The Power of Community
by Talia Hreljac
On Thursday, March 27, members of the community and various charitable organizations gathered for another empowering community forum. As you walked into the room, you could feel the electricity buzzing, as everyone brainstormed ideas to address two very serious issues in our community: homelessness and poverty.
There was a particularly insightful presentation on the Additional Residential Unit (ARU) initiative through the Municipality, and many are hopeful that this will help solve some of the issues surrounding affordable housing in the
community. For more information, you can check out the ARU Initiative on the municipality website.
We also heard from Shalom Small Homes North Grenville, who continue their incredible work in providing affordable homes for seniors. I spoke with founder Janne Ritskes afterwards, and she noted that they receive applications for the program almost daily. While it can be heartbreaking to hear some of the stories, it fuels her drive to keep pushing forward with this amazing project.
To be honest, many of us wear rose-coloured glasses as we go about our
daily lives. We're living through so many unprecedented events that we've become desensitized to the daily struggles faced by many in our community.
Listening to organizations like House of Lazarus and The Salvation Army, among others, was a reminder of just how many people are struggling. The demand for food banks has skyrocketed. The Salvation Army reported that their 2024 Christmas donation campaign was their most successful ever. The donations they received were expected to last at least 10 months, but due to the increased demand, they've already begun experiencing
shortages after just three months, especially of some key essentials.
One of the key issues discussed around homelessness was not just finding permanent shelter, but also providing resources to help people cope in the meantime; things like a warm shower and a place to do laundry. These are things that most of us take for granted every day.
Cathy Ashby, from House of Lazarus, said something that's stuck with me ever since the meeting."You know the feeling when you've been camping all week, and you come home
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and the most important thing in the world is taking that shower. Now, imagine someone who is living in their car and doesn't have access to that shower. That's how they feel all the time."
I was immediately humbled, and inspired to think of ways to help. Thankfully, we have some amazing leaders in our community, and the room was soon
UWLG’s 2025 Campaign Theme & Volunteer Breakfast
United Way Leeds & Grenville (UWLG) is proud to announce its 2025 campaign theme: “Hope Starts with You”. This inspiring initiative is all about building a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone can contribute, volunteer, and make a difference.
“The heart of our 2025 campaign is to spark a sense of shared responsibility,” said Ian McFall, Board Chair of United Way Leeds & Grenville. “We believe that when we come together, we can create a resilient and thriving community.” ‘Hope Starts with You’ is not just a slogan—it’s a movement. We want to empower people to act, knowing that their involvement is vital to making a meaningful difference.
Throughout 2025, UWLG will engage the
community with a series of exciting events and opportunities designed to inspire and foster a spirit of collaboration and giving. There’s a chance for everyone to get involved, from volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, workplace campaigns and more!
Kicking off our 2025 events calendar is the return of our cherished Volunteer Breakfast, proudly sponsored by Brockville Hyundai. Join us on May 1, 2025, from 7:30 to 10:30 AM as we celebrate the businesses and individuals who bring hope to UWLG. Enjoy a full breakfast, inspiring guest speakers, award presentations, an overview of the 2025 events calendar, and cheque presentations for our successful 2025 grant applications. Please register via our Square Site: https://united-way-leeds-grenville.
square.site
“We’re counting on the generosity and care of our community to drive this campaign forward,” said Hailie Jack, Executive Director. “Together, we can create a culture of giving, where everyone is inspired to act, knowing that hope starts with you.”
For more information on how to get involved, or to donate, visit www. uwlg.org or contact 613342-8889 for details.
United Way Leeds & Grenville is dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. We focus on critical issues such as food security, homelessness, housing, mental health, addiction, children and youth support. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community, we strive to create vibrant, caring communities where everyone can thrive.
filled with incredible ideas that, hopefully, will come to fruition in the coming months.
Outcomes like this are exactly why community forums are so important. They bring together incredible leaders and concerned citizens to try and make a positive change, because, together, anything is possible. Not all of the prob-
lems were solved during this meeting, but we're one step closer to improving the lives of people in our community; and for that, we're in a better place than we were before.
If you're interested in taking part of these amazing conversations, please email ngcommunityforum @gmail.com
Kemptville District Hospital Board seeking volunteer directors
The Board of Directors for Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is currently seeking candidates to fill the position of volunteer director. KDH is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes 12 to 16 unpaid members-atlarge. These volunteer directors have diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of skills and areas of expertise to the Board. Directors must demonstrate a commitment to KDH and its mission of meeting people's diverse health needs, community service and helping to build healthier communities. Directors inform Board discussions and decisions; they do not provide professional advice to the Board.
The Board is currently seeking to fill as many as four volunteer director positions with a start date of June, 2025. Interested individuals are asked to submit an application by April 11, 2025.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are impor-
tant factors in the selection process. The Board encourages those with a mix of the following skills and expertise to apply: Clinical/Healthcare/Health; Home and Community Care; Mental Health and Addictions; Finance; Human Resources. Previous experience on a non-profit board, especially in the health or social service sector, is an asset.
A Board member can expect to spend a minimum of 10 to 12 hours per month attending meetings and performing committee work.
Successful candidates must be willing to learn and work in a team atmosphere; be able to dedicate the time required to fulfill their duty to the Board; be free of any conflict of interest; demonstrate the ability to think strategically and communicate effectively; and reside in Eastern Ontario.
For more information and/or to apply, see: www.kdh.on.ca/ call-for-board-of-directors-2025/, or visit the
Board of Directors webpage at www.kdh.on.ca.
About Kemptville District Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is an integrated health services organization serving the health needs of North Grenville, the eastern regions of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and South Ottawa in partnership with other healthcare and community organizations in our region. KDH is part of an approved Ontario Health Team –Ottawa West Four Rivers – comprised of many community service providers as well as our primary care providers in the region. KDH provides 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, surgical programs including advanced orthopedic surgery, and a wide variety of outpatient clinics. We are committed to our mission of ‘Building Healthier Communities' based on a patient and family centered delivery model, collaborative partnerships, and employing the best technology available. KDH is a model of hospital-led integrated health services within the provincial health system.
North Grenville Pickleball Club rallies behind Sports Dome Project
by Alison Sampson
Pickleball enthusiasts in North Grenville are rallying behind the proposed North Grenville Sports Dome, envisioning a future where recreation thrives yearround. The North Grenville Pickleball Club, a vibrant and rapidly growing community, wholeheartedly supports this initiative, recognizing the immense benefits
it will bring to athletes of all ages and skill levels.
As one of Canada's fastest-growing sports, pickleball attracts a diverse range of players -from casual participants to competitive athletes. Our club has witnessed the surging demand for court space, especially during the colder months when outdoor play is not feasible. The proposed sports dome offers a per-
fect solution, enabling our members and the broader community to stay active, social, and engaged in healthy recreation throughout the year.
But the dome isn't just for pickleball. It promises to be a hub for multi-sport programming, benefiting those who enjoy sports such as soccer, football, baseball and tennis, walking en-
thusiasts and many others who rely on accessible indoor recreation. It will also provide a venue for community groups, schools, and local organizations to gather, train, and compete, solidifying North Grenville’s reputation as a leader in active living and healthy communities.
