Issue 12 2023 March 30 NG Times

Navigating North Grenville's Growth

pay. Consequently, Council rejected the proposal by the developer that only 15 percent of units would be truly affordable, and staff were tasked with the job of finding a higher percentage. At the same time, Council recognizes that the most successful affordable housing developments are ones that have a mix of income levels and family types, so finding the right balance is key.

by Mayor Nancy Peckford

Our community is changing, and with that change comes lots of conversation and reflection on how we are growing as a Municipality. Perhaps the most recent example of this is the proposed 168 multiresidential units at the site of the old Kemptville Public School. Not surprisingly, the value of this residential development has been scrutinized at length, including the concerns from those directly and indirectly impacted by the development. All of this makes sense. When properties are rezoned to accommodate growth, it can feel disorienting, disruptive, and at times, undemocratic. It is not with a light heart that Council

makes these decisions, recognizing that change comes with consequences, both positive and negative.

Council's job in these moments is to reflect on what we have heard from the community in terms of their priorities, listen carefully to the crucial input of the Municipality's own staff, as well as feedback from residents and businesses. With this information, we must ask the tough questions, be vigilant in ensuring we have all the information, and ultimately, make a decision. Any time a new development is proposed, or an existing one may expand, issues like traffic control, road safety, loss of trees, noise and disruption during construction, as well as

infrastructure costs, are top of mind. What also needs to be examined is whether or not the desired outcomes for a new or expanding development will, in fact, be achieved. In the case of the proposed 168 units on Reuben Crescent, at its December meeting, our Council provided clear direction to staff in three key areas:

1) Let's start with the description of all of the rental units as “affordable”. Affordable means very different things to many different people and, while we recognize that these potential 168 units on Reuben are likely to be rented at a more accessible price point, they are not rent geared to income, or subsidized units, based upon people’s ability to

2) In regard to the potential impacts on municipal infrastructure, Council, with municipal staff's support, placed a holding symbol on the entire development, which means it absolutely cannot proceed without confirmation – by externally commissioned studies – that the water and sewer needs of the three buildings can be serviced by the existing underground infrastructure in this area. If the studies demonstrate that they cannot, the Municipality will not lift the holding provisions until the Municipality has a legally binding agreement with the developer to pay for all upgrades, in addition to a downpayment on the upgrades required.

3) In terms of road safety and traffic controls, should this development come to fruition, traffic patterns will change to some de-

11th Annual Knights of Columbus Poster Contest

submitted by Richard Savoy, Youth Director, Kemptville Knights of Columbus Council 5333

Over the past several years, many fraternal organizations, businesses, schools, churches, synagogues and individuals have donated their time and money to the fight against the ever-present epidemic of substance abuse. One way to rectify this worldwide problem is through the spread of

cont'd from front page

gree. Unfortunately, in our view, traffic studies don’t always capture the whole picture in smaller neighborhoods as was highlighted by some residents in the area. As a Council, we believe that the threshold for things like a traffic light may in fact be too high, and we have asked for further consideration of traffic control measures in this area. That is why Council requested that we immediately consider other proactive road safety measures as soon as possible. As an example, speed bumps on both sides of Reuben near the entrance of the Park will be installed later this spring. Other potential pathways into Riverside Park to avoid a potentially busy construction area are being actively explored to protect children, seniors

information. Increasing public awareness concerning the dangers of drugs and alcohol through co-operation of individuals and organizations has garnered significant results.

I would like to thank all the schools that participated in our 11th Annual Poster contest. We had over 100 posters with only 4 winners. The Kemptville winning posters move on to Kingston for more judging and the

and everyone in between. When Council was elected, we did not necessarily appreciate the complexity of land use planning processes. As a Council, our commitment is to do our best to ensure we understand the impacts, and to take into account the voices of those who are present at public meetings, and also those who aren't in the room.

Since 2018, the urgency of building more rental housing has been abundantly clear given the hundreds of calls I and Council colleagues have fielded from seniors, young professionals who can’t afford to buy a home, young families who are just starting out, and single parents who are recently separated and don’t yet have the equity to start again.

These individuals de-

possibility of moving on to Toronto.

Also a big 'thank you' to the judges for choosing the winning posters. Winners in the 8-10 years of age are:

Gaige Bon

Alcohol Awareness & Abuse

South Branch Elementary

Meredith McCracken

Drug Awareness & Abuse

South Branch Elementary Winners in the 11-13 years

serve a chance to stay in North Grenville, in a community where many of them have deep roots, and who have raised a family here or wish to start one.

The trade offs are not simple by a long shot, and the impact on existing residents is never easy. This proposed development, which is currently being appealed (as is the right of any resident), isn’t the only one that has been distressing to residents in our community.

There are others who feel their experience of where they live or their expectations for their neighbourhood were significantly disrupted because of residential infill, a new or expanding subdivision, or a rural road where an unforeseen agricultural use has been established. The task of any good Coun-

Community Living North Grenville (CLNG)

10th Annual Comedy Night and Auction

Join us on Saturday, April 22, 2023, for an evening of LOL comedy. The CLNG Annual Comedy Night and Auction will be held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Tickets, on sale at the CLNG office, are $50 per person, or buy a table for 8 at $350.

Cocktail hour starts at 6:30 PM for you to enjoy appetizing hors d’oeuvres and finger foods. Hunter McCaig with Rideau Auctions Inc. will engage everyone in an active and fun auction to raise funds for CLNG. Great items donated by our local businesses will be available to bid on at the silent auction tables.

You will be entertained by hilarious Comedians from YukYuk’s. Dianne Skoll, Michael Lifshitz, Rory Gardner and Tavis Maplesden will captivate you with their stories and bring tears to your eyes from laughing.

We would like to send out a special thank you to our sponsors: Jansen Law, Atel Air, McDougall Brown Insurance Brokers, Hulse Playfair & McGarry Funeral Homes, D.R. Howell Electric, Solution One Financial, Walker & Associates. We hugely appreciate your support.

Buy your tickets early as this is always a sold-out event. See you there.

of are:

Ashlyn Carnegie

Drug Awareness & Abuse

Holy Cross School

Isla Sly

Alcohol Awareness & Abuse

North Grenville Intermediate School

Thank you to all involved for making another successful Poster Contest.

cil is to respond in a responsible and proactive way that makes every effort to hear everyone's voice, seek solutions where possible, and do our homework on what the proposed development will bring to the community. The reality is that municipal

in vestments like the revitalization of Riverside Park which will bring a new splash pad, refrigerated outdoor rink, updated pool house and multi-use pathway later this year, can be harder to justify without some amount of sustainable growth.

This said, both myself and my Council colleagues are determined to be tenacious and vigilant in our efforts to mitigate negative impacts on individual neighbourhoods as we navigate a time of much change. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime.

L-R: Judges Moyra Allan, Shelley Beck, Dawn Kish, Alison Sampson, Joanne Seymour, Helen Raci

Gaige Bon, age 10 and Meridith McCraken, age 10, South Branch Elementary

Ashlyn Carnegie, age 11, Holy Cross

Isla Sly, age 13, North Grenville Intermediate School

Parkinson Street railing draws complaint – and response

Sustainability Fair presentations aim to educate and inform

Submitted by Sustainable North Grenville

The 14th Annual Sustainability Fair, to be held April 16, is once again is offering informative presentations on a wide range of topics to do with local sustainability and the environment. All presentations will be held in the Urbandale Theatre, at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, during the Fair from 10am –3pm. Admission is free.

What's Growing at Kemptville Campus? Community gardens, Greenhouses and more.

- Phil Mosher – Deputy Director of Planning, Municipality of North Grenville. The Municipality has prepared a summary of the changes that North Grenville will have to make to accommodate the new bill.

- Dr Sarah Tuck – is a local doctor especially interested in the crossroads of mental health and ecological health. Dr Tuck helped organize a protest of Bill 23 in November last year, and will discuss actions the average person may take to mitigate the impact.

Energy and Build. Mental Wellness and Reconnection with Nature

A mental health crisis plagues North American culture at the same time that the climate crisis rages. Is it our gradual separation from the natural environment that has led to both? And could it be that the simple act of reconnecting with nature could offer a solution for both?

vehicles. But how can you choose one that’s right for you?

by Brandon Mayer

A complaint about an inadequate railing from an anonymous resident has been met with a response from the Municipality providing useful information about Public Works service requests. The downtown Kemptville resident raised concerns last week about the lack of a proper railing guarding the edge of Parkinson Street.

