamin Campeau could redirect a rebound into the back of the net at 12:50 to force OT. OT played out without a successful result to set up the dreaded shootout, which Hunter Brazier capitalized for his hat trick. The whole contest was strewn with visits to the sin bin for both squads, with 73’s recording 31 minutes and Braves 39 minutes of minor and major infractions. Kemptville and Brockville managed 33 SOG..Braves 13-9-74...73’s 5-9-14-4. Season home opener with Pembroke Lumber Kings on Friday, September 24 started with a special tribute to long time volunteers Bruce Riman and Howard Leach. First frame with a 73’s on PP had a brain freeze to clear the zone, floating past the puck to put the Lumber Kings on the board. Brady Egan pumped in the loose rubber past Tyler Laureault at 4:50 for a SHG.
the north grenville
TIMES Gord Logan
Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca
Second stanza, Kemptville tied it at 7:01 when Krulicki combined with Eastwood to find Hunter Brazier gliding over the line to beat Dalton McBride. Hunter Brazier picked up his second of the night as Houle sprang Krulicki tape on tape to Hunter Brazier for the tie
Merrick Preparatory School “best in the world”
by Daniel Robles We are very pleased to share with you that our school received an international award this month. The PIEoneer Awards are regarded as the “Academy Awards” in the education sector and celebrate innovation and achievement across the global education industry. Judged by a panel of 43 international education experts, educators and educational service providers are selected as top achievers in 19 categories. This year, 21 winners spanning seven countries were selected as the world’s best, their achievement made more remarkable given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our school was nominated as a finalist in the “Secondary Learning International Impact Award” category. On September 3, 2021, it was announced that Merrick Preparatory School is the winner, recognized as “the best in the world.” We want to thank all of our members in our community for making this a safe and secure environment for our international and local students.
Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCALLY September 29, 2021
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The Voice of North Grenville
The Other Pandemic – A Challenge to News Media Last week’s column claimed, “Wars are too important to be left to generals”, and “the type 2 diabetes pandemic is too important to be left to doctors.” We asked whether there was a difference between millions of North Americans dying quickly of COVID-19 and millions of people dying slowly of diabetes. In this week’s column, we challenge media outlets to help doctors fight this other pandemic that is having a disastrous effect on our health care system. Consider what’s happened for 20 months now. Broadcasters in North America could hardly wait to tell us night after night about the daily number of deaths from COVID-19. But what they have not mentioned is that 1 in 10 North Americans now have type 2 diabetes – in effect, that people are sick, and many more are on soon to follow. Unfortunately, the majority are not aware of the terrible future they face as diabetes takes its toll. We should not need to spoon feed the overwhelming mountains of data to journalists. The evidence is in plain sight to all. A visit to any supermarket quickly shows what’s happening to society. Overweight and morbidly obese shoppers are buying cheaper, easier, poor-quality food, heavily marketed by powerful producers. Obesity has been setting the stage for type 2 diabetes for decades. The blunt fact is that 65 years ago, 95% of diabetes was due to being born with defective genes, and just 5% to obesity and lifestyle factors. Today, what a reversal! Just 5% of diabetes is due to defective genes and 95% to obesity. This is not an act of God. Defective genes do not proliferate so speedily. But human behaviour and faulty diets have changed over the years. Few people are getting enough exercise. Why ask for media’s help? Doctors have been successful finding cures for diseases in the past. But this current challenge goes well beyond the capabilities of the medical profession. Despite a wealth of medical literature, hundreds of books and weight loss programs, and the tragic consequences of obesity, still the problem escalates. Some predict that by 2050, rather than 1 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes, it will be 1 in 3! Since the cost of care is now $230 billion annually, this will trigger the most devastating economic and health wreck the world has ever witnessed. Can it be solved? The medical profession cannot do it alone. But, if the media issued an urgent alert, even a fraction of the magnitude of the COVID coverage, there might be hope. Since COVID struck, the media has been unrelenting in hammering out news of the more than 600,000 U.S. citizens alone who have died. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S., there are 34 million diabetics in the U.S. and another 88 million have pre-diabetes. The World Heath Organization reports that diabetes is three times more deadly than COVID-19. Worldwide, 463 million people have diabetes and about 4.2 million die of it every year. Media giants in the U.S and Canada are all shooting at the wrong target. There’s a larger killer in our midst. Unlike the COVID-19 virus, which will eventually fade away or be managed, type 2 diabetes will continue to creep forward, causing millions to suffer from amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and other severe complications, day after day, gradually killing far more and costing all of us dearly. Will big media houses accept the challenge to cover this other pandemic? We want to know. Part three of a six-part series. Sign-up at www.docgiff. com. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones. www.ngtimes.ca
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Company of Fools
The Voice of North Grenville
Kemptville Pride seeks input over expansion plans
The LGBTQ2+ flag was flown during Pride Month at the North Grenville Municipal Centre not-for-profit organization Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for LGBTQ2+ families living in the Dundas and K e m p t v i l l e P r i d e Grenville regions, which has announced that they works to establish safe will be taking over Rain- spaces, and promote inclubow Union of Dundas sivity and education in the and Grenville. Rainbow community at large. This Union is a grassroots expansion will be under by Rachel Everett-Fry
A Company of Fools performed their 2021 comeback season production of LoveFrom Afar, a medley of Shakespeare’s plays interwoven with the struggle of a threesome trying to explain and understand love. The performance took place in Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills on Friday evening. The troupe’s production and season has been significantly modified due to public health restrictions and tickets were sold in advance to a limited audience. The Oxford Mills Community Association would like to thank the municipality for their willing cooperation in making the event a success.