Investing in recreation infrastructure is an investment in our com-
Promoting a sustainable food system
by: Eunice Adu-Tutu, MPH, RD., South East Health Unit
Promoting food sustainability
As crops begin to bloom and Earth day approaches, it's the perfect time to think about how we can build a sustainable food environment. A sustainable food environment means producing food in a way that meets our current needs while protecting the environment, and ensuring there are enough resources for future
generations. This idea applies to every stage of how food is processed – from growing, processing to transporting, distributing, selling, consuming and even disposing of food.
To create a sustainable food environment, we need to rethink how we grow, buy and consume food. It starts with small changes that anyone can make. This can include sourcing from local farmers markets or choosing Ontario grown food products to help the
food system thrive. Another great step is getting involved in community gardens where you can grow your own fruit and vegetables. Simple actions like repurposing leftovers and safely storing foods can reduce food waste. Additionally, choosing more plantbased foods like fruits, vegetables, tofu, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, is another way to help, as these foods rely on a few resources to produce.
Adopting these habits play a big part in sustain-
ability— they enhance food sustainability that supports our health and environment. Promoting food sustainability isn't about individual efforts only; it's about creating a collective movement to build a resilient food system for the future.
For more information go to the Choosing Healthy Food section at healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853.
munity’s well-being. The Sports Dome will enhance the quality of life, attract new families to the area, and support local businesses by fostering a vibrant and engaged population. It is our hope that the provincial government recognizes the significant impact of this initiative with funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
The North Grenville Pickleball Club eagerly anticipates the collaboration between the Province, the Municipality, and the community to make this vital project a reality. Together, let’s champion year-round recreation for North Grenville!
Say you, say me
by David Shanahan
I think it’s time for some levity. I’m back in my home town of Dublin, a city that appreciates language, individual words, playing with them, throwing them around and seeing how they land. It was also the home town of, among others, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, W. B. Yeats, Bram Stoker, and dozens of writers, dramatists and poets. Oscar Wilde said many witty and profound things. His profound sayings were often witty, and his witty sayings could be most profound. For example:
“A man who does not think for himself does not think at all”, or “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go”. And he could be wonderfully poetic and profound at the same time: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”
But, to try and keep some coherence in all of this wordy rambling, he once said, after a tour of North America, that “America is the only country that went from
barbarism to decadence without civilization in between”. Something for today’s situation, perhaps.
G.B. Shaw also shared that Irish love of wordplay. Once, after a particularly boring dinner party, he met his hostess the following morning, who asked him if he had enjoyed himself at her soiree. His reply: “Of course I enjoyed myself. There was nothing else to enjoy”. He could be profound also, and a favourite saying of his was often cited by Robert Kennedy during his campaign in 1968: “Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not”. And here’s one from him that also works in today’s world: “Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power”
I could go on and on quoting great Irish writers, but that might be grating for some (though great for others - see what I did there? Wordplay, it’s fun). One last quote from Shaw: “The United States and Great Britain are two countries separated by a common language”. And how
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate Peter Johnson for his letter regarding the Leader of His Majesty's Opposition. I could not agree with him more: please could our MP tell his leader to have the decency to stop calling people names, treat elected officials with respect and have some decorum. Most officials do a pretty decent job, so stop the rhetoric, please.
And, could he please stop talking to me like I am a five-year old: the slow deliberate way statements are made is just so incerdibly annoying. Most of us can hold a pretty decent discussion with people who speak normally. We don't need to be lectured.
Oh, in this time of supporting all-things Canadian, because of our southern neighbour's behaviour, one should remember that the Leader of the Opposition has said he wants to stop funding our national broadcaster, the CBC. Indeed, I believe he told one reporter that he would stop him [the reporter] being paid by the public purse - really?
true that is. When I first came to Canada, I was constantly confused by using the right words at the wrong time, or the wrong words at any time. For example: in Ireland, people wear trousers. In Canada, they’re called “pants”, which is confusing, because in Ireland and Britain, pants means underwear. You can imagine the potential for embarassment if you use the wrong word in the wrong country.
Most people know that “garbage” in Canada is “rubbish” in Ireland, while “truck” in Canada is “lorry” in Ireland. Even getting around a building can be confusing. In Canada, the first floor is the ground floor in Ireland, which means that the second floor in Canada is the first floor in Ireland. Even more embarrassing, and potentially dangerous to your health, is the word “ride”. In Canada, you can offer someone a ride and they are grateful for being driven to their destination. Offer someone a ride in Ireland, and you may have your face slapped: it means sex!
Language also can hide certain characteristics in a country. From an Irish perspective, it is always easy to accept the
Who pays the Leader's salary, expenses, pension and health plans? WE DO!, so it's a bit royal to say what he did, isn't it?
From someone who has had a real job for 30+ years, mostly not paid for by the public purse!
Andrew M. Thriscutt P.S. I have already asked our MP to ask his leader to show some decorum.
Dear Editor,
I heard late last week that Ralph Raina was turning 100 on the 24th, and hooray for Ralph. I'm 83, but i have known Ralph since his days of going door to door along the road, although, when he was starting out, I would have been 6 or 7 years old. my father bought bib-front overalls from him, he preferred Kitchen Peabody over Carrharts. We always stayed in touch after, and I have bought three or four suits from Ralph over the years. We are both Grits and have been in several battles together, one of them being the election of Gordon Blair as the first Liberal to
idea that Canadians are nice, polite, and generally pacific people. But, if you start to pay attention to what they actually say, you realise that, perhaps, they are hiding depths of anger of which they may not be aware. Think about it. Canadians “grab” a coffee, “crack open” a book, “hit” the ice, and have adopted a rather aggressive posture towards Americans these days: “elbows up!”.
And then there’s the fascinating way of saying goodbye at the end of a conversation: “I’ll let you go now”, implying you’ve been held captive up to that point. But just as you feel the fresh air of freedom, comes the threat: “I’ll catch you later”! Presenters on CBC also like the same kind of wording. As an interview comes to an end, the presenter will usually say something like, “before I let you go....”. I tell you, for all their reputation for polite, nice interactions with others, Canadians may be more forceful that people realise. Maybe hockey is more expressive of true Canadian character than we’d like to believe? MAGA nuts, take note.
What does all of amount to (or, rather,
represent, among others, Kemptville. I also helped all I could for Ralph's first run at mayor, although Charlie Menard was the official campaign manager, I think.
I haven't seen Ralph since I sold our stone house at Acton's Corners (named after my great, great, great uncle John Acton). As a tidbit of history, his son, Robert Acton, was one of the militia that went to Fort Wellington in Prescott to defend us against the Fenians who were all for annexing Canada just after the U. S. Civil War, and for which he received a medal, the first series of medals issued by Canada as a country. We could use Robert and the band of defenders right now, I think.