The resident – who wished to remain anonymous – told the Times that she observes many families walking down Parkinson Street and over the bridge, which has no railing along the sidewalk. Considering that there is a drop off into a little stream, the resident questions the safety of the bridge with no barrier in place to help prevent falls. She also points out that a fence was recently installed along the rail trail nearby, causing her to wonder why the Parkinson Street bridge was not similarly looked after.

The Times contacted the Municipality of North Grenville to bring the resident’s concerns forward. A spokesperson confirmed that the Municipality would send a Public Works team out right away to assess the area. “This is the first concern the Municipality has received regarding the sidewalk and bollards along Parkinson Street,” said Jill Sturdy of the Municipality of North Grenville. “Public Works staff are doing a site visit and will undertake a full assessment of the area.”

Since matters such as safety concerns are taken very seriously, Jill pointed out that they would appreciate more information. “It would be helpful if the resident with the concern could share a bit more information with us regarding their concern, as a means of following up with them directly,” Jill added. Anyone else with concerns would be welcome to share them as well.

Concerns about safety matters in North Grenville can be reported online, or via a hard copy complaint form. Some residents may not be aware of the availability of this streamlined “service request” option, which can help avoid “phone tag” for the Municipality and prevent residents from feeling as though their genuine concerns are being ignored, when in fact they haven’t yet been brought to the attention of municipal staff.

“We encourage residents to fill out a service request form with their concerns and/or suggestions,” said Jill. “This will ensure the message is directed to the correct municipal department and assessed in a timely fashion.”

To access the service request form, visit www.northgrenville.ca and click on the “Service Request” icon. Hard copies are also available at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, located at 285 County Road 44 in Kemptville.

Come and learn about the latest developments and activities at our own Kemptville Campus. Did you know that the Campus is guided by three pillars, all through an environmental and sustainability lens? Besides education and training, the Campus themes also include economic development and health and wellness.

Project Manager Leela Ramachandran will talk about the new high school Agri-Food Business course, activities in the greenhouses, the FSC-certified forest and trails, and plans for a new community garden. Come and learn how you can get involved.

Time 10:15. Presented by Leela Ramachandran, Project Manager, Kemptville Campus Impacts of Bill 23: Is building more homes faster good for the environment?

In October, the provincial government passed Bill 23: The More Homes Built Faster Act - an omnibus piece of Ontario housing legislation that ‘streamlines’ dozens of laws to build 1.5 million homes in the next 10 years. What does this mean for North Grenville, our community and the environment? Concerns include reduced income from development charges, cutting back on green space, reduced input by Conservation Authorities, and reduced input from members of the public if there are concerns about a new development.

Come and hear three local experts in their fields share their perspectives on the bill:

- Sommer CasgrainRobertson, General Manager, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. Ms. Casgrain-Roberston will outline the new role to be played by the CA.

Time 11:15. Hosted by Tom Graham, Sustainable North Grenville Help with Greening Your Home

Are you thinking of making your home more efficient, more resilient or reducing its environmental impact in the face of climate change? Looking for information about government grants and interest-free loans for home improvements, about heat pumps, solar energy, batteries and power management? Want to learn more about insulation, air tightness, electric tools, natural landscaping, home retrofits and efficient, environmentally-sound building practices?

If you are interested in greening your home, check out the panel discussion led by Chris Weissflog, owner of EcoGen Energy and Build. Representative experts will share knowledge from their specific areas of expertise followed by a Q&A session that will give you an opportunity to draw ideas from them in order to tackle your specific projects.

Time 12:15. Hosted by Chris Weissflog, EcoGen

Until very recently, the field of Psychology and its related therapies have focused almost exclusively on individual and social/ cultural factors to explain and “correct” behaviour. A newer field called Ecopsychology highlights the deep connection between the human and non-human. By applying this model in the mental health field (and across other disciplines), there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to healing the suffering of both the mind and the natural world.

Sarah Tuck is a local doctor practicing psychotherapy and hospice care. She is especially interested in the crossroads of mental health and ecological health. She finds peace and connection in the forest and hopes to share that love with her kids and with others.

(This talk is a repeat of Dr Tuck’s popular talk delivered recently at the Grenville Mutual Community Room.)

Time 1:15. Presented by Dr. Sarah Tuck.

Intro to Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not a novelty anymore; they’re commonplace. Sales for 2022 reveal that Canadians purchased plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles at rates approaching 10% of new registered

Jeff Goodman will be joining for a presentation that features the President of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa, and representatives from Transport Canada to help dispel some of the myths and mysteries of owning and operating an electric vehicle. Topics will cover reducing emissions, and the costs of operation and maintenance. The higher upfront cost is but one factor amongst all these considerations that, sometimes, can be more than offset by the savings. Accompanying Jeff will be several other presenters who will bring their EV experience to share with participants – many of these others will be in the arena and test drives will be available.

Time: 2:15, Hosted by Jeff Goodman.

The 14th Annual Sustainability Fair is on Sunday, April 16, from 10 – 3pm. Free admission. All welcome.

Spencerville Agricultural Society

Monday, April 17th, 2023 at 7:00pm The Drummond Building (22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Have you ever wanted to see what it takes to get the fair going? Join The Spencerville Agricultural Society and Volunteer. You don't have to do a lot but a little here and there and it will go a long way! Help make the 168th Spencerville Fair the best it's ever been!

For more information email info@spencervillefair.ca

An area along Parkinson Street in downtown Kemptville, which a local resident deems to be a hazard for pedestrians.

LAND TITLES ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ABSOLUTE TITLE (Subsection 46(2) of the Act)

RE: PIN 68117-0102

To: Anyone with an interest in the lands known as PIN 68117-0102 on County Road No. 18, Oxford Mills

Re: PIN 68117-0102, being Part of Lot 17, Concession 4 Oxford, in the Municipality of North Grenville, Geographic Township of Oxford, being designated as Parts 1 and 2 on the draft Reference Plan attached signed by Emmett Ketchum, O.L.S and dated 7th day of March, 2023. Subject to an easement over Part 2 on the draft Reference Plan, as in OF10069

The said plan is available for inspection at the office of the Solicitor for the Applicant:

SPITERI & URSULAK LLP

Attn: Christopher Spiteri

1010 – 141 Laurier Avenue W., Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5J3

TAKE NOTICE THAT ARCHSTONE CONSTRUCTION INC., herein called the applicant(s), intends to apply to be registered as the owner(s) with an absolute title to the above described land.

And take notice that any person claiming to have any title to or interest in the said land or any part of it is required on or before the 1st day of May, 2023 to file a statement of objection, which sets out the nature and extent of the interest claimed in the objection, together with all evidence, documents or legal provisions and precedents relied upon in support of the objection, directed to the land registrar at the address of the solicitor for the Applicant set out above.

If no such statement of objection is filed by May 1, 2023, I will proceed with the application and any interest you may claim in the subject property will be thereby extinguished and you will not be entitled to receive any further notice with respect to the proceedings.

DATED at Ottawa this 30th day of March, 2023

Ham Radio Club seeking new members

by Brandon Mayer

A local resident has started up a local ham radio club in North Grenville and is hoping to attract new members. The club unites people around a common interest – Amateur radios. Amateur radios are commonly called “ham radios”, and are an important emergency transmission system that require a license to operate. Milfred Harper is the name behind the club.

Many people may not realize that there is a process involved just in being able to use a ham radio. “We take courses, and with the courses we write a final exam, which we have to pass, and the government gives us a license to talk on the two way radios,” said Milfred. “When the power is down, [ham radios] take over because we have antennas all around us.”

Milfred gave the example of the Ice Storm of 1998, when phones were not working. Ham radio operators were stationed at the Kemptville Campus to offer emergency communication for those left

without phones.

“People would come in and write out a message,” Milfred explained. “We would radio to… say Winnipeg or some place like that, and they would get back to us and say ‘message received’.” The local ham radio club also welcomes telegraphers, who are becoming fewer and farer between.

Milfred has been in touch with Mayor Nancy Peckford, who he says has agreed that a ham radio club in North Grenville is a useful idea, given the importance of having radio operators available when emergencies or disasters strike. “We don’t know when disasters are coming,” Milfred added. He explained that ham radio operators keep their radios charged so that they are ready and available when they are needed for any reason.

Ham radio operators –called Amateur Radio Operators by the Government of Canada – must be licensed, with Milfred adding that “the government knows who we are”. The local club is a great way for local operators

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit our events calendar to find out what’s happening in the community: www.northgrenville.ca/events

UPCOMING MEETINGS

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Please see the Council agenda for further details on how to participate in Council meetings. All Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/ featured and on the Municipality’s website at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

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.