the leadership of Meagan Cumming, and administered by Tina Ouelette. Kemptville Pride’s fundraising efforts have raised close to $8,000. They state that “these funds will be used to ensure our 2022 Pride Parade is an amazing celebration of diversity and inclusion in our community, as well as help us gain the training and knowledge we need to continue to educate, advocate, and communicate with our community. Kemptville stepped up in a way that we could never have imagined, and for that we are grateful!” Kemptville Pride is working on developing “a strategic plan that will help shape our organization and our place in Kemptville
for years to come.” And while, “we have reached out to many of you in the community for your input, your ideas and for your expertise”, they are still looking for public input. If you are a member of the LGBTQ2+ community, Kemptville Pride hopes you will reach out to become a part of the public consultation process. This input is crucial in ensuring that Kemptville Pride meets the real needs of the LGBTQ2+ community. Email kemptvilleprideed@outlook.com with questions, comments, or to join community consultation.
Local COVID-19 Vaccine Status Report from the LGL Health Unit We are so close to our goal of 90% second doses, with people continuing to receive both first and second doses locally. Statistics: - Of the region’s population 12 years of age and over, 94.1% have first doses (93.2% last week), and 88.5% have second doses (87.7% last week) (as of Sept 19, 2021). - Over 1400 first doses were administered last week - In youth 12–17, 85.2% have first doses and 75.3% have second doses. - In ages 18–29, 77.9% have first doses and 67.5% have second doses. We encourage those 18–29 to check out the options for getting vaccinated below. - Pharmacies are beginning to make up a larger proportion of vaccine administration in LGLDHU - Our vaccination dashboard has all the details and will be updated again next Tuesday, Sept 28. Vaccine Clinics: A number of clinics are available in various communities: check our website for the up to date times and dates: https:// healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/vaccineclinics/ - Some locations have changed so remember to check the listing. Vaccine Certificate: Requirements for proof of vaccination began last Wednesday, September 22. Visit the Ontario Government COVID-19 website for details: news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000779/ ontario-to-require-proof-of-vaccination-in-select-settings. All Ontarians can download their vaccine receipt as proof of their vaccine status until an enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code is available. You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 for assistance with vaccine receipts. If you received vaccinations outside of Ontario there is a new option to submit out of Province COVID-19 Vaccination Records For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the COVID-19 Protection and Vaccines section of our website: healthunit.org. September 29, 2021
Franco-Ontarian day recognized in North Grenville
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North Grenville celebrated Franco-Ontarian day on September 25. The Franco Ontarian flag was raised on September 24 and 25 at the Municipal Centre, and representatives from both Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario and Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est participated in the ceremony. Given Covid restrictions, students from our local French schools were not in attendance, but many watched the event over a Facebook livestream. The Franco-Ontarian community is integral to Ontario’s culture and history, here in North Grenville and across the province. Franco-Ontarian day has been recognized by the province since 2010. North Grenville is home to over 1,000 francophone people. Photo courtesy of the Municipality of North Grenville www.ngtimes.ca
The North Grenville Times
The Voice of North Grenville
Odd Fellows are leaving their Hall after 130 years A winner
by Rowena Cooper For the past one hundred and thirty-one years, the Odd Fellows Grenville Lodge #279 has been a mainstay of everyday life in Kemptville, North Grenville, and the surrounding townships. The Odd Fellows order started in England in the mid1700s, with the first lodge in the United States opening in 1819, and the first in Canada opening in Montreal in 1843. The inaugural meeting of the Grenville Lodge was held in the building belonging to the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Kemptville on August 5, 1890. Deputy District Grand Master Ronan of Ottawa Lodge #224, and P.G.H.J. Guppy of Carleton Lodge #240, presided. Mr. Ronan called the meeting to
order and P.G.J. Smith was appointed to act as the Deputy Grand Master of the Grenville Lodge. Mr. Smith presented A.G. Rutherford, J.A. Jones, and M.H. Blackburn as the applicants for the Charter of the Grenville Lodge and, following the presentation, Grenville Lodge #279 was declared a regularly constituted Lodge of Odd Fellowship. At that first meeting, the following gentlemen were duly elected to the board: Brother A.G. Rutherford, Brother G.E. Hanna, Brother J.H. Stitt, Brother Thomas Conley, and Brother J.A. Jones. Deputy District Grand Master Ronan from Ottawa Lodge #224 was declared the elected representative of Grenville Lodge #279 to the Grand Lodge of Ontario, and