Harvey Percival
Thank you Fast Eddies
A big thank you to Fast Eddies for opening the diner after hours to celebrate Ralph Raina’s milestone 100th birthday on March 24. Ralph’s sister Anne and her son Mark met with Lorraine Meunier to organize this wonderful surprise for
to what does all of this amount)? Just that language is fun. We can use it to make sharp or witty comments, provide insight into attitudes and beliefs, make us laugh, cry, or both. You may know that handwriting experts can identify the writer of a note or a letter by the way letters are formed, or the way they are slanted to one side or another. But writers are also identified by the words they like to use, repeatedly and in the same combinations. We like words, and words make sentences, and sentences make paragraphs, and paragraphs make whole documents. I know I find myself repeating the same phrases in articles I write, and I often have to go back and change them to stop it becoming boring. Say you, say me: language is an amazing gift in our lives. We can communicate with each other at a trivial or a deep level. It is poetry, even when it’s prose. Is it just because I’m irish that I agree with Virginia Woolf: “Language is wine upon the lips”? I don’t think so.
Ralph and they pulled it off magnificently!! So many old and new friends turned up and Ralph was delighted to see them all. Thank you so much from Ralph and his wife Cathie for making Ralph’s day extra special.
Dear Editor, Donald Trump is a cancer on the body of America, and the cancer has metastasized across the border into our country. A mere few months into his second stint as president and the outrages are already too numerous to count (and no doubt there will have been more in the week between writing this and publication). There have been the unimaginable threats to annex Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. Tariffs that will cause significant harm to the Canadian economy. Venezuelan immigrants being arrested as gang members on flimsy evidence, being denied due process, and being trafficked to a maximumsecurity prison in El Salvador. So-called “collateral arrests” by ICE of people in the same vicinity as al-
leged illegal immigrants. Visas being revoked for the crime of criticizing Israel’s brutality against Palestinians. And of course, the Nazi salutes by Elon Musk.
Trump is taking the US down a dark, fascist, authoritarian path – so much so that one of the leading scholars on authoritarianism, Timothy Snyder, has left his position at Yale to take up a post at the University of Toronto. The federal and provincial governments should take this opportunity and invest into our universities to attract talent from American universities which would give a long-term boost to our knowledge economy.
Despite all of this, there are conservatives who are still supportive of Trump, wearing MAGA caps, and attending events at Mara-Lago. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is appearing alongside Ben Shapiro at an event in Florida organised by PragerU. Shapiro is part of the extreme-right ecosystem that has grown up around Trump and earlier this year tweeted “When we take Canada, you [Justin Trudeau] will be expelled
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to Panama to work the canal.” PragerU hides behind a veneer of being an academic institution despite not having any academic credentials and pushes numerous debunked claims including creationism and climate change denial.
Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre openly praises Smith, his chief of staff has deep MAGA ties, MP Jamil Jivani is best friends with Vice President JD Vance, and other Conservative MPs have met with the far-right AfD party in Germany. Nazi-saluting Elon Musk has endorsed Poilievre. And who can forget Poilievre’s open support for the so-called Freedom Convoy that terrorised our capital city?
Be in no doubt: in this federal election a vote for the Conservatives is a vote for Trump and MAGA. We need to excise these metastasizes before they do irreparable damage to our country.
Steve Gabell, Kemptville
Online scams cost Canadians millions
Social media is a powerful tool for communication, business and information sharing, but it is also being used to commit fraud. Fraudulent accounts, deceptive advertisements and impersonation tactics are being used to steal personal information, access financial accounts and pressure individuals into making payments. These cyberenabled crimes continue to evolve, costing Canadians millions each year.
How Fraud Occurs on Social Media
Phishing fraud - Fraudulent accounts pose as friends, family members or trusted organizations to trick users into sharing personal information or sending money.
Identity theft and fraud - Personal details and images are taken without consent to create fake profiles, apply for loans or sell counterfeit products under false pretences.
Online shopping fraud - Deceptive sellers advertise products or rental properties that do not exist, leading individuals to send payments for goods or services that never arrive.
Investment fraud - Social media posts promote fake cryptocurrency opportunities that promise high returns. Once funds are transferred, they become nearly impossible to recover.
How to Protect Yourself
· Adjust your privacy settings from public to a more restricted option. Do not overshare sensitive information, including financial details or travel plans.
· Be cautious of friend requests from people you do not know. Beware of profiles with few connections or little activity.
· Ask specific questions and look for inconsistencies in responses. Be wary of individuals who always have an excuse for avoiding in-person meetings.
· Complete a reverse image search to check if a profile photo is being used elsewhere.
· Watch for bot-like accounts that post frequently but rarely engage in conversations.
· Spot fake accounts by looking for high follower counts but low engagement, rapid engagement rates or few original posts.
· Block and report any account that harasses or threatens you.
· Never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you have never met.
· Use strong passwords or passphrases and never share your login details.
· Report fraud, abuse or spoofed profiles directly through the social media platform.
For more information on fraud prevention, visit opp. ca and sfo.opp.ca.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online via the Fraud Reporting System.
Dear Editor,
The Bay department store chain, also known as HBC (Hudson's Bay Company), is nearly $1 billion in debt. Canada's oldest department store, began liquidating 90 of its 96 stores this week, triggering widespread distress among its workforce and affiliated small businesses. As well, HBC will pay up to $3 million total in retention bonuses to 121 managers and executives — but will not pay severance to its more than 9,300 workers, most of whom will soon lose their jobs. Also at stake are pensions, health benefits and long-term disability supports, which according the lawyer representing the employees, affects a group of people that are "extremely vulnerable as they cannot work and are highly dependent on their longterm disability benefits for their livelihoods."
Hudson’s Bay filed for court protection on March 7 to shield itself from creditors while seeking financing. Unfortunately, the
Affordable Housing in North Grenville:
NG Senior manager announces retirement
workers of HBC are only entitled to a maximum of $8,800 severance under the federal Wage Earner Protection Program Act, no matter if they worked there for 50 years of their life. That's a pittance. Furthermore, disabled employees that HBC had been supporting may also be cut off. In addition to employees, small businesses that operated inside Bay stores also face losses.
HBC has all but given up on saving the 90 stores that are closing, and is barely clinging on to hope it can save 6 stores. As it stands, the courts will close the remaining stores by April 8th. Several of Hudson's Bay's senior secured lenders — Bank of America, Pathlight Capital and Restore Capital — are eager to take first dibs of their debt back.
Why do patriotic Canadians allow the Bank of America to shut down North America's oldest company? The government should step in like they
Can We Restore the Community We Once Had?
by S.G. Taylor
Thirty-three years ago, when I moved to North Grenville, Kemptville was an affordable, vibrant, and economically diverse community. Buying a home was cheaper than renting, and families of all income levels could afford to live here. There were no governmentsubsidized housing programs, because there was little need for them. The town felt like an autonomous, self-sustaining community where people put down roots and thrived.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Housing prices have skyrocketed, on par with those in larger cities. Home ownership is increasingly out of reach for many young families, seniors, and lower-income residents. Urban sprawl is transforming our municipality, and the diverse neighborhoods we once knew are becoming less attainable for those who helped build them.