Council agendas are available at: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

• Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) – Council Chambers

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committees may be meeting in-person or virtually. Please see the Committee agenda for details on how to attend. Agendas can be found on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

• Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, April 3 at 3:00 p.m.

• Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – Wednesday, April 5 at 4:15 p.m.

• Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, April 17 at 5:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Advisory Committees

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill volunteer positions on various Advisory Committees of Council.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee – due 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023

• Heritage Advisory Committee

• Housing Advisory Committee

• Indigenous Advisory Circle

• Property Standards Committee

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/careers for more information on how to apply. For questions, please contact the Clerk by email at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca or by telephone at 613-258-9569 ext 171. Applications due by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy

to stay in touch, and can also act as a source of information for those looking to get licensed.

A meeting is taking place on April 12 at 7:30 pm at the Kemptville Family Restaurant for those interested in joining the club or learning more. Milfred has invited those interested to get in touch with him by phone, even if they are unable to attend the meeting and must make alternative arrangements. Milfred can be reached at 613-258-5375.

Community members are invited to take a community survey to assist in the creation of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. The survey is available at www.northgrenville.ca/equity and hard copies are available at the North Grenville Municipal Office (285 County Road 44), the North Grenville Public Library (1 Water Street), Kemptville Youth Centre (5 Oxford Street West), North Grenville Community Living (2830 County Road 43), and Seniors’ Community Services (215 Sanders Street). The survey is open until 4:00p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023

Community Improvement Plan

The Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is open for intake! Funding is available for façade and signage improvements, and multi-unit residential developments. Full program details are available at https://www.northgrenville.ca/doing-business/funding or call 613-258-9569 ext. 177.

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

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

C’est pas pire

by Brandon Mayer

As many will know and some will not, the North Grenville Times has a sister paper, the North Dundas Times. It’s safe to say that an ideal place to live when employed as the Editor of both papers is three minutes from the North Grenville – North Dundas border. Lucky me! I live on the North Dundas side but equal in distance to the hubs of Kemptville and Winchester. I consider both NG and ND to be “my communities”.

One advantage of being deeply entrenched in the day-to-day happenings and inner workings of both North Grenville and North Dundas is the ability to compare and contrast how the two municipalities are run from a local government perspective. This has been particularly eye opening lately, given the criticism of NG Council being leveled by many over the handling of the proposed apartments on the former Kemptville Public School land.

I have shared my own criticism recently, after

Letters to the Editor

Dear David, I just want to thank you for the beautiful life stories you’ve written in recent issues. I’ve lived in this area for my whole life and knew both these ladies to recognize them, but loved hearing of their interesting lives. The picture of Rachel Swedlove brought back memories of walking in to the store and seeing her there. I had no idea of her history (as a teen who was intimidated by here).

Thank you for bringing these people “alive” again. Their memory will live on and I’m sure their families will treasure these stories. Sincerely,

Frankie Baird

watching a January Council meeting in which about a dozen downtown Kemptville residents raised valid concerns about the KPS apartments project, only to have related motions passed to move the project forward without any further discussion. I have also shared a defense of Council since then, not excusing members’ lack of communication or seeming to disregard public opinion, but at least sharing the logic of why Council wishes to move forward with the project on the advice of expert staff and housing studies.

I have taken criticism from a few locals for appearing to defend Council. My defense of NG Council comes down to the fact that NG and ND Councils are night-and-day, and NG Council is the better of the two by a long shot. As a person whose property taxes – and vote – go to the North Dundas side of the border, I am envious of the strong positive connection that NG Council has with the community. I always want to scream to NG residents, “Don’t complain, it could

be worse!”

North Grenville residents have no doubt grown accustomed to seeing photos of Council visiting events all over the Municipality. NG Council makes efforts to connect with the community. Everyone is made to feel welcome. Even those who complain or level harsh words about Council (many of whom I have written about) still get treated like they are part of the North Grenville “family”, as opposed to an “enemy of the state”. It amazes me that I feel more welcome in the presence of North Grenville’s local government than I do in a simple email conversation with members of ND Council. If you think communication is lacking in NG, take a trip to ND for an unpleasant shock.

In North Dundas, there has been a feeling circulating for years that there may be an “inner circle” – that is to say, an attitude that you are either “in good” with the Mayor and Council, or you are an outcast who doesn’t belong in the community. There is nothing worse than feeling unwelcome by Coun-

cil in a town where you have connected with so many fellow residents through your job, community activism, or even something simple like your kids’ sports. It’s confusing and frustrating.

When residents of North Dundas asked Council to be better at connecting with the community, even candidates during the election were quick to point out that the Council meetings are posted online, so people need to take responsibility for watching them. It’s safe to say that they missed the point. A couple of weeks ago, I emailed members of ND Council, inviting them to make submissions to the Times any time they wanted as a way to connect with the community. I received no answer from anyone, except one Councillor who replied three days later saying he does not “have the capacity to do the reporter’s job” – an obvious passive aggressive shot at me. I voted for this Councillor in October, and am horrified at the lack of professionalism he shows as an elected representative. It’s even worse not knowing what I did wrong to be

treated as such. The Times is a platform that reaches everyone in North Grenville and North Dundas. What self-respecting Council member wouldn’t want to take advantage of that opportunity to reach constituents?

I can email Mayor Peckford a question and have a polite, professional answer that same day. Meanwhile, I have emailed North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser several times in the last few months with never an answer. Other residents in North Dundas frequently have the same complaint, not just of the Mayor, but of all members of Council. I am grateful that North Dundas Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron has recently made contributions to the Times, including to the North Grenville Times for International Women’s Day, and I hope this relationship can continue to grow.

A French teacher in high school once took great pains to discuss with our class the Quebecois phrase, “pas pire”. It literally means “not worse” and is a common way to respond to a question of “how are you”. My

French teacher was critical of the phrase, saying it is unduly negative to say that things are “not worse” as opposed to “good”. This is similar to the English phrase “not bad”. However, I think the phrase is appropriate when it comes to reminding North Grenville residents to appreciate the Council they have – ce n'est pas pire que le conseil de North Dundas. There will always be complaints about local government on both sides of the border. The KPS apartments issue is one that certainly needs NG Council’s attention, and as readers will see, Council is giving it attention in this issue of the Times. Many will criticize me for standing up for NG Council, and it wouldn’t be the first time, but I know what it’s like to experience the unwelcomeness of a Council unwilling to learn and grow – a Council that makes me self-conscious to show my face in the same local stores where a dozen people have just said hello. NG Council is not perfect, but just know that it could be worse!

Government investments support resilience of Ontario’s food system

Dear Editor, This is the hardest thank you note that I have ever had to write. My heart is filled with gratitude to so many people who tried to help on late Sunday afternoon, February 5th in the entrance to the Kemptville Mall. You all jumped into action until Paramedics arrived. My heartfelt thanks to Leeds and Grenville Paramedics, Kemptville Volunteer Fire Department, Kemptville Hospital, and to all the kind and caring people who rushed to help. I can’t thank you enough.

Linda Fry

submitted

by Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) welcomes new steps the provincial government is taking to ensure the ongoing resilience of Ontario’s food production system through its announcement of new funding for expanded veterinary training and an agricultural soil health and conservation strategy in yesterday’s provincial budget. To improve access to veterinary care across Ontario, the government is investing $14.7 million over two years to launch a new collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Additionally, the government has announced $900,000 over three years in student loan as-

sistance for recently graduated veterinarians to practice livestock veterinary medicine in underserviced areas.

“The OFA has long identified the critical shortage of veterinarians in the livestock sector, particularly in large animal medicine, as one of the greatest problems facing farmers in Ontario, and we commend the provincial government for committing to new investments to meet this need,” says OFA President and northern Ontario dairy farmer Peggy Brekveld. “Limited veterinary capacity leaves people, animals and ultimately our food system at risk, and this multi-faceted approach will help maintain healthy, safe and sustainable food production.”

The provincial government also announced a $9.5 million investment over three

years for developing and implementing the Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy to improve soil data mapping, evaluation and monitoring in Ontario.

It’s a long-term framework that will set the vision, goals and objectives for soil health and conservation in Ontario to 2030, with accompanying actions and methods to measure progress.

“We appreciate the provincial government’s foresight in supporting local food production and long-term agri-food supply chain stability with this investment into the future health and preservation of our soils – truly one of our most valuable resources,” says OFA Vice President Drew Spoelstra, a dairy and crop farmer in the Hamilton area.

“Soil health has been a key priority for OFA for many

years, and although many soil best management practices are already widely used by Ontario farmers, better tools like modernized soil maps will help us do an even better job at producing food as sustainably as possible.”