P.G.H.J. Guppy of the Carleton Lodge #240 was declared Grand Secretary, thus starting continued interaction between the Ottawa and Grenville Lodges that lasts to today. At the first meeting, applications for membership were received from 39 men, and included in the prospective membership were names that still resonate in 2021: Beach, Clothier, Patton, Curry, and Paterson, to name but a few. Following the inaugural meeting, an arrangement to rent a hall from the Ancient Order of United Workmen was agreed to. The cost was $1 per meeting and included oil for light, wood for heat, and the services of a janitor. In early 1892, Grenville Lodge #279 had outgrown the hall provided by the A.O.U.W. Following much discussion, the A.O.U.W. was asked to build an addition on to their hall to house all the Odd Fellows furniture and regalia. When this was refused, the Grenville Lodge started to look for a permanent home of their own. Joseph Bower was one of the first general merchants and distillers in Kemptville. His house and store were both built on the south side of Clothier
Street on either side of Lydia Street. Neither of these buildings remain today, but his second store, which he started to build in 1859, stood on the northwest corner of Clothier and Barnes Streets and remained a general store until 1870. During the twenty-two years between 1870 and 1892, when the Odd Fellows purchased it, the building housed a tailor’s shop and was later converted to a hall and opera house. By 1892 it needed repairs, and following negotiations, was sold to the Grenville Lodge for $1,350.00. Funds to pay for the building were raised through private donations and the sale of outbuildings that were on the ¼ acre property. The opening ceremony for the new home of Grenville Lodge #279 was held on July 11, 1892. Following purchase by the Odd Fellows, the hall continued to be used for community and private events, such as the Fireman’s Ball, which featured a full course meal followed by a dance. During the 1940s, movies were shown there every Saturday night. Sadly, with the sale of the Odd Fellow’s building, the lodge will no longer be meeting there and members will have to look for a new home, but the building itself will progress to a new role – as that of a dental office. The long and continuing history of Grenville Lodge #279 is contained in the lodge’s incredible document collection. While the lodge will remain active, and involved in local events and celebrations in North Grenville, its historical archive, which documents mergers between several Ottawa Lodges and the Grenville #279 Lodge, has been transferred to the City of Ottawa Archives. Once the collection has been arranged and described, it will be made accessible to researchers. There is concern that the Odd Fellows Order in Ontario will disappear. In the Province of Ontario there are fewer that 1,000 members. Formed as an organization that offered insurance to its members, it is now purely a service club, and the many lodges that existed throughout Eastern Ontario are slowly disappearing.
The North Grenville Photography Club
You never know what you'll see out walking with your camera. Spotted this pretty Fritillary butterfly along Cty Rd 18, Oxford Mills. Photo by Sandy Archibald. September 29, 2021
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in support of Ursa
Judy Beveridge hands over the watercolour to winner April Dojcak. The draw was held last week in the fundraising raffle to support Ursa Meyer in her recovery from a devastating stroke that struck the young musician last year. Following the stroke, the right side of her body was paralyzed. With regular treatments, however, Ursa has regained a great deal of mobility. Unfortunately, not all of these treatments are covered by insurance or OHIP. The North Grenville Times, in partnership with the Oxford Mills Community Association, decided to raise some funds by raffling off an original framed watercolour by Marguerite Boyer, in support of Ursa’s ongoing medical needs as she continues to recover. The painting, on display at the B&H Grocery for the last few month, was won byApril Dojcak. Ursa has been making progress in her treatment and reports that “My arm and leg are progressing slowly but steadily. I have reduced the number of times I am going to physio (twice a week as opposed to 4. 1 time for my arm, 1 time for my leg).” She has also returned to school, taking four courses: Music and Computers, Child Development, Music Education II, and Piano Pedagogy I. Remarkably, Ursa is teaching music at Tempo Drive Music School, as well as giving private lessons. Her parents, Marc and Glenna, and her music students, have been really supportive during her recuperation, and Ursa has found ways to adapt to teaching. “I have to think of creative ways to teach certain skills, but never have I encountered a hurdle that I couldn’t overcome.” The support from the community, particularly through the raffle fundraiser, has also given Ursa a real lift to the spirits. She told the Times: “And give the public a huge thank you from me! Their contributions go a long way for helping me get back to a two functional armed, two functional legged person! (Which is the ultimate goal).” A Huge Thank You to all involved. The money raised from the raffle was just shy of $3,000.00.