Several key factors have contributed to the rise in housing costs:
1. Increased Demand: As Ottawa has grown, more people have looked to surrounding areas for housing, driving up prices in places like North Grenville.
2. Urban Sprawl: Large-scale developments have expanded the town's footprint, but have not necessarily created diverse or affordable housing options.
3. Real Estate as an Investment: Homes are increasingly seen as financial assets, rather than places to live, pushing prices beyond what many local families can afford.
4. Limited Affordable Housing Policies: Unlike 30 years ago, today's market dynamics make it difficult for lower- and middle-income families to buy homes without government support or targeted housing policies.
It appears as if our Municipal Government is trying to restore affordability in North Grenville by instilling a mix of commu-
nity-driven initiatives and thoughtful policy changes such as:
- Encouraging Gentle Density: Allowing duplexes, triplexes, and secondary suites (like basement apartments and coach houses) creates more housing options without changing the town's character.
- Expanding Co-Operative & Non-Profit Housing: Supporting housing co-ops and non-profit developments providing long-term affordability for residents.
- Implementing Inclusionary Zoning: Requiring new developments to include a percentage of affordable units ensures that growth benefits everyone, not just high-income buyers.
They could also Increase their efforts by:
- Supporting Local Home ownership Programs: Increasing programs that help first-time buyers with down payments or mortgage assistance could make home ownership more attainable.
- Prioritizing MixedUse, Walkable Communities: Ensuring new developments integrate businesses, public spaces, and various housing types can help maintain the town's closeknit feel.
The affordability challenge is not unique to North Grenville, but we have an opportunity to shape our community's future. Thoughtful policies, smart development, and community engagement can help us strike a balance between growth and affordability.
In upcoming articles, I will explore each of these solutions in more depth, looking at what has worked in other communities and what might be possible here. I invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences as we work together to ensure North Grenville remains a place where people of all backgrounds can call home.
What do you think? Can we bring back the affordability and sense of community that once defined our town? Let's start the conversation.
The Municipality of North Grenville announces the upcoming retirement of Mark Guy, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, effective July, 2025. Mark has served the community with dedication, vision, and professionalism, having played a key role in expanding and enhancing recreational opportunities across the municipality.
During his tenure, Mark led several transformative projects, including the revitalization of Riverside Park, the expansion of multiple community parks, and the improvement of recreational infrastructure to better serve residents of all ages.
His leadership has left a lasting legacy of accessible, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces throughout North Grenville.
"It has been an honour to serve the residents of North Grenville and work alongside an incredible team," said Mark Guy. "Together, we've been able to make real progress in creating recreational spaces that bring our community together. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and I look forward to seeing these spaces continue to thrive in the years to come."
Mayor Nancy Peckford noted Mark's contributions, highlighting his impact on the municipality's quality of life.
"Mark has worked over many years to meaningfully expand community recreation and green space development throughout North Grenville," said Mayor Peckford. "His countless efforts to invest in local parks, including in our hamlets, plus the careful oversight of our heavily used sports fields and busy arenas have clearly left their mark, and contributed greatly to the quality of life of our residents.
"His work has touched thousands of lives in North Grenville. On behalf of Council, I extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement."
The Municipality is now actively recruiting a new Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture and invites qualified, experienced candidates with a passion for community development and recreational leadership to apply.
For updates and more information, please visit www. northgrenville.ca.
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during the 2008 economic crises that Mark Carney presided over, after the government bailed out the banking industry to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars (with a temporary loan) recently.
Robert Nelly
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Thanks to all for Meals on Wheels Champions Week Senior Times
by Mackenzie Blair, Seniors' Community Services
We’re reaching out to share a special update from Seniors' Community Services (SCS) and to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible support of our Meals on Wheels program during Champions Week.
Champions Week was a week dedicated to highlighting the importance of Meals on Wheels and the community partners who make it possible. It was a chance to celebrate the difference this program makes and the people who help deliver nutritious meals, companionship, and a sense of independence to seniors and adults with physical disabilities in our community.
We were thrilled to have amazing local champions join us this year:
Community Living Kemptville helped deliver meals and bring positive energy to our clients on Tuesday.
Mayor Nancy helped prep meals in the kitchen, while Roxanne from Kemptville Youth Centre joined us on Friday to deliver meals and connect with clients.
Meals on Wheels is not only a lifeline for those in need—it’s also an excellent option for busy retirees who want home made, nutritious meals without the time and effort of cooking. Whether it’s for convenience, nutrition, or simply the enjoyment of a home-cooked meal, Meals on Wheels helps many people in our community live more independently.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our volunteers, staff, clients, and community partners for their ongoing support. Thanks to you, our Kemptville and North Grenville community is stronger, more united, and better connected.
Your support makes all the difference! If you're interested in partnering with us or learning more about how you can help strengthen our community through Meals on Wheels, we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for being a valued part of this incredible journey.
Don't take the bait: OPP warns of spoofed emails
During Fraud Prevention Month, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding Ontarians and businesses to stay informed and vigilant against evolving fraud threats. Cybercriminals use spoofed emails, fake websites and malware links, which are malicious links designed to install harmful software, to steal personal information, compromise business accounts and redirect payments. These tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making fraud awareness and prevention critical.
Spoofed
Emails and Fake Websites
Fraudulent emails and fake websites are designed to look legitimate and often claim to be from financial institutions, government agencies or well-known businesses. These messages may include copied logos, branding and professional formatting to appear authentic.
Fraudulent tactics include:
· Slightly altered email addresses or domains (e.g. "opp.com" instead of "opp.ca")
· Lookalike characters (e.g. replacing the lowercase letter "a" with the Cyrillic letter "a")
· Urgent or unexpected requests for payment or sensitive information
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files or locks systems, allowing the sender to demand payment to restore access. These attacks often begin with phishing or spear phishing emails, which use deceptive messages and infected attachments or links to steal information or gain unauthorized access. Once activated, the malware spreads through the system and may remain undetected before locking critical files. Ransomware can also be introduced through:
· Visiting unsafe or compromised websites
· Plugging in infected USB drives or external devices
· Exposing systems to the internet without proper security measures
How to Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams (SMS Phishing):
· Do not click on links, reply to messages or call numbers from unknown senders.
· Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
· Delete all suspicious messages immediately.
· Keep your smartphone secure by updating your operating system and security software.
· Use multi-factor authentication for banking, social media and other sensitive accounts.
· Verify any unexpected text messages by checking official websites or contacting organizations directly.
· If you are a victim of smishing frauds, ensure to review the CAFC guide on What to do if you're a victim of fraud.
For more information on fraud prevention, visit opp.ca and sfo.opp.ca.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, or have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online via the Fraud Reporting System.
Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.
Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.
Baldwin's Birds
The Bluebirds are back.
Mixed weather and mixed bird spotting events in our garden this week have given rise to anticipation of some very busy upcoming times in the avian world, and ours. I spotted a male House Finch feeding with a Cardinal and, later, two male Cowbirds on the same feeder, which is suspended on a tree in the front of the house. The weather wasn't too co-operative, but I managed to get a couple of pictures of both types of bird to show you.