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province and serving as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobbying efforts, community representation, media relations and more.

The Buskers are coming back to Kemptville!

event, but also recognizes the organizing committee and the hard work that is involved in the planning. They are thankful to be part of this event and looking forward to May.

by Ashley Sloan Buskerfest has just announced it will be returning for a second year to the downtown streets of Kemptville May 20! A free one day event packed with music, magic and more crazy activities that you should not be trying at home! Organizers of the Buskerfest Committee hosted a launch party at Salamanders last Monday evening, where guests, sponsors and volunteers were invited to celebrate the great news.

The schedule of events will be released shortly, but what can be mentioned is that there will be some new acts joining the line up, as well as acts brought back by popular demand. The shows are free but gratuities are welcomed. There will be food vendors on site, and The North Grenville Art Guild will be joining the event with their art display and sale.

Make sure your cam-

eras are ready! You may run into some famous characters on the street! Bring your children, bring your grandparents, as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. There will be areas where children will be able to enjoy activities and games, either at the North Grenville Library or on the front lawn of the former High School building. There will be lots to do between 10 am and 6 pm.

This event would not be possible without the support of the Kemptville Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), the continuous support from the Municipality of NG in providing funding from the 2023 Budget, and with the support of the returning title Sponsor, Urbandale Construction.

The launch party began with a speech from David Gibbons, on behalf of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, thanking the organizers of

the committee for hosting such a fun event, and extending their best of luck.

Mayor Peckford was next to speak. “The Council recognized that this could be an annual signature event for people to come and enjoy, and have a tremendous amount of fun in our beautiful downtown area, and this would be a great opportunity to attract tourism from far and wide that would benefit not only Kemptville but all hamlets.” Mayor Peckford thanked the sponsors, BIA, volunteers and the organizing committee, and wished them luck on the day of.

Alexandra Barlow, representing Urbandale Construction on behalf of Melissa Boudreau, Operations Manager, said “they are thrilled to be invited and part of such a grassroots initiative showcasing such a vibrant community’s talent and colours.” Urbandale recognizes that sponsorship is an important part of an

Dave Leger, President of the downtown BIA, was glad to see a great turnout that evening and noted that it demonstrated the type of community we are in. Dave has only been in the area for the past 2 years, but is looking forward to setting roots and making this his home. He was also impressed with the support of volunteers, as he mentioned that “Volunteers can make or break the event, and they are the back bone”, and he appreciated the help from last year’s volunteers.

The speeches ended with the President of the Buskerfest Committee, Sierra Jones Martel, who said “organizers are well under way at making this year bigger and better and ready to blow everyone away, figuratively”, as last year the event ended with a sudden derecho that cleared the street within minutes, followed by a downpour of rain causing a power outage that cancelled the evening concert scheduled for 6 pm.

If you would like to become a sponsor or would like to volunteer on the day of the event, please visit www.kemptvillebuskerfest.ca for more information.

If interested or to know more contact Melissa: melissa@ngtimes.ca

It’s a hotel! In theory…

understandable that so many residents would be confused about what is planned for the lot in question. A site plan of the area appears to show both a hotel and a grocery or home improvement store planned for the lot.

What to do when things fall down

by Brandon Mayer

Isn’t it astounding how easily rumours flow in small towns? One social media user asked a simple question in a local Facebook group earlier this month, and seemed to get more answers than anyone bargained for. The question was simple – what is going to be built in the field adjacent to Canadian Tire and Marks in Kemptville, now that it is visibly being cleared?

The responses to the question were not just speculative. Many people gave a firm and seemingly definitive answer, though these answers were all over the map. Some answers included:

- “Movie theatre”

- “They are putting in a

Farmboy and SportChek”

- “Pizza Hut for sure”

- “I heard go cart track”

- “I hear it’s the new Spray and Wash”

- “Was supposed to be a Quality Suites hotel”

With so many contrasting answers, it’s hard to know what to believe. As reported in the Times in June of 2020, a site plan for a new Comfort Inn hotel, complete with 74 suites and a large meeting room, was presented to Council at that time with much enthusiasm. By all accounts, the project was a go-ahead with construction set to commence some time in 2021, with some logistical and safety kinks still needing to be worked out.

Things have been quiet regarding the project since the 2020 updates, so it is

Jill Sturdy of the Municipality of North Grenville wasn’t able to confirm with any certainty what is planned for the site. “There has been no site plan agreement executed at the subject property,” she told the Times.

Is it safe to assume that a hotel will be built? The simple answer is… probably. There is no telling whether any of the other rumoured suggestions will be constructed as well. It’s likely that there is space on the lot for a hotel and multiple smaller businesses, but available space does not necessarily translate into new businesses or franchises, or people willing to pay for them and run them.

For now, we will have to wait and wonder in this ever-growing town to find out what is coming next. Or we could just declare that it’s a hotel. Probably.

2023 Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan Intake Open

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of North Grenville

Modest financial incentives are once again available for businesses and property owners to continue the revitalization of Downtown Kemptville.

In 2021, Council approved the Downtown Kemptville Community Action Plan (DKCAP) and a refreshed Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The goal of the revitalization plans is to promote and encourage more development in the core so that North Grenville's growth is better balanced.

“Downtown Kemptville is a central part of our community, with lively events and vibrant businesses. It is a great place to live, shop, gather and connect. Programs like the CIP are intended to reduce the obstacles to developing in the downtown and leverage opportunities to contribute to our local economy,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

As part of the Downtown Kemptville CIP, intake is now open for the following financial programs:

Façade & Signage Grant: covers 50% of the costs up to $10,000 of high-quality improvements to the frontage of buildings (Total allocated $50,000).

People Make the Place Grant: $5,000 per residential unit created in multi-unit residential builds (Total allocated $50,000).

Building Fees Grant: up to $2,500 for multi-unit residential developments to cover building fees (Total allocated $12,500).

Tax-Increment Equivalent Residential Grant: reimbursement of the municipal portion of the incremental property tax for new multi-unit residential developments, starting at 90% and decreasing by 10% per annum.

“We look forward to a diversity of applications this year, and as a Council are excited about new residential and recreational developments in our downtown core,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

Intake is on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. The total amount allotted annually to the CIP program is $112,500.

To learn more and to review the full program guidelines visit: www.northgrenville.ca/ doing-business/funding.

The law of gravity means our bodies are pulled down to Earth. This fact inevitably spells trouble over time. But for some women, it causes inconvenient and annoying issues, and sometimes surgery, to address what’s called vaginal prolapse.

Not all women are born equal. Some inherit tougher pelvic tissues and do not experience prolapse, even after bearing several children. But the more pregnancies, the greater the risk in older age of weakened all pelvic structures leading to the sagging of the vagina, urinary bladder and often the rectum.

The most common complaint is the loss of urine on coughing and sneezing. A large survey of women in North America revealed that four percent suffer from this annoying problem.

Apart from pregnancy, what else can contribute to prolapse? Obesity is a factor, causing so many other medical complications too. It is staggering that some women still smoke. If cancer and respiratory diseases aren’t incentives enough to quit, then maybe vaginal prolapse should be more prominently added to the list. Why? A smoker’s cough pushes on the urinary bladder. Prolapse can also be worsened by heavily lifting.

Here’s another concern. Many women continue to suffer needlessly from

chronic constipation. Why do they strain their innards and try to solve the problem with laxatives? This harms the bowel over the course of years.

One of the best kept secrets is that vitamin C is a safe, inexpensive, effective, and natural remedy for constipation. But it must be in higher doses than found in most supplements. Start with taking 2,000 milligrams before bed. If no results, increase to 4,000 mg the following night. It invariably works.

Remember, simply because prolapse has developed does not mean it always be treated. This is an important point to stress because many women with prolapse will never know they have the condition. Awareness usually becomes evident when they start to experience troublesome urinary incontinence.

What can be done depends on the severity of prolapse and if it’s causing annoyance. The most frequent treatment is the use of a vaginal pessary which is easy to insert and can be easily removed to be cleaned.

The use of a pessary will help to elevate the urinary prolapse and may stop the loss of urine. But sometimes in elderly women another easy and effective treatment is acceptable. Inserting a large vaginal tampon to push

up the bladder can help ease the loss of urine.

Prevention is advantage of those not yet dealing with serious prolapse. So in addition to maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a nutritious diet, and sleeping well, don’t forget moderate exercise for the entire body, including those easy-to-miss pelvic muscles. Develop a habit of doing Kegel exercises several times a day. This is done by concentrating on pulling up the pelvic and rectal muscles. It’s possible to do this seated, standing, or lying down. So identify a consistent place and time each day, and do it. The more you exercise these muscles, the stronger they will become.