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Gardening through the Seasons
Summer's last Hurrah! by The Cheerful Gardener Unlike other seasons, we give Summer’s last moments a last ‘Hurrah' and a wave goodbye to an old friend. Yet Summer is not yet through. Yes, many nights will soon have a chill and more days will have rain and nippy temperatures, but there will be days filled with summer afterglow and nights that are filled with stars. With the Summer gently releasing its grandeur to a new and beautiful season of Autumn, with its own glory of coloured leaves and persistent happy flowers that live on despite chillier nights and shorter days, I take a daily morning walk through the gardens to enjoy the bird sounds (which shifts, as well, from morning and evening Robin songs to blue jays, nuthatches, and crows, of course) and to observe the perennials that cheerfully carry on. It was wonderful
to see two chickadee families feed their young this Summer and to see a baby Cardinal with young feathers at the bird feeder. Do you care to take your cup of tea or coffee and join me for a stroll? We are fortunate to come across the beautiful Rudbeckia trilobum, which is prolific this year, standing tall to reach the sun, and the shorter variety sprawling here and there. As we walk on from there, we find blue balloon flowers, and Helen's flower. The Arbour garden, with its flagstone path, has very much died back, with only pink Phlox and purple Morning Glories climbing over the trellis and honeysuckle bush. Turning into the Circle of Friends Garden, the fragrant Southernwood from the Artemisia family, stands tall, and its feathery foliage bends with the late summer breezes. The Hydrangea has turned from white to pink, and the remaining Brown-Eyed Susan that
surrounds the gazebo lives on. I stroll over by the sun shelter, in which, this year, we especially have found refuge and peace, while enjoying the scents and sights of Sea Lavender, Gaillardia, Portulaca, Peppermint Scented Geranium, and a lovely pink perennial named Turtlehead, which the bees adore. We turn the corner (still with me?) and come to Claudia's Scented Garden, a 6x8 Polycarbonate green-house, a gift given to me by my hubby to celebrate our 45th Anniversary, and for which shelves are being built and stepping stones laid to house deliciously scented herbs, including Scented Rose and Peppermint Pelargoniums, Rosemary, Santolina, Lavender, Apple mint, Old-fashioned Heliotrope, and, my favourite, Lemon Verbena, just to name a few. Oh yes, a cosy garden chair is ready for reading and relaxation! As they say, this is seventh heaven for me, as, for anyone who knows my journey as a Certified Aromatherapy Health Therapist, my passion is for flowery, woody, and a miscellany of herbal scents. The stroll ends at the side garden at the entrance way, where white Datura, Garlic chives, Nicotiana, and Rose mallow sit amongst a garden totem, a gift given by a friend, and where a host of bright orange Calendula flowers linger and thrive, offering colour and whimsy. Thank you for joining me on my garden stroll!
Herbaceous Calendula, often known as Marigolds and of the Daisy family, is a great way to preserve summer’s last burst of colour. Known for its healing qualities, like so many other herbs, as well as its beauty, it can be used for lip balms, creams, and lotion. It is an anti-viral and helpful for skin conditions. To hold the remembrance of warm summer days, and to enjoy the benefits of a healing salve, in mid-July fill a glass jar two thirds of the way full with organic calendula flowers, covering the blossoms with organic olive oil, allowing it to sit on a sunny windowsill for 5 or 6 weeks, draining it through cheesecloth and giving it a shake. One would then pour this infused oil of Calendula into glass bottles and allow to cool in a dark place. I would then combine this oil with beeswax in a double boiler, stir over low heat until the beeswax is melted, and then, perhaps, I would add a few drops of Lavender essential oil, being careful to pour this liquid mixture into clean, small dry metal tins (my preference), perhaps topped with dried calendula blossoms or dried lavender flowers. Next, I would allow to set, and the salve is ready to use, a lovely gift from your garden for someone special. “With all these lovely tokens of September days are here, with summer's best of weather and the autumn's best of cheer.” Helen Hunt Jackson.