Today, with a bright
sunny start to it, gave us all sorts of bird activity in the backyard, and a bit of excitement too. A Robin was busy hopping across the grass as I watched, and, then, two red birds moving in the trees attracted my attention. It appeared that they were two male Cardinals, flitting about, and not being aggressive to each other. We usually just have a pair of them, a male and a female, about here, so it was rather strange that two males were together, with no territorial animosity being displayed!
Of course, they made quite a bright red plumage display, which was
partially obscured by the tree’s branches, so no exciting pictures to be captured. They were obtained a few minutes later, as you can see!
There, upon one of my nesting boxes, sat a Bluebird in the full sunlight, displaying his brilliant blue colours. What a lovely and exciting surprise, but one not to be enjoyed for too long. He flitted about and made a couple of attempts to get into the nesting box, whereupon I was able to get the in-flight picture of him, surprisingly. He soon disappeared after our brief sighting of him, but, hopefully, he will be back soon with a mate, once it warms up and the nesting season begins in earnest. This I expect you are waiting for too, with bated breath, as yet another Avian life cycle is about to commence. Enjoy, but stay safe and well,
Cheers
John Baldwin
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING
by Donna Ross MDHS Lecture Series Coordinator
The Merrickville and District Historical Society invites you to our next monthly lecture on Tuesday, April 29, at 7 pm at the Merrickville Legion. Please join us for the presentation, "The Mystery of Jane Tyndall and the Tyndall House" with Karen Finstad.
Merrickville-Wolford has 33 buildings that have been designated as being of particular architectural or historical interest and which appear on the provincial registry of heritage properties. Of those, the only one to carry a designation plaque with a woman's name is the Jane Tyndall House, a small stone house built between 1855 and 1860. It is part of the Merrickville Historic Properties Walking Tour.
However, when it was designated in 1977, it was called the George Mirick House. Explaining this change of name is the first mystery about the Tyndall House, and it appears that the answer is that Jane Tyndall built the house as an income property, and George Mirick was her tenant.
Jane was an Irish immigrant who arrived in Canada in 1834, newly widowed and probably without much money. She never remarried, but, when she died in 1881, she was the recipient of a government teacher's pension and the owner of the Merrickville house, a farm in Montague, and another house in Smiths Falls. To understand how unusual an achievement this is, we will examine her life and family in Ireland, the status of women and women's rights in 19th century Canada, and the history of public education in Upper Canada / Ontario. The story even includes an unexpected detour into the life of a famous Victorian-era scientist. Like all history, there is much about her life, and how she achieved what she did, that will always be a mystery. Looking only at sources like the census and land records, government files, and local histories, there is still a surprising amount that can be gleaned about the life of one ordinary woman, including more than a glimmer of personality.
The lecture is presented by Karen Finstad, a retired atmospheric scientist with an amateur's interest in history. She has lived in the Tyndall house since 2017. We look forward to seeing you on April 29. Please consider a donation at the door.
And, what is a MDHS lecture without a sweet treat from Violets on Main Bakery!
The North Grenville Drawing Circle
The spring session of the NG Drawing Circle starts on Friday, April 4 and will run until May 30. We meet on Friday's from 4pm to 7pm at St. John's United Church. These are draped sessions and they are open to all residents, 14 years and older regardless of drawing skill level. The cost is $80 for 8 sessions or you can drop in for $15 per session. In addition to professional models, we are looking for individuals in our local community who would be interested in sitting for us. If you are a first responder, front line worker, member of a sports team, dancer, actor, gymnast etc., we are interested in drawing you for a community project: Faces of North Grenville. For more information or to sign up, contact: Jennifer Gow gowjb5@gmail.com
73’s season comes to a close after unsuccessful playoff run
How sweet it was...Alexis Beaulieu with Dylan McDougall worked the trenches so Santino Canevari could dish it across to Eric Sweetapple celebrating with fist pump in the background in Tuesday night 4th game of the playoffs.
by G.J. the sportsguy
Kemptville found themselves down two games in the playoffs as they ventured into Carleton Place to meet the Canadians for a Sunday matinee, which resulted with a negative outcome as they took another on the chin. Kemptville drew first blood with an extra man when Eric Sweetapple PPG, with helpers from Beaulieu and Canevari, put it behind Ian Vandenberg at 7:02. Carleton Place answered with one assisted by McVieStevenson to Caium Hartnell past Trenten Bennett at 8:14. High cycle with Bennett and Beaulieu to Aidan Stubbings floating over the triangle for the 73’s tiebreaker at 9:11. The Canadians recycled rubbish rubber from Grayson Pardy to knot it up once again in the second salvo at 3:10.
Carleton Place came out full throttle to control the final frame with the game winner, as Froysland combined with Calum Hartnell for second of the day at 5:10 to move ahead. Insurance from Allaby and Froysland to William Bauwer for a two goal lead at 12:06. Combination with Doucet and Finn Barton to stanch the flow with 5 to 2 victory at 16:03. Both teams evened it at 23 SOG with 0/6 PP for Kemptville and Carleton Place 0/3 PP. Kemptville stayed in the race for forty minutes and couldn’t sustain the last twenty or capitalize on six power plays.
Heading home for the make it or break it game for Kemptville on Tuesday night was met with disappointment when they fell 4 to 3 to negate their playoff opportunity. Kemptville started flat in the initial with a three goal hole to hurdle when Finn Barton PPG from Allaby with Hartnell picked up the loose change to punch the rubber through Trenten Bennett at 2:01. Froysland, with William Bauwer streaming up the wall, rifled a softie into the webbing to continue the hurdle at 9:08. Calum Hartnell assisted from Prud’homme and Kay chased Kemptville Trenten Bennett to the bench at 10:05. Kemptville with man advantage spoiled Ian Vandenberg SO when Beaulieu with Canevari dished it to Eric Sweetapple PPG for a sweet slapper glove side six hole at 14:16.
Game winner for the Canadians when Sam Allaby with helpers from Bauwer and Froysland caught Rylan Donovan off line at 10:00 in the second stanza. An extra attacker for the 73’s when Stubbings went on a tear with Graves on a reverse to Avry Shaw PPG on the point to blast it home at 11:43. Jonah Henderson pulls the trigger with Trottier and Bennett in tow to move Kemptville within one at 13:16. The sand in the hour glass seemed to be sifting rapidly as the 73’s yanked their stopper for a final push at 19:03 to no avail, as they failed to continue their quest in 4 to 3 squeaker. Kemptville outgunned their opposition 39 to 27 SOG with ? PP to 1/3 PP.
Kemptville season was an up and down affair with exciting, entertaining hockey with an edge for their fans. See you next season around the wall in the Fall and have a great Spring and Summer.
Your Kemptville 73’s appreciate your continuous support.