If all this fails, doctors will suggest surgery. There are several methods. One is to stitch up the position of the bladder. Your surgeon may also advise an artificial support for extra strength. Or the prolapse can be repaired during a hysterectomy.

Do men develop prolapse? Yes, but much less often and it’s usually a prolapse of the rectal area.

Marilyn Monroe famously said, “I defy gravity.” But such fortunes elude most people. Talk with your doctor and see if treatment can get the annoyance resolved.

Leeds & Grenville Branch OGS Presentation

submitted by the Ontario Genealogical Society

Join us on Monday, April 3 at 7 pm on Zoom for a special presentation from wellknown Canadian genealogist Dave Obee. Dave will give us a two-fer evening – two short presentations on different topics.

The first topic is a timely one – Getting Ready for the 1931 Census! The 1931 national census is due to be released in June, 2023 – and since it will probably not be indexed right away, we need to get ready. Pick your priority people and get to work! This session offers ideas for identifying the census divisions and subdivisions where you will find your relatives. Using digitized census reports and mapping tools, you will be able to narrow your search options.

In the second presentation, Dave will take us Beyond the Online Basics: A Genealogical Guide to Digital Collections. There are billions of scanned pages on the Internet -- a collection that few physical libraries could match. The problem is that many pages relevant to your research can be difficult to track down, since they are not on the usual genealogy websites. This session provides ideas on how to find the documents that will help you learn more about your families, or the local histories of the areas where they lived.

To join us for this presentation, visit our website leedsandgrenville.ogs.on.ca for the link to register.

Everyone is welcome!

Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus sets priorities for 2023

Peacefully surrounded by family at the Ottawa General Hospital on Thursday March 23, 2023. Sue Klimchuk age 69 of Kemptville. Beloved wife of the late Ron Wilson.

Loving Mom of Tami Klimchuk (Kelly) and Diane Thomson (Bill). Cherished Grandma of Jamie, Christopher, Bradley, Kaitlyn and great-grandson Hudson. Loved sister of Debbie MacNair (Blair Harris) and Barb (Terry) Cusson. Predeceased by her parents Patricia (O’Hara) and Keith MacNair. Fondly remembered by many friends. By Sue’s request Cremation has taken place. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Becketts Landing Cemetery.

By family request donations may be made in Memory of Sue to the Ottawa Humane Society.

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

Kincaid, Gerald Stephen

1941 – 2023

It is with great sadness that Gerry’s family announce his peaceful passing on March 21, 2023 at the Kemptville District Hospital. Having fought death multiple times, Gerry finally lost the battle to Leukemia. He and his family are eternally grateful for the extra 35 years of life he was able to enjoy due to his heart transplant. Gerry leaves behind his spouse Marg McCornock, daughters Susan Hoy (Stephen), Terry Ward, Trish Cumming (Clayton), and Sherry-Jo Kincaid; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his sister Joanne Kluver. Gerry will be laid to rest at the Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa with his parents Joseph and Beatrice (Ford) and his late wife Edythe (Merriman). He is predeceased by his siblings, Len Kincaid and Shirley Milks. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date. In memoriam donations may be made in Gerry’s name to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, 40 Ruskin Street, Room H-1220, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 2W7.

We’ll be ok now daddy, you can let go. Condolences/Tributes/Donations

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) met on March 9 and 10, 2023 in the County of Lennox and Addington for their annual strategic priority setting meeting to set Caucus priorities for the year ahead.

The EOWC identified the following priorities for 2023:

1. Affordable and Attainable Housing

• The EOWC’s ‘7 in 7’ Regional Housing Plan

2. Long-Term Care

3. Paramedic Services

The EOWC will continue to address municipal sector issues that arise throughout the year ahead on an as needed basis.

“Now more than ever, municipal governments play a vital role as organizations that unify and strengthen Ontario and Canada. The EOWC is in a position to lead, inform and respond during the coming year and beyond. The Caucus has set clear goals and we intend to strongly advocate on behalf of our region’s communities and residents” stated EOWC Chair Peter Emon.

Affordable and Attainable Housing

Housing affordability and attainability remains a key focus of the Caucus. Across the EOWC’s region, there are approximately 12,000 to 14,000 units on municipal community rental housing wait lists. People are waiting an average of almost 5 years and up to 10 years in some cases to access these community rental housing units. As part of the Ontario Government’s goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031, the EOWC is looking to do

our part in increasing housing supply through our bold ‘7 in 7’ regional housing plan.

The EOWC’s ‘7 in 7’ regional housing plan proposes building at least 7,000 community rental units over seven years across the region to address the wait lists. The plan would require partnering with the Federal and Provincial Governments, as well as the private and non-profit sector, and Indigenous partners. Using a mixed-model approach, the ‘7 in 7’ plan has the added benefit to bring on nearly 21,000 additional market rate units. This would total 28,000 housing units. The EOWC is moving ahead with the ‘7 in 7’ plan and is currently working with KWM Consulting Inc. to create a business case to move forward effectively and sustainably.

The EOWC is also calling on the Provincial and Federal Governments develop a strong financial framework to support municipalities in order to better prepare, plan and implement housing and related support services. In addition, the EOWC is advocating for upper orders of government to standardize language around housing and have clear streamlined definitions for both ‘affordable’ and ‘attainable’ housing.

Long-Term Care

Municipal governments are key partners in the delivery of long-term care, which was highlighted continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The EOWC was an initial advocate for the four hours of care model that the Province is in the process of implementing and continues

to provide evidence-based feedback to inform the government’s decisions around longterm care and related supports.

Throughout the year ahead, the EOWC is advocating for a long-term care human resources strategy to address staffing shortages across the region that works for rural homes and their labour market. As part of the human resources advocacy, the EOWC is continuing to call on the Provincial Government to eliminate staffing agencies that pose an unnecessary and unsustainable resource and cost burden on municipalities.

Additionally, the EOWC is advocating that the Provincial Government review and modernize the long-term care funding framework. The EOWC is ready to continue to provide sound input on behalf of member municipalities and work with government and stakeholders.

Paramedic Services

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, EOWC member municipalities have experienced increased pressures on their paramedic services. During the year ahead, the EOWC is advocating for permanent, sustainable and predictable funding to support paramedic services as well as community paramedicine efforts.

The EOWC is also calling on the Provincial Government to modernize the dispatch system to improve the prioritization of calls and overall level of service. Additionally, the Caucus is advocating for the Provincial Government and associated stakeholders to reduce offload delays at hospitals which would allow paramedics to spend more hours serving their communities

Currently, the EOWC is working with ApexPro Consulting Inc.to update the EOWC’s 2019 Review of Eastern

Ontario Paramedic Services

Situation Overview report. This will provide a current regional level data overview of paramedic services. The EOWC looks forward to sharing the report, findings and recommendations with government and applicable stakeholders once finalized in summer of 2023.

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry

www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435

Klimchuk, Susan Diane (Nee MacNair)

L-R: Warden Ron Vandewal, Warden Nancy Peckford, Warden Bob Mullin, Warden Peter McLaren, Warden Henry Hogg, Warden Mandy Martin, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Mayor Steve Ferguson, Warden Tony Fraser, EOWC Chair Peter Emon, EOWC Vice-Chair Bonnie Clark, Warden Liz Danielsen. Missing from photo: Warden Normand Riopel.

Baldwin’s Birds

On this second day of Spring whilst driving home, after my customary Tuesday morning breakfast with friends, I was intent on taking the scenic route back home in the hopes of spotting some Wild Turkeys on the way. As usual, I was out of luck in that endeavor, but was recompensed with a lot bigger and more pleasant surprise than I probably deserved! In the early morning sunshine, glistening on the fields, the sounds of migrating Canada Geese were heard once again, and the air was full of birds honking as they either flew over-head, or took a break from flying on the ground in the corn stubble. The hedgerows too were noisy, as Crows cawed and other smaller birds had their say, amongst them a Red-Wing Blackbird perched in the top of a tree, with epaulettes proudly showing. What a great start to another Spring! But wait, I'm not finished yet with my surprises!

As I drove slowly and carefully along the road with my camera at the ready around my neck, and peering across the fields for signs of my Wild Turkeys, I caught signs of movement above me, in my peripheral vision, in the distance. With the car engine running, I hadn't detected any noise and didn't until after I had stopped and got out of my car. Skeins of Canada Geese accompanied, evidently, by other birds were either passing over-

head or coming in to land for a rest. The various "vee" formations flew by at varying heights, and I was able to get a few passing shots of them with my camera. However, my skyward gaze soon passed downwards to a grazing flock of them in the snow-covered fields. But wait, something was odd about some of those birds,-they stood taller than the geese did! Wow! A double check with my telephoto lens confirmed my visual view of them,--- three tall and graceful stork-like birds feeding with the geese, but they weren't storks they were Sandhill Cranes!