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Joe Gauthier Master Electrician
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"No Job Too Small"
Milkweed is not a garden plant
by W.J. Langenberg, ret. Env. Biol.; Hort. Ext. OMAFRA, Kemptville College Milkweed, also called Side Plant, because of its sideways later growth, has a latex milky sap, which is toxic to farm animals if consumed in large quantities. Goats, sheep and rabbits can be poisoned. It is very invasive. The roots grow horizontally up to 6-10 feet. Along the creeping horizontal roots, buds are produced that will grow into new plants. One plant can produce a colony of milkweeds. It self-fertilizes (no pollinator needed). Pollen is not produced, but microspores, which change through meioSeptember 29, 2021
sis into fertile pollen grains. The microspores are carried over a large area in the wind. The seeds produced after fertilization are also carried by water and by air to other locations. Milkweed should only be found NATURALLY on nonarable farmland surrounded by windbreaks. Perhaps, in consultation with NG Council, Milkweed can be grown on top of the hill behind the Maple Orchard, planted in 1978 (Concession Road, across from the schools). It is surrounded by trees, which will restrict the movement of the Milkweed seeds to other areas.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
If Milkweed is planted on abandoned farmland, make sure that the field is protected by windbreaks, such as spruce/pine trees on the north and west side of the field. Windbreaks will stop the aerial transport of Milkweed seeds and microspores. Do not contaminate nearby farm fields used for field crops, including hay. Horses hate to eat hay contaminated with Milkweed. Milkweed is a NOXIOUS WEED. If there is too much of it on farmland, more chemical spraying is needed to control it. Let’s protect Agricultural and Horticultural crops for food production.
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The Food Corner PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Right, so continuing along the apple theme, I was surprised to hear from a relatively recent arrival in Canada that they had never prepared, much less tasted, a traditional Apple Crumble. I suppose one should never assume that everyone has had this delicious dessert. So, just in case there are folks out there who aren’t acquainted with Apple Crumble, here is a recipe for enjoying one of our great Canadian heritage dishes. Traditional Apple Crumble Ingredients for the apple filling: 6 good sized cooking apples of your choice 2 tablespoons of lemon juice The zest of half a lemon ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon of grated ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon of nutmeg 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
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Ingredients for the crumble: ¾ cup of flour ¾ cup of brown sugar 1 cup rolled oats ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional, but a great addition) 1 tablespoon of vanilla 8 tablespoons of butter, preferably unsalted and just out of the fridge
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Preparation: 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Peel and core your apples, then slice them; also peel the ginger and grate. 3. Toss the apples and filling ingredients with your hands in a large bowl. 4. In a separate bowl, stir together the crumble ingredients. 5. Cut the butter into small chunks and incorporate them into your crumble mixture. 6. Grease a baking dish (somewhere around 9”X12”), place the apple filling in the bottom and cover the top with the crumble mix. 7. Bake until the top is brown and bubbling 30-45 minutes. Serving options are numerous: I like my apple crumble either warm or cold, with a largish slice of old cheese. Other folks like vanilla ice cream. Yet others like to make up a rum sauce (brown sugar, rum, and butter heated up till liquid). Freshly whipped cream with vanilla or almond flavouring works just fine as well. It’s entirely up to you and your taste buds. As always, you can let me know how you made out at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
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MATTRESS double, Kingsdown Plush Sense, Platinum 2, it is in mint condition, lightly used, COVID FREE house It is the cadilac of mattresses., 613-2150884 Snow Tires, set of 4 on rims, 195/65R15, Extra Load, Aplus Lightly used. 6132581856 Singer electric sewing machine- circa 1945- cabinet$100 -call Janice @ 613 258 7606
September 29, 2021
Antique hay fork, cultivator and corn seeder- $100 for the 3- call Reg at 613 258 7606 QUAKER STATE 5 Litre 5W30 $10.00. ve3mhm@sympatico.ca or 613.258.3557 4 rattan chairs w/cushions,1 foot stool, 1 serving caddy w/wheels, Asking $375.00. barbem20@gmail. com Complete house full of drapes, sheers & blackout & rods, sell all together, most are for a 9' ceilings, mauves, grey, forest green,
& sheers asking $200. for all. 613-215-0884 Firewood for sale - mixed hardwood, 3 cord minimum for delivery, $110 per cord, call Jon 613-227-3650 2009 Cobalt LT, sunroof, spoiler, one owner 132,800 km. Runs great, comes with snow tires. $2100 O.B.O. 613-9892850, South Mountain. Annabelle hydrangeas. Reduced in price. $7 each or 5 plus $5 each. 613-7610878
Hugena/Sweda cash register full box tapes and instruction manual $150. Floristry supplies call for list of contents 613 2683567 1265 International three furrow plow and disc on wheels; John Deere disc, also other equipment. Call Jim at 613.258.3561.