Blue Bird in flight
613-215-0735
HELP WANTED
Local residential carpentry company looking for a laborer. Some carpentry experience is a benefit. Someone interested in learning the trade also a benefit. Eric winter / Erics carpentry service. 613-913-9598
FOR SALE
Shop vac Stanley stainless steel 4.5 Peak HP with leaf blower attachment paid $125/Sell $ 60 or best offer. Call 613 258 0445 leave message
Sky Caddie Lynx golf watch x 1 with USB charging cable sell $60 used once ,T9 voice caddie golf GPS
watch never used. Paid $450.00 /sell $300 All packaging in place. Call 613-258-0445 leave message
Four wardrobe boxes for sale complete with hanging rods. Two are large (46.5"X20.5") and two are shorter (34"X24"). $60 for the four. Call or text 613882-4652
500 bales of Golden Oats straw. great for horse bedding. All kinds of horse Drawn Machinery, Saddles and harnesses of all makes . Call after 7 613.256.3561U
SEEKING RENT
For June 1st. Clean, quiet senior male seeks 1 bedroom ; between $1,150.00 & $1,200.00 Contact Dwight @ 613 258-0806
TO RENT
LAND FOR RENT to farm. High producing for soy bean and corn. Reasonable to the right farmer. Call 613.258.3561
Liberals choose Candidate for local riding
Lorna Jean (LJ) Edmonds has been chosen by local Liberals to represent the party in the Federal election on April 28. Dr. Edmonds is an accomplished community leader and former university executive and healthcare administrator who has extensive Canadian, US and international experience.
"This is the most important Federal election since World War II," said Edmonds. "We are facing attacks on our economy and our national sovereignty. We need to defend our country, protect our manufacturing jobs, protect our agriculture, our health care, our way of life. We need to come together as Canadians, stand up to Trump, and keep Canada strong. Mark Carney is the leader we need in these
challenging times, and I will be fighting alongside him!"
Edmonds also took aim at local Conservative MP and candidate Michael Barrett. "Now is not the time for divisive catch phrases and attack dog politics that we get from our local Conservative MP. This situation is serious. Our very existence as a country is on the line. We need to elect adults who will stand up for our Canadian values."
"I am more than delighted that Lorna Jean will bring her expertise, skills and engaging style to serve as the Liberal MP for our riding, along with Prime Minister Mark Carney," said Norman Lee, President of the local Liberal Riding Association. "She has what it takes to deliver with and for our constituents at this critical time."
Roger Haley, Mayor of Front of Young said of Edmonds: "I got to know LJ during the provincial election as our Liberal candidate. LJ is a person who listens and cares. She knows firsthand the issues facing our families and how best to foster strong, vibrant communities. Her dedication to serve all of you combined with her extensive leadership experience in Canada
ACROSS
1. Scoundrels
5. At a distance
9. Construct
13. Assist illegally
14. Student
16. Hotels
17. Distribute
18. Devoid
19. Midday
20. Skirt fold
22. Make clear
24. Association
26. Deservedly receives 27. Changed
30. Most recent
33. Room renters
35. Different
37. Poke fun at 38. Fastening
41. Form of "to be"
and the US is exactly what we need in our riding at this critical time."
Former Liberal Candidate Josh Bennett was on hand and said, "LJ is a formidable candidate! When you meet her and spend a few minutes connecting with her, she wins you over. You get a sense that she genuinely cares about you and about our riding. She's a PhD with 30 years of Canadian and global experience as a university and healthcare leader partnering with government, public and private sector agencies, capping off her amazing career as Vice Provost of Global Affairs and International Studies at Ohio University. And she's completely down to earth. She grew up in this area, and she chose to retire in this area. She's a gramma who goes ice fishing with her grandkids. She loves her cabin in the woods, she loves this community, and she loves Canada. She's who we need right now to represent our riding, and I'm proud to work for her and Mark Carney."
The Liberal campaign office is located at 62 King St West in Brockville. Her website is LJ4U.ca
42. Embellish
45. Twaddle
48. Vendor
51. Intimidated
52. Embankment
54. Neat
55. Kind of sedimentary
rock
59. Complete
62. Affirm
63. Radium discoverer
65. Amble
66. Grow dim
67. Voyages
68. Large and hurried swallow
69. Ran
70. Bird home
71. Stops DOWN
1. Tent-pitching place
2. Cain's brother
3. Noticeable
4. Robber
5. Type of primate
6. Be mad, angry, or furious
7. A computer company
8. Ceremonial doings
9. Way of thinking
10. Dwarf buffalo
11. A nautical unit for speed
12. Slave
15. Elastic fabric
21. Feces
23. Put ____ words
25. Borscht vegetable
27. Dugout shelter
28. Lower part of the abdomen
29. Arid
31. Slum area
32. To the point
34. Transgression
36. Marsh plant
39. Gesture of assent
40. Pesky insect
43. Permitted
44. Anagram of "Lyme"
46. A set of garments
47. Give one's approval to
49. Kick out
50. Come back
53. Spooky
55. Cast aside (archaic)
56. Egg-shaped
57. Prospector's find
58. Small mouthfuls
60. Ardent
61. Limbs
64. Estimated (abbrev.)
COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca
RECURRING EVENTS
Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome
BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155 Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@ gmail.com At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing" Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the first and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, April 15, 29, May 13 and 27. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com
BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, April 8, 22, May 6 and 20. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com North Grenville Men’s Shed
A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.
Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed. com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.
Malala Women’s Choir
Invites you to explore uplifting music for treble voices. Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm, March 5– May 28, 2025. At St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Bennett St., Spencerville. To register: contact Sheila at 613-658-5290 or sheilafawcett92@gmail.com No previous choral experience required.
Membership fee: $35
KSK Euchre Night. 3rd Wednesday of every month. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7 pm, $5 to play. Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 1505 O'Neil Rd Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 6, 11, 12 and 13
Mary Poppins
Time: 3:30 pm. Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company Tickets are $22 @ www.kymtc.org or at Brewed Awakenings.
Urbandale Arts Centre in Kemptvill
April 5 & 6
Maple Weekend. Time: 10:00 am Hosted by the Rotary Club of Kemptville and the Kemptville Youth Centre Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. Family fun activities include tours and live music. Suggested donation $10 adults & $5 children (under 10) Visit Eventbrite to make reservations: https://www.eventbrite.ca/. Agroforestry Centre, 2627 Bedell Rd.
April 12
The Easter Bunny Hop. Time: 10:00 am to 12 noon Downtown Kemptville
Breakfast at the Legion. Time 8 am to 10 am $10/adult; $7/per child (under 10)
April 13
Wizard Card Game Tournament. Time: 12:30 pm Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com. Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road.
April 14
Spencerville Agricultural Society April Meeting. Time: 7:00 pm. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. www.spencervillefair.ca Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville
April 22
The Great Downtown Clean Up. Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Starting spot at Rotary Park. Garbage bags & gloves will be provided
April 26
Comedy Night & Auction. Time: 6:30 pm
Join Community Living North Grenville for the 12th Annual Comedy Night & Auction Tickets, on sale at the CLNG office, are $50 per person, or a table for eight at $350 contact Tanya Baird at 613-258-7177, or info@ clnorthgrenville.ca. North Grenville Municipal Centre.