(My apologies to the lovely young lady, with the dog in the back-seat of her car, who stopped to inquire if I was OK. During my conversation with her, to reassure her that I was, in fact, OK and that I was taking pictures of the birds in the field, I erroneously mentioned Storks! -- As soon as she drove away, I knew that I was wrong,--again! Of course I don't carry my bird books with me! I confirmed my error when looking at my pictures at home! Must be a lesson there somewhere!)

Yes, these "interlopers", were Sandhill Cranes and became the focus of my attention for quite a while, as my camera and I tried to battle the reflected glare from the sunny glazed surface of the snowy field. I wasn't entirely successful at my first vantage point, so

almost gave up. However, I decide to try from another view point further down the road, which is what I did unsuccessfully, so I drove on again. My direction took me around a ninety degree bend, so the sun wasn't doing its worst when I stopped and spotted them once again in better light. The geese had departed and the Cranes seemed set for quite a long stopover. I was getting to the stage where I thought nothing else was going to happen, so I went to try a spot down by the river for other birds. There not being too many, I took one last go at watching the Cranes, in the hopes that I might get a shot of, at least, one of them in flight. Nothing seemed to be indicating a take-off until a "man-made" rotating winged beast (Helicopter) happened to pass-by, at a distance, but still quite audible. This took the Cranes' attention and was making them nervous, so I waited in anticipation for them to make a move. Luckily I didn't have to wait very long, once the aircraft's noise had subsided, and I was treated to watching the three of them take to the air. What a beautiful spectacle to behold, as I struggled to get the in-flight pictures of them that I was seeking. I was really lucky not only to get just one, but managed to get all three,-super!

After a successful couple of hours, I finally got home and was able to "cap off" the morning with a picture of a fluffed-up Robin, getting its first look at our garden on its return to us for another few months of summer. I hope that you too are getting treated to the birds' return to your own gardens. Stay safe and well,

Cheers, John Baldwin

Minister officially appoints local Medical Officer of Health

submitted by Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Yesterday, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones, informed the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit that the appointment of Dr. Linna Li has been officially approved in accordance with clause 64(c) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Dr. Li, who has been serving as Acting Medical Officer and CEO of the Health Unit since September 2022, is pleased to make if official.

“This is a vibrant community in which to live and work,” says Li, “I look forward to working with the Health Unit staff and leadership team along with the Board of Health to enhance public health in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.”

This year is proving to be a planning time with the development of a new strategic plan in the works.

Newly elected Board Chair, Peter McKenna, was also pleased upon hearing about the announcement. “On behalf of the Board of Health, I congratulate Dr. Li on this official appointment and look forward to working together, continuing the Health Unit’s mission of providing important health education and services to residents of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark and advocating for equity and opportunities to be healthy.”

For more information about public health in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, visit www. healthunit.org.

Register to Be a Donor – in Honour of Green Shirt Day

registered as organ donors in the weeks following the Humboldt crash in 2018. Thanks to the Logan Boulet Effect, over 325,000 people in Canada have since signed their organ card.

Green is also the official colour of organ and tissue donation, symbolizing the hope organ donors provide to patients in need.

“Council would like to recognize local grade 11 student Ethan Bos, who has been promoting Green Shirt Day in North Grenville and the importance of becoming an organ donor,” highlighted Mayor Nancy Peckford.

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of North Grenville

In the lead up to Green Shirt Day on April 7, 2023, North Grenville’s Council are encouraging everyone to register to be an organ donor.

“Members of Council have all made the quick and simple step to register our intent to become an organ donor and help save lives,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford.

In Canada, almost 90% of Canadians say they support organ donation, but only 32% have registered their intent to donate. Though donation rates have improved over the last decade, there are still approximately 250 Canadians who die annually waiting for an organ transplant.

By donating your organs and tissue after you die, you can save up to 8 lives and improve up to 75 more.

It is also possible to consider being a living donor. You can donate one kidney and up to 80% of your liver and still live a normal life. Local resident Tracy Crawford made the courageous decision to become a living donor several years ago and has presented to Council previously regarding her experience.

You can learn more about becoming a living donor and a blood donor here: www.blood.ca.

Register to be a Donor – www.BeADonor.ca

Registering to be a donor is quick and simple. Have your Ontario Health Card number ready along with your date of birth to register your donation decision.

By formally registering to be a donor, either online at www.BeADonor.ca or in person at any Service Ontario location (including 10

Campus Drive, Kemptville), you ensure your decision is recorded and can be made available to your loved ones at the right time. You only need to register once. Your consent to donate organs and tissue is stored in a Ministry of Health database.

About Green Shirt Day Green Shirt Day was created to honour, remember, and recognize the victims and families of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos Hockey Team bus crash in rural Saskatchewan, where sixteen people were killed.

Green Shirt Day honours Defenseman Logan Boulet, one of the people who died. Logan was a registered organ donor, and as a result, his parents were able to donate his organs that went on to save six lives.

In a phenomenon that has come to be known as the Logan Boulet Effect, over 150,000 Canadians

Not only did his efforts result in Council declaring Green Shirt Day in North Grenville in perpetuity, but Ethan’s determination also helped secure Bill-112, an Act to proclaim Green Shirt Day in Ontario, which received all-party support in April 2022.

On April 7, 2022, Council will wear green in honour of the Humboldt Tragedy and encourage everyone to register to become organ donors.

For more information on Green Shirt Day visit www. GreenShirtDay.ca. Visit www.BeADonor. ca to learn more and to register to be an organ and tissue donor.

Members of North Grenville Council with local youth Ethan Bos (centre) and his family. Ethan gave an update on Green Shirt Day at the March 21, 2023 North Grenville Council Meeting.

North Grenville recognizes International Day of Forests

submitted by Jill Sturdy

The Municipality of North Grenville recognized the “International Day of Forests” on March 21, 2023, as proclaimed by the United Nations.

Forests play a critical role in the world’s ecosystem given their role in filtering the air around us, keeping water clean, protecting biodiversity as well as helping to mitigate against climate change by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

Globally, forests house more than three-quarters of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, food, medicines, and fuel for more than one billion people who would not have access to these resources from anywhere else.

“We are fortunate to have access to so much forested space in North Grenville. North Grenville is flanked by Ferguson Forest to the north, which has 1,100 acres of multi-use green space and Limerick Forest to the south, another 15,000 acres of community forest located in eastern Ontario. Kemptville is also home to the Kemptville Campus Agroforestry Centre and Sugar bush located in the heart of our community as part of the municipally owned Kemptville Campus,” highlighted Mayor Nancy Peckford.

“North Grenville offers ample greenspace opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a cost-effective way of keeping physically active while enjoying nature,” added Mayor Peckford. Ferguson Forest Centre Ferguson Forest Centre promotes awareness of sustainable forest management and responsible use and stewardship of the forest, for the benefit of the residents of North Grenville.

“Ferguson Forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including an abundance of nature trails, access to the Kemptville Creek, disc golf, cross-country ski trails and a toboggan hill in the winter - and even a park for dogs to play safely,” added Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan.

“There are a number of medical studies that show spending time in a forest is beneficial to improve and sustain good mental health,” emphasized Councillor O’Sullivan.

With over 20 kilometers of nature trails to explore, the trails are shared by a diverse set of nature enthusiasts including, hikers, dog walkers (leash-only!), joggers, horse riders, snowshoers and Nordic cross-country skiers.

In addition, the Ferguson

Tree Nursery grows high quality trees, shrubs and perennials native to eastern Ontario that are sold to people and organizations to help sustain our supply of forest products and improve the environment. In fact, the nursery produces over 1.7 million seedlings a year - the largest supplier of nursery stock for tree planning initiatives.

Agroforestry Centre –Kemptville Campus

Kemptville Campus

Agroforestry Centre and Sugar Bush operates over 1,000 taps over 18 acres of sugarbush. The Peter Wensink Maple Forest and the Agroforestry Centre is part of the larger campus forest that is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), a worldwide initiative for sustainable forest management.

This year, The Ontario Maple Syrup Producers’ Association will be hosting Maple Weekend April 1 and 2 at the Agroforestry Centre (2627 Bedell Road). On The Bend Sugar Shack, in partnership with the Kemptville Campus, will be offering tours of the operation, guided forest tours, pancake, live music and other activities. Maple products will be available for sale on site.