Hardwood for sale. Milled black walnut. Merrickville jgharris@sympatico.ca
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MISCELLANEOUS Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204. Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call 613-799-0958GARAS
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Bogus CO2 claims by Philip Fry, Oxford Station What are we to make of Christine Dorothy's arguments? Let's have a quick review of the “authorities” she calls upon to validate her dramatically presented “defence” of CO2. Even a relatively sustained search on the internet to verify her claims – I urge you to do one of your own – invalidates ALL of her claims. Not only are none of her “experts” credible sources of information, most (with the exception of Takeda Kunihiko, a nuclear scientist, who is known as a systematic Devil's Advocate against almost everything) are linked, either directly or indirectly, to right-wing climate denial institutions which are generously funded by gigantic oil extraction, processing, and distribution enterprises (ExxonMobil and Koch Industries). The one exception, The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, which is concerned about the rate of absorption of CO2 by the oceans, is misrepresented in Dorothy's text. William Happer, who thinks that we are now in a CO2 famine, is not a climate scientist. He was a leading part of the Trump Administration's efforts to debunk the role of CO2 in climate change; his views are closely associated, if not derived, from those of Craig Idso, a noted climate change denier and founder of the Centre for Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change. The Centre receives generous funding from ExxonMobil and Peabody Energy, and is closely associated with the Heartland Institute. Chris de Freitas of New Zealand was, indeed, a climate scientist, but his reliability as a source of information can be seriously doubted. As an editor at the journal, Climate Research, he bypassed the journal's peer-review panel to publish several articles, notably a badly flawed essay by the climate change deniers W. Soon and S. Baliunas. Thirteen of the authors they cite rejected
the interpretation of their work presented by Soon and Baliunas, and three members of the review panel resigned. Likewise, according to those who collected the original information on which Ron Clutz's bases his view, his understanding of the dynamics of arctic sea ice is a gross misinterpretation of the data. And Susan Crockford's work on Polar Bears is not based on any original field work of her own, nor has she published her data in peer-reviewed journals. Ian Sterling, who has spent forty years studying polar bears and has over one hundred publications on the matter, says that Susan Crockford “has 0 authority on the subject.” Climate change denial is promoted by a network of institutions bearing innocent names, among them those mentioned above. The tap root of the network can be traced back to a public relations company named APCO, which in 1993 began working for the Phillip Morris tobacco company to discredit the science behind the dangers of passive smoking. Its agenda included setting up a network of apparently grass-roots organizations called The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition (TASSC) to promote doubt about scientific research. It soon extended its reach to climate change issues. Among its funding sources was ExxonMobil. Among the half-truths espoused by TSSAC was that the increase of CO2 levels in the atmosphere is good for agriculture and human prosperity. This idea was promulgated in a 1998 document called the “Oregon Petition”, which was authored by Frederick Seitz, a physicist who had been the president of the US National Academy of Sciences back in the 1960's. As well as asserting that there was no convincing evidence that human “release” of carbon dioxide has a serious negative effect on the Earth's atmosphere, it went on to say that increased carbon dioxide would be “environmentally
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CROSSWORD helpful.” The accompanying document claimed that more carbon dioxide: “will help to maintain and improve the health, longevity, prosperity, and productivity of all people.” The petition was printed in a format and typeface that made it appear to be a document of the official Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and signed by Seitz as Past President of the National Academy of Sciences. The National Academy made a public disclaimer of the Oregon Petition, saying that it had not authorized the petition, nor had any other peerreviewed journal, and that it did not “reflect the expert reports of the Academy.” But it was too late. The petition was in public circulation, and willingly adopted by the denial network. The denial network presents its half-truths up front, available for easy consumption by the public.That is its strategy: half-truths are more seductive and elusive than outright lies, and, when incessantly repeated, adopt the appearance of facts. Even if disputable, they achieve their main purpose: to weaken the credibility of serious scientific research, and, consequently, the public support to carry out necessary change. Its work is done by a massive public relations machine, well-oiled by funds from petroleum based enterprises. By focusing our attention on CO2 and climate change, the “debate” Dorothy continues to foster deflects our attention away from other important aspects of the environmental crisis: degradation of soils and waterways, massive reduction of biodiversity and its supporting habitats, the production and use of non-biodegradable and environmentally destructive novel materials. The real issue is moral as well as intellectual: Given its undoubted impact on our children and future generations, how do we adjust our personal mindsets, desires, and daily activities to respond adequately to the crisis so obviously at hand?