Gravitate Travel Talk
April 26
Times: 11:15 am
Just You and Avalon Waterways
May 10
Time: 11:15 am
Kensington Tours and Azamara Cruises
June 14
Times: 11:15 am
G Adventures and Rocky Mountaineer
Tickets are limited so don’t miss out. Go to www.gravitate.travel/events-list for more details and to reserve your spot now. All ticket proceeds benefit Community Living in Kemptville.
Sustainability Fair brings local Music and Food together
from Sustainable North Grenville
Spring is a time of renewal, so wake up your senses with the perfect pairing of live local music and delicious local food at this year’s Sustainability Fair & EV Show!
Taking place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre on Sunday, April 27, from 10 AM to 3 PM, this annual fair, hosted by Sustainable North Grenville, offers something for everyone. Explore a diverse range of sustainable shopping options in the Market Hall, catch engaging presentations, bring the little ones to the Kid’s
House
Jennie Childs Owner, CEO 613.314.6866 brightshinyspaces@gmail.com Specializing in Residential
Beautification Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas. @BrightShinySpaces
Craig, “Harold”
George Harold Craig, of Kemptville, Ontario, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025. Harold, born September 14, 1944, in his 81st year was married to Rosemary Craig (nee St. Amand) for 58 years. He was a loving father of Kerry Craig (Shelley Craig) of Kemptville, and Krista Craig (Jimmy Kontogiannis) of Richmond. Special Grandpa to Bridget and Dylan Craig. Dear son of the late George Borden and Rose May Craig. Dear brother of the late Shirley (Harry Snider), Elsie (Rod Catto), Marion (Wilfred Leonard), and Helen (Peter Lawrence). Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Harold was a talented jack of all trades starting his career as a unionized plumber. He then transitioned to working for the Upper Canada District School Board for over 20 years. In this role, he showed his affinity for plumbing, electrical works, carpentries, mechanics, and maintenance. Harold’s passions included snowmobiles, motorcycles, stock car racing, and most recently the Hwy 43 car club where he was able to share his love of classic cars. His favourite pass times involved camping, garage saling, auctions, and tinkering with anything mechanical, although the love for his family and dogs was above all. He took great pride and joy in his wife, children and grandchildren alike. Whether it was spending time with them camping, fishing, running the roads for hockey, off roading, or boating Harold was always there.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kemptville Snowmobile Clubhouse (1505 O’Neill Rd, Oxford Mills) from 1:00-4:00 pm on Saturday April 12th. All family and friends are welcome to stop by and share their fond memories of Harold. Donations in Harold’s memory may be made to the kidney foundation.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca
Zone, check out the region’s biggest Electric Vehicle Show, and visit the returning Green Your Home area for ecofriendly inspiration.
Enjoy Local Food
While you explore the fair, be sure to stop by The Boathouse Café, a new local favourite from the historic hamlet of Burritt’s Rapids. They’ll be serving up a variety of fresh, locally sourced meals, snacks, and beverages—including vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore-friendly options…
Live Music All Day
Music lovers can enjoy performances throughout the day, al-
613-258-2435
ternating between informal ‘busking’ sets in the foyer and stage performances inside.
• 10:00 AM – Grenville Troubadours (Foyer)
• 10:30 AM – Bruce Enloe (Food Area Stage)
• 11:15 AM – Grenville Troubadours (Foyer)
• 11:45 AM – Arthur McGregor & James Clugston (Back of the Hall Stage)
• 12:30 PM – Bruce Enloe and Friends (Foyer Busking)
• 1:00 PM – Heroic Mad Peasants (Food Area Stage)
• 1:45 PM – Bruce En-
loe and Friends (Foyer Busking)
• 2:15 PM – Tripoly (Food Area Stage)
Event Details The 17th Annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 10 AM – 3 PM North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville For more information, visit www.sustainablenorthgrenville.ca, find us on Facebook (Sustainable North Grenville), or email sngfair@gmail.com.
Spring into Downtown Kemptville A Season of Fun and Community
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better time to explore the vibrant heart of Kemptville. With spring in full swing,
Downtown Kemptville is the perfect place to take a stroll, support local businesses, and embrace the season's beauty.
Bunny Hop: A FunFilled Family Event
On Saturday, April 12, join in the excitement of the Bunny Hop brought to you by Myers Kemptville! Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the Legion from 8:00-10:00 AM, where you can fuel up for the fun ahead. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the Bunny Hop kicks off with a variety of familyfriendly activities, including an Easter Egg Hunt, a scavenger hunt, games, a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and so much more. Thank you to the participating businesses who will be providing treats for all the little bunnies coming to the Downtown Core! It's the perfect way to celebrate spring with the whole family and make lasting memories while enjoying the fresh, sunny weather.
Earth Day Downtown Clean Up
Spring is also a time for renewal, and what better way to give back to your community than by joining the Downtown Clean Up on Earth Day,
April 22? From 5:307:30 PM starting at Rotary Park, come together with fellow Kemptville residents to help keep the downtown area clean and beautiful. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while connecting with neighbors and supporting the vibrant community spirit that defines Downtown Kemptville.
Embrace Spring in Downtown Kemptville
Whether you're grabbing a coffee at a local café, shopping for unique gifts, or enjoying one of these exciting spring events, Downtown Kemptville is the perfect place to embrace the season. With events like the Bunny Hop and Downtown Clean Up, there's no better time to visit and experience the warmth and charm of this welcoming community. So, take a stroll, enjoy the sunshine, and make the most of everything Downtown Kemptville has to offer this spring!
The Team at the BIA
Religion, Rights, and Science in Kidney Transplants
If you prefer short history lessons, look no further than medicine. It was not long ago, in 1954, that the first human organ, a kidney, was successfully transplanted. Just a few weeks ago, an American man became only the fourth person ever to emerge from surgery with a transplanted pig's kidney. These intrepid patients and their doctors are pushing the forefront of scientific discovery. But it is not just medical breakthroughs that have been needed. Religion and rights have posed sky-high barriers to overcome.
There are about 95,000 North Americans awaiting a kidney transplant. What will happen to these people? Less than half will receive the organ they require. For the lucky ones, whether the wait is a short few months or a long several years depends on various factors.
Winston Churchill wrote, "Truth is inconvertible. Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it. But there it is." Kidney transplant is often the only hope for these people to lead productive lives. Hope though, however small, is a fortune when just a few years ago, prior to that first successful transplant, renal failure was a death sentence.
Even as the transplant of donor organs became possible, the challenges were huge. Medically, within hours of surgery, the donor kidney would be rejected and destroyed by the patient's own immune system. This started to change in the early 1970s when researchers discovered ways to fight the rejection reaction.
Then came the religious objections by those who believe the body must remain intact for the afterlife. Catholic charity shone through when Pope John Paul II said, "With the advent of organ donation, man has found a way to give of himself and his body so others may continue to live."
Now it's another problem. Humans have two kidneys and can live with just one. But there's no queue of people waiting to donate their spare. Scientists have been working hard to solve that problem by turning to pigs, an animal well suited to the task of providing the organ, but at the cost of their lives. This has had the animal rights community up in arms.