Pancake breakfast will be served by the Kemptville

Well water and localized flooding

submitted by Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is celebrated World Water Day on March 22, 2023. In Ontario, we are fortunate to have an abundance of drinking water; however, we cannot assume that all drinking water sources are safe. Our municipal partners take good care of our municipal drinking water systems; however, if your drinking water comes from a private well, it’s up to you to protect and test your water supply.

Spring is a good time to have your well water tested for bacteria. Run off from heavy rain and snow melting may affect the safety of your drinking water. Bacteria in your well water may not affect the taste or smell of your water. Testing your well water is the only way to know for sure if your drinking water is safe to consume or if it is contaminated with

New partnership supports Leeds Grenville Paramedics

Youth Centre and Kemptville Rotary Club. Cost is by donation with proceeds going to support the programming.

Limerick Forest

Managed by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Limerick Forest provides for a wide variety of recreational opportunities and promotes forest management aimed at ensuring the forest remains healthy. Limerick Forest is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certificated (FSC® C018800) through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest’s Forest (EOMF) Certification Program. The FSC® is an international, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests.

There are ample educational opportunities to learn about local biodiversity –including interpretive trails. Limerick offers approximately 180km of multi-use trails used by recreation enthusiasts from snowmobiles, ATVs, to cross-country ski, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

and their families

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the Leeds Grenville Paramedic Services proudly announced a new partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada. With this partnership, Wounded Warriors Canada will provide an additional layer of mental health support and resources to Leeds Grenville Paramedics and their families.

“Given the complexities of operational stress injuries, we know that no single organization will ever be the 100 per cent solution when it comes to the mental health and wellness of its members and their families. Partnerships are vital. Together, we are working to break down barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health support while reducing stigma for those who keep our communities safe. We look forward to working with the team at Leeds Grenville in the months and years to come,” said Scott Maxwell, Executive Director, Wounded Warriors Canada.

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville strives to promote and support the total wellbeing of employees, including fostering a robust program of mental health and wellness supports. This includes an Employee Assistance Program, the 2023 budget addition of a Wellness Coordinator Position to lead in the development of new programs and to assist our Peer Support Group.

“The Counties is very proud of the commitment and dedication of every one of our Paramedics, and how much members of the Service have gone above and beyond to take care of the residents of the United Counties - before, during and after the pandemic. Counties Council firmly believes a multi-pronged mental health strategy is urgently required and this partnership is an important step,” stated Warden, Nancy Peckford.

As a mental health service provider, Wounded Warriors Canada offers a range of clinically facilitated programs that have been specifically developed to support the unique needs of veterans, first responders and their families. The programs support individuals, couples, spouses, surviving spouses, and children of those who serve or have served our country and communities. Through its Before Operational Stress (BOS) program, Wounded Warriors also provides leading-edge workplace training geared towards helping make trauma exposure management a new professional standard for both veterans and first responders.

bacteria and requires some actions to protect the health of your family. The Health Unit recommends that you test your well water at least three times a year, or after any weather events such as flooding that may affect the safety of your drinking water.

Thawing of snow and ice combined with spring rains may cause localized flooding on some properties. Flood water and water ponding around wells can affect the safety of your drinking water. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit is advising those whose wells are directly affected by these conditions to boil their water for one minute at a rolling boil before drinking the water, or use an alternate safe source until you test your water and confirm that it is safe to drink.

A few tips to keep in mind if your property is prone to flooding:

· Monitor weather and take warnings seriously.

· Monitor your local conservation authority website and alerts for localized flooding risks.

· Ensure drainage ditches, etc. around your home are clear and can function during periods of heavy rain.

· Label the shut off valves and the direction to turn off the gas, water, power, etc. If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas, etc.

· Maintain your home to keep water out.

· Move items likely to be affected by a flood water to higher areas where possible.

Ensure chemicals, cleaners; gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water.

Ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps in the event of power outage. Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water.

Have an emergency kit stocked; be sure to include important documents, cash, safe drinking water, food

and medication.

If your septic system has been affected by flood water, limit water usage by taking quick showers rather than baths, avoid using the dishwasher, garbage disposal and washing machine and flush your toilets only when necessary. Ensure your basement sump pump is not going into the septic system.

Do not pump out your septic tank when the soil around the tank or the leaching bed is still saturated with water. High ground water levels may cause an empty septic tank to float and break out of the ground, and damage the tank and connecting plumbing. Properly maintaining your sewage system can help prevent ground water contamination and keep your well water safe for drinking. With regular care and maintenance, a properly installed sewage system should provide many years of service.

Visit the Well Water Sampling and section

“It is important that our staff is well supported with programs and policies that meet the varying needs of our team,” said Chief of Paramedics Jeff Carss. “Our paramedics face unique pressures while serving our communities and supporting residents in their times of need. We are very pleased that, through our partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, Leeds Grenville Paramedics will have access to innovative programs and resources to assist our members and their families.”

of our website for drinking water information including: where you can pick up and drop off your free water bottle samples; how to take a sample; how to disinfect your well (if required).

For more information, call us at 1-800-660-5853 or connect with us on Face-

book and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit. We are also now on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z For more information about emergency preparedness please visit https://healthunit.org/ health-information/emergency-preparedness/.

Anglican missions in 1839 part 2

or more, belonging to the Church, only a part of this Township is under my care, the rest being attached to Richmond on account of its Proximity.

by David Shanahan

In November, 1839, an Anglican travelling missionary named Morris toured the northern townships of Upper Canada and reported to the Bishop of Quebec on what he found. The places he visited were mostly the townships between the Rideau and the Ottawa Rivers, but included Oxford, South Gower, Wolford and Marlborough. His report included the following status report by Henry Patton (also spelled Patten in the records), resident minister in Kemptville and Secretary of the Clerical Association in Upper Canada (spelling is as in the original):

Rectory of Kemptville, Rev. H. Patten. Mr. P. reports. "The Townships in which I officiate, either regularly, or occasionally, are Oxford, Marlborough, Wolford, North and South Gower, and comprise a tract of country nearly forty miles long, and varying in breadth from ten to twenty miles,

with an aggregate scattered population of 5000 Souls. In the five Townships I have seven preaching stations, and to do Justice to the people I ought to have twice as many more, but it is morally impossible to extend my labour. The two extreme Stations at which I preach are distant thirty six miles.

The Township of Oxford contains about two thousand Inhabitants, of whom nearly one third I believe belong to my charge; In this township is situated the Village of Kemptville, where I reside; here we have a neat Church, with a Bell, and a Burial ground well enclosed. This Township alone would amply employ the best efforts of one Clergyman, as there ought to be divine service performed in three different places within its limits.

Marlbrough. Here is a handsome frame Church, and a Burial ground well enclosed. The Township contains about eight hundred Inhabitants, half of them,

In Wolford is situated the Village of Merrickville, where the people, by great and praiseworthy exertions, have succeeded in erecting a handsome stone Church. This Township contains about fourteen hundred Inhabitants. Besides the congregation in, and about Merrickville, there is a Station for Divine Service seven or eight miles beyond the Village. Here is great and pressing need for the Services of a resident Clergyman. Merrickville is sixteen miles from my residence, I have never been able to afford it service more than once a fortnight, and that always in the evening. During the past Winter, the Rev. W. Wait, has officiated in a very zealous and efficient manner at this place, and the neighbouring Station, once in four weeks.

South Gower. The Church families here are but few in number, but North Gower contains between five and six hundred Inhabitants, a large proportion of whom attach themselves to my Cure—and I am fully persuaded a very large congregation might be formed here, if a Clergyman could attend them every Sunday. At present, Mr. Wait visits them once in four weeks on Sunday, and his services have been highly appreciated. His attendance, however, will end in May.

These five Townships then are partially supplied—

Canadians give provinces failing grades on access to mental health services

it is however indeed but partially, and in a degree utterly inadequate to the wants—for where the sphere of labour is so extensive, occasional visits which cannot be followed up by pastoral intercourse, and pastoral supervision, will do little more than keep together the zealous members of the Church—and cannot be expected to retain much influence over the young and the thoughtless.

Mr. Patten desires especially to remark for your Lordship's Information, that the expectation of having a Clergyman stationed among them at Merrickville, rendered the people much more zealous in erecting their Church, and a desire of seeing their Spiritual wants more effectually supplied, as well as relieving myself from a part of a laborious charge far too extensive for my strength, makes me equally anxious to see a Clergyman stationed there."