ACROSS 1. Young girl 5. Nib 9. Barf 14. Within 15. Spindle 16. Banish 17. Disconnected musical sounds 19. Wager (two words) 20. Leg bone 21. A sudden violent disturbance 23. Emergency bank credit 25. Snake 28. Santa's helper 29. Venomous snake 32. Beseeches 33. Completely 34. Eye layer 35. Adjoin
36. _____ fit 38. Skittles 39. Nonsense (British) 40. Ribonucleic acid 41. Pester 43. Female sheep 44. Unruly crowd 45. Candidate 46. Belonging to the middle class 48. Tobogganists 50. Presents 54. Any animal with no feet 55. Put down (as to animals) 57. Cavalry weapon 58. Expunge 59. Annoying insect 60. Famous 61. Killed 62. Knights
DOWN 1. Enumerate 2. Against 3. Knife 4. Psychopath 5. Bleat 6. Blackmail 7. Clearly 8. Sparrow hawks 9. Reject outright 10. Put forth, as effort 11. Chickadees 12. Coagulate 13. Female chicken 18. Spelunked 22. Hoopla 24. Cover 25. Sudden burst 26. Arm joint 27. Utilize again 29. Birdlike 30. Feel 31. Antiquated 33. An Old Testament king 34. Revolts 37. Engenders 42. Girlfriend (Spanish) 44. Present-day 45. Get cozy 46. Moisten 47. A thin porridge 48. Extent 49. Gray wolf 51. French for Finished or Done 52. Russian emperor 53. Collections 54. Request 56. Cut down
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
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Hayley Bedford
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Colouring/Short Story Contest Winner
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September 29, 2021
Indulge and engage your Friends & Staff with a Catered Affairs Virtual Cooking & Cocktail Class Starting at $20 p.p. For Instruction. Prep Kits are Available. Book your event with Catered Affairs at your choice of venue or on the picturesque Kemptville Campus Corporate Events | Special Occasions | Weddings | Christmas Parties
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Baldwin’s Birds
September 29, 2021
The Upside Down bird
A very quiet time in the garden at present, except for our Blue Jay clan of six birds, who are our regular visitors, and the noisiest ones too! A pair of Cardinals pop in now and again, along with our other regulars the Mourning Doves, who can often be seen feeding on the ground around the feeders, picking up the seeds that the Jays flick out from above them. Some sparrows join them now and again on the floor, and also fly up to join the birds using our hanging feeders, such as the Woodpeckers and our intriguing favorites the Red Breasted and White Breasted Nuthatches, fondly 15
NEW LOCATION 5881 Cty. Rd. #19, Kemptville
called the "Upside Down" birds. How can you not be enthralled and fascinated by these chirpy little fellows, as they go from tree to tree, up and down them, not in a conventional upright way, but upside down! I took the liberty of writing a small poem about one of them:The Upside-down Bird We’ve got a cheeky little bird, who visits us, And always causes people to puzzle and to frown, Because he doesn’t know which side is his up-side, or his down! He comes, head-first, running down a tree, in search of
feeding needs, And always hangs -on, looking down, when eating peanuts, or just seeds! He’s a perky little fellow, with a stripe across his eye, As he clasps-on and looks around and we just wonder why! But, that’s just the way he is, a lovely bird to watch and of him a picture snatch, For he’s the ever active “Upside Down Bird”, the beautiful Red- Breasted Nuthatch! Stay safe and well, Cheers John Baldwin
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TIMES Gord Logan
Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca
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First past the post is not democracy Janet’s Artisan Coats: Sustainable it as outrageous that they can views within that party? Under by Steve Gabell We’ve just had another gain 800,000 votes without a proportional system there sewing brings new life to wool election under first past the post (FPTP), and, once again, the distribution of seats is wildly different to the parties’ share of the vote. We are told that we live in a democracy, and that every vote counts, yet the dirty secret of the archaic FPTP system is that some votes are worth much more than others, and the geographical distribution of votes won is much more important than the total number of votes won. FPTP may have been a suitable electoral system when England started electing the House of Commons back in the 13th Century with highly limited suffrage, a small electorate, and candidates who would have been known to the electorate. It is not a suitable system for a modern country with a multiparty system. Which other facets of 13th century life are still used today? At the time of writing (September 22), the Liberals are the biggest party in the House of Commons, with 158 seats (47%), but they won only 32.3% of the popular vote. The Conservatives scored highest in the popular vote, winning 33.9%, but only won 119 seats (35%). Meanwhile the Peoples’ Party of Canada won over 800,000 votes (5.1%), yet did not win a single seat, but the Bloc Quebecois won 34 seats (10%) on 1.26 million votes (7.8%). To put the figures another way, it took around 33,000 votes per seat for the Liberals, 46,000 votes per seat for the Conservatives, and 187,000 votes per seat for the Greens. Between them the NDP, Greens, and PPC won over 25% of the vote, yet have just 8% of the seats in Parliament. All this on a turnout estimated to be around 60%. And this is not even a particularly egregious example: in the 2005 UK general election, the Labour party won 36.1% of the vote, yet gained 56.5% of the seats and 100% of power. One may disagree vehemently with the PPC’s political views, yet still see
September 29, 2021