One might understand a societal reaction against the use of primate's kidneys: too close to us, too rare of species, too expensive, and not suitable in any case due to the susceptibility to similar viruses as humans. But pigs? They can be reproduced in large numbers, cheaply, and are readily available. Would not even animal rights activists be placated knowing that humans have been slaughtering pigs to eat for all time? There are delicate arguments in the debate, and scientists are treading carefully, but not always with accuracy in foresight.
In 1996, one of the world's top experts on kidney transplants predicted the first pig kidney would be transplanted into a human within seven years. It has been a lot longer than that, and we still have only a handful of attempts.
The problem remains that transplanted kidneys from humans or animals are too readily rejected by the patient's immune system. The drugs used to suppress the immune response cause plentiful other concerns. Now, however, the breakthrough enabling the desired, long-term acceptance of a pig kidney transplant is a genetic modification to the pig's DNA.
Humans are remarkable problem solvers. We may not always arrive at the best answers immediately. But the challenge for those who disagree should be to come up with better solutions, not to undertake despicable acts, as emptyheaded miscreants have done before.
In 1996, two Gifford-Jones columns told the tragic story of a transplant researcher trying to save human lives who was victimized by animal rights protestors. Visit www.docgiff.com and follow the links.
Compassion in Action: The conversation we all need to have
by Lorraine Mercer, Co-Chair Compassionate North Grenville
When my sister asked to talk about planning for her death, I was caught off guard. My eyebrows shot up, and the words tumbled out of my mouth: "What do you mean?" She calmly replied, "When I am dying, I want to discuss what I want to happen."
A few days later, while sitting by a lake with Cindy, her close friend and designated health care decision-maker, we revisited the conversation. I had downloaded a free Advance Care Planning Guide from Dying with Dignity, and together, we worked through its questions. It prompted my sister to reflect on her health, values, priorities, and end-of-life wishes.
One of the questions stood out: "What if…? What would you like?" My sister imagined spending her final days at home, surrounded by friends who would gather to talk, share meals, and even laugh. "That's how I live," she said. "So that's how I want to die."
While the discussion helped her articulate her preferences, it also provided perspective. Cindy, drawing from her own experience as her mother's caregiver, shared both tender memories and hard truths about exhaustion, decline, and the challenges of honoring a loved one's wishes. "There comes a time when it's not about what you want anymore," she said. "It's about what's best."
That insight broadened my sister's care directives. While she had an ideal vision, she recognized the need for flexibility. What if she required more care than could be provided at home? What if she lost cognitive capacity?
The conversation stirred up both questions and answers. And like all discussions about advance care planning, it wasn't a one-time event—it was the beginning of an ongoing dialogue.
Making time to talk about the things that matter most to us is the purpose of the National Advance Care Planning Day.
"Advance Care Planning (ACP) is the process of thinking about what matters most to you in your life and what that means for your health and personal care. ACP helps you share your wishes and preferences with the people who are important to you so they can help make sure you get the care you want." (ACP Canada)
Advance Care Planning is for everyone, at any age. It is for those who are in good health and those who have health care needs.
A free session featuring Advance Care Planning will take place on Wednesday, April 16, from 3:004:30 at the Kemptville Public Library. The event is organized by Compassionate North Grenville and features speaker/author Marc Sequin who will share his many experiences of helping family and friends think about what matters to them. Print copies of Advance Care Planning Guides will be available to attendees. This is a free event, and all are welcome.
Council Adopts 2025 Municipal Budget
North Grenville's Council approved the 2025 Municipal Budget earlier this week at the March 19 council meeting, reinforcing its commitment to investing in infrastructure, road and pedestrian safety, recreation, and essential community services.
The $27 million operating and $15.8 million capital budget includes strategic investments that enhance daily life and plan for long-term growth. Of this amount, just over $20 million is derived from municipal taxation, with other funds derived from long term reserves, development charges, provincial and federal grants, user fees, debentures and other sources.
The municipal residential tax rate increase is 3.3%. When including the County tax rate increase of 5.11%, the total residential property tax increase is 3.53% (which equates to approximately $179 annually on a home assessed at $410,000).
"This budget invests in what matters most—from roads and parks to health care and housing," said Mayor Nancy Peckford. "It reflects our commitment to a high quality of life today while preparing North Grenville for the future. I would like to thank our municipal team for their hard work and dedication in getting this comprehensive budget to Council in a timely fashion. This budget speaks to many of the community's priorities and will go a long way to supporting our ongoing efforts to ensuring a high quality of life for all."
Public engagement also played a key role, including a community survey and two consultation sessions.
Budget Highlights:
· Roads & Infrastructure: North Grenville has budgeted approximately $10 million over 3 years for the expansion of County Road 43 to pay for the areas in its jurisdiction, including a multi-use pathway along both sides of 43, lighting, trees, and new underground water and sewer infrastructure.
· In addition, $3.9 million has been allocated to other public works investments in road re-surfacing, rebuilds, bridges, culverts, equipment, pedestrian facilities, and an update to North Grenville's master transportation plan (including active transportation).
· Health & Well-being: Ongoing Support for the new CT scanner at Kemptville District Hospital (90 thousand per year for ten years) plus arts, culture, and heritage initiatives.
· Affordable Housing: New initiatives to incentivize the establishment up to 30 Additional Residential Units (ARUs) over 3 years through federal Housing Accelerator funds, and ongoing partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Shalom Homes.
· Bell Hall: North Grenville has committed a potential $5 million towards the possible conversion of Bell Hall into 60+ affordable units for seniors and veterans. This relies on the approval of North Grenville's funding application for approximately $25 million in grants and low interest loans by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
· Parks and Facilities: Funding to take the next step in a detailed design for a potential new, state of the art Indoor Multi-Sport Dome design with 125,000 square feet in fields and hard courts, plus investments in local parks in rural areas, i.e. Oxford Mills and Bishop Mills, as well as Equinelle.
· A New Accessible Dock at Curry Park, as well as improvements to trails, and recreational amenities.
· Multi-Use Pathway: Completion of the CR 44 Multiuse Pathway which will be extended from Settlers Trail to River Road, offset with a 900k federal grant.
· Community Support: Continued multi-year funding for the hospital, food bank, youth centre, hospice, seniors' transportation, and victim services.
· Expansion of NG Transit Services: After a highly successful first year where ridership exceeded projections, additional operating funds have been allocated to support the addition of a second bus for the Municipality's on demand, municipal- wide transit service, contingent upon provincial funding to offset the cost of the bus.
· Economic Development: Further investments in tourism promotion, business growth, and rural transit.
Council separately adopted the 2025 Water and Wastewater Budget on February 10, 2025, with $4.8 million in operating costs and $39 million in capital investments, primarily to support Phase 1 of the Wastewater Treatment Centre expansion. Water and sewer budgets are funded exclusively through user fees and development charges, not property taxes, as well as $11 million this year in provincial Ministry funding.
For more information about the budget please visit: www.northgrenville.on.ca