winning any representation in Parliament. FPTP is a highly divisive and adversarial system. Thanks to many seats being safe seats, a large number of voters are effectively disenfranchised – just look at our local riding. Looking at a map of election results gives the impression that the Prairies are uniformly Conservative, yet it is uncommon for candidates to win over 50% of the votes cast, let alone win more than 50% of the electorate. If we look at our local results, Michael Barrett won 50.8% of votes cast, but only 33.8% of the entire electorate voted for him – so almost two-thirds of the local electorate are not represented by our local MP. Arguments often made in favour of FPTP are that it is a simple system that delivers governments with majorities; proportional systems are often argued against based on complexity and the frequency of coalition governments. Yet the supposed simplicity of FPTP hides much complexity. Many voters are reduced to voting against a party rather than for a party, and have to vote tactically based on their assumption of how others will vote – so an NDP or Green supporter may decide to vote Liberal in a Lib/Con marginal out of fear of letting the Conservatives in. In a proportional system, voters can simply vote for the party that best represents them. FPTP also leads to coalitions within parties, and in a number of recent elections, both in Canada and the UK, has not even been able to deliver a majority government. The UK Labour party was able to accommodate both the neoliberal, centrist Tony Blair, and the more traditionally socialist Jeremy Corbyn. The UK Conservative party was able to accommodate both the pro-European, One-Nation Tories such as Ken Clarke and Michael Heseltine, as well as the rabidly Eurosceptic John Redwood and Jacob ReesMogg. How is a vote for a party supposed to be interpreted when there is such a range of
would likely be a wider range of parties available to vote for and there would be a need for a more cooperative style of politics than we enjoy today. Given the distorting effects of FPTP and the gathering of the large parties in the centre of the political and economic spectrum, it should be no surprise that turnout is disappointingly low. We need to make three key changes to reinvigorate our democracy. Firstly, the archaic FPTP system must be consigned to history and replaced with a modern system in which every vote truly counts. This would lead to more coalitions or minority governments, but FPTP isn’t delivering governments with majorities anyway, which is supposedly one of its strengths. Secondly, we should follow the example of Australia and make voting compulsory, with election day being a national holiday. If voters are not enamored of any of the choices presented to them, there is still the option of spoiling the ballot. Thirdly, we cannot simply see democracy as something we do once every few years by casting a vote. Democracy needs to be an ongoing process we are all involved in on a frequent basis. We have communications capabilities which would have been constrained to the pages of science fiction novels just a few decades ago – we should be making use of this. We can also follow examples from other countries when dealing with particularly contentious issues; for example, the way Ireland used a Citizens’ Assembly to navigate legalising abortion. Fair Vote Canada are an organisation campaigning for electoral reform, and I would also encourage readers to raise the need for electoral reform with their elected representatives.
Janet at work in her sewing room by Rachel Everett-Fry
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Janet’s Artisan Coats is bringing sustainable and striking outerwear to Kemptville. Janet Stark of Kemptville transforms old wool blankets and other found textiles into beautiful coats full of new life. Trained as a dressmaker and tailor, Janet has also taught sewing and design at the Kemptville College. “My mom taught me to sew. I love colour and I love wool. I did have a career, but now that I’m retired, I thought I would go back to my first love — sewing.” Her passion and history with the craft is clear: each coat is a work of art. Janet dreams up themes for each jacket: adding appliqués, embroidery, unique buttons, linings, and trims to build completely unique designs. But Janet’s work is more than just art, it’s also recycling. Though the project took off as something to keep Janet “busy during Covid,” the actual inception of the project happened shortly before Covid. Janet explained that she “found a blanket in my aunt's garage after she had passed away, and we were cleaning up her things.” This blanket was “frozen in a lump, full of oil stains” and destined for the dump. But Janet “took an16
other look at it and decided to take it home.” With nothing to lose, she laundered the wool blanket, even though you are not necessarily supposed to wash them in such a manner. It emerged spotless. From this blanket, Janet made her first custom coat. From there, Janet became interested in “sustainable sewing.” Her “ethic is doing something out of nothing.” She’s not the only one: sustainable sewing is a growing movement, aimed at reducing textile waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and develop fair labour practices. Janet says that it's not only a waste, but a loss “if you've got a good piece of textile, and it only sees one life before going into a landfill.” In today’s era of fast, synthetic fashions, quality wool textiles are increasingly hard to come by: consumers favour clothes that are cheap, trendy, and easy to care for. But this has a cost: fast fashion is notorious for relying on cheap labour from offshore factories, and for quickly falling apart or out of style. North Americans send about 10 million tonnes of clothing to landfills each year. Reusing, or repurposing, these textiles saves on the materials and processing required to produce new textiles. Further, though corporate suppliers of most of the clothing we purchase negoti-
ate, for better or worse, labour laws and fair trade mandates, keeping things local keeps things simple. Customers are invited to Janet’s own home workshop. When the supply chain is that short, transparency and trust are easily facilitated. Wool coats can last for years, even decades. Janet also happily takes custom orders. If you have a wool blanket, or a blanket of any of type, that has been kept in the family without much purpose, having Janet make a custom coat from it may give it a whole new lease on life. Janet also welcomes donations of wool blankets that folks don’t have use for, but don’t want to throw away either. For more information, contact Janet at jstark9@ cogeco.ca, or home phone 613-258-3323. You can also visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ JanetsArtisanCoats
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