The editor who published this material noted:

“I may add here that I am informed by the Bishop, the roads and modes of communication, in the districts are worse than in almost any other part of Canada, which makes the Duties of the Travelling Missionary more necessary, rendering it impossible for the fixed Clergy to devote the time required for visiting the remote and scattered Settlers, with justice to their own flocks.”

the Rideau Valley

Submitted by RCVA

A cool March combined with above-average snowfall amounts this winter means the snowpack is higher than average for this time of year across much of the Rideau Valley Watershed. This creates potential for above-average flooding in all low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches. Water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Potential flooding areas could include Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower), which are highly susceptible to spring flooding. There is also potential for flooding of larger rivers (including the Rideau River) now into early April depending on weather. Parks Canada staff who manage water levels for the Rideau Canal will closely monitor water levels and have indicated that the levels are expected to rise as the snowpack begins to melt. City of Ottawa crews continue their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. City crews are busy with ice breaking activities (for more information: City of Ottawa information at 311).

With changing levels expected over the coming weeks, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will continue to be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. As temperatures continue to rise, the potential for ice jams remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor their local waterbody closely for signs of ice jams as spring progresses. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions, but we always welcome unique observations from watershed residents. Potential flooding along roadways is also a concern due to current snow/ice buildup on roadside ditches. Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve

- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump

- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling

- Securing items that might float away as flows increase

- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding

- Keeping emergency phone numbers handy

- Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

More information, including our Flood Contingency Plan and real-time water level and stream flow data, can be found at www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions. submitted by CAMIMH

In surveying Canadian residents who have accessed mental health services in the past year, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) found that the provinces received a collective grade of “D” in providing access to mental health professionals.

“It is deeply concerning to know that close to half (47%) of all respondents gave the provinces a failing grade of ‘F’,” said Ellen Cohen, CAMIMH Co-Chair. “Now, more than ever, we need accessible, timely and inclusive access to men-

tal health care services. There can be no health without mental health.”

The survey also found:

- Only 23% think that mental health supports are meeting their needs.

- 12% accessed a mental health service or substance use health service over the past year. Of those, 70% were able to access the services they wanted, and 69% are confident in navigating the mental health system.

- 91% of respondents felt that they should not have to wait more than a month for mental health care with 39% saying wait times should not exceed one

week.

- 89% are supportive of setting standards, benchmarks or guidelines for wait times.

- An overwhelming majority feel that both the federal (81%) and provincial (89%) governments need to increase the availability of mental health care providers to ensure timely access to care.

“People are not getting the care they need and that must change,” said Dr. Kim Hollihan, CAMIMH Co-Chair. “Clearly, all governments need to up their game to improve and expand timely access to mental health and substance use

health services across the country.”

CAMIMH calls on the federal, provincial and territorial governments to ensure a significant portion of the federal government’s recently announced $196 billion health funding commitment is invested to improve and expand access to mental health and substance use health programs, services and supports. While the federal government has broken its promise to introduce a $4.5 billion Canada Mental Health Transfer, CAMIMH strongly believes that the provinces and territories must be

held accountable for these investments and their onthe-ground impact.

CAMIMH looks forward to working with all levels of government, and others, to improve timely access to publicly funded mental health and substance use health programs, services and supports. Our mental health matters.

As one of the leading national mental health alliances in Canada, CAMIMH continues to strongly advocate for parity in funding between mental health, substance

use health and physical health care. In June 2021, CAMIMH released From Out of the Shadows and Into the Light…Achieving Parity in Access to Care Among Mental Health, Substance Use and Physical Health, detailing what legislative steps the federal government can take to introduce a Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care For All Parity Act.

To see the full survey results, please visit our website at camimh.ca.

Water levels expected to increase across

An early image of the original Anglican Church mentioned by Patton in his report. It is of very poor quality, but remains the only photo we have of the building.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Today’s recipe answers the age-old question of what came first: the chicken or the egg. The correct answer is: “Who cares?” As long as we have these versatile and nutritious ingredients for our cooking, we should be happy campers. So if you are a fan of both the bird and its product, our Egg and Chicken Soup makes use of chicken breasts and eggs, swimming with some veggies to make a really interesting combination as we approach the end of winter-like weather and welcome spring. This recipe serves 4; so just increase the quantities as needed.

Egg and Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups of chicken broth

• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped or two teaspoons of crushed garlic

• ½ cup of broccoli florets

• ½ cup of chopped sweet onion

• 4 large mushrooms, cut in strips

• 2 chicken breasts, skin off and finely sliced

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons of butter for the veggies and the same for the eggs

• 4 Danish rusks

• A couple of dashes of Worcestershire Sauce

• Dried parsley for garnish

Preparation

• Bring your broth to a boil in a soup pot, then drop the heat to let simmer

• In a separate pan, sweat the vegetables in melted butter and crushed garlic

• Add the veggies to the broth when done

• Add the chicken to the broth and vegetables and add the Worcestershire

• Again in a separate pan, cook the 4 eggs in melted butter, sunny-side up

To serve, ladle the broth into soup bowls, float a Danish rusk on top, place your fried eggs on top of the rusk and garnish with dried parsley. You should probably have your bowls of soup ready and add the rusk and egg topping at the last moment. Serve as is for a tasty treat.

You can reach me, as always, at pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Many thanks for your continued interest and encouragement!

Judge hears arguments from CAPP and JOG regarding proposed jail

by Brandon Mayer

Members of two local organizations – the Coalition Against the Proposed Prison (CAPP) and the Jail Opposition Group – have finally had their day in court, or possibly the first of many. Group members Victor Lachance (from CAPP) and Kirk Albert (from Jail Opposition Group) filed a judicial review application in August of 2022, hoping that a judge will grant a prohibition order to kill the construction of the Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex (EOCC), otherwise known as the “Kemptville Prison” or the “Kemptville Jail”.

On March 21, virtual court was in session to finally address the matter. The proceedings were not intended to address the merits of the EOCC project, but rather to decide whether the province’s motion to dismiss the judicial review application is justified.

Dozens of people were logged into the virtual

Municipality of North Grenville launches Civic Awards for 2022

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of North Grenville

North Grenville’s Council is once again seeking nominations for outstanding individuals and groups who will be considered for a North Grenville Civic Award for their efforts in 2022.

“The Civic Awards program is especially close to my heart as it celebrates what I love most about North Grenville – the generous and often selfless contributions and accomplishments that residents, businesses, and organizations make each year on behalf of each other and our community as a whole,” emphasized Mayor Nancy Peckford. “We enjoy a high quality of life here - in no small part because of the considerable efforts of very caring and dedicated individuals and organizations.”

“Council is also excited to announce that for this year, the awards ceremony will return as an in-person event, bringing the award recipients and the community together to celebrate,” added Mayor Peckford.

Details on the awards ceremony will be announced later in April.

ville, there is a special award for Outstanding Municipal Leadership.

This new category is a ‘made-in-North-Grenville’ version of a Lifetime Achievement Award, designed to recognize individuals who have made a remarkable impact on the evolution of our municipality. This award is intended for individuals who have worked closely with the Municipality in a paid, elected or volunteer capacity.

“We all know that, in this Municipality, we share a core value of generosity and volunteerism. These Civic Awards give Council a chance to recognize particular community groups and individuals who embody that spirit. We encourage individuals and organizations to nominate anyone they believe merits our consideration for a 2022 Civic Award,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

- Environment

- Health & Wellness

- Heritage - Recreation, Sport & Leisure

- Seniors - Youth

- *NEW* Outstanding Municipal Leadership (single recipient across all age groups)

Nomination packages are available on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/civicawards.

Hard copies are available at the Municipal Centre and at the Public Library (1 Water St. in Kemptville and 1 Grenville St. in Burritt’s Rapids).

The deadline to submit nominations is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023.

courtroom at the scheduled hearing time of 10am on March 21. Decorum for those logged in to virtual court is expected to be the same as it would be for anyone attending a courtroom in person. Due to other matters before the court, it only took a few minutes for the Judge to postpone the proceedings for the Kemptville Jail matter until 2pm.

CAPP and the Jail Opposition Group hired highprofile Ottawa lawyer Stéphane Émard-Chabot to plead their case. Stéphane is a former Ottawa City Councillor, and a longserving Assistant Dean of the University of Ottawa Law School. He spoke at length during the court proceedings, and his arguments before the court were largely based on his assertion that his clients are ordinary citizens who have gone to great lengths for some simple transparency.

A lawyer for the province questioned why it took CAPP and the Jail Opposition Group so long to file a complaint, while the defense position argued

that this was because the province was not releasing complete documents for public review.

Jail Opposition Group member and judicial review co-applicant Kirk Albert adds: “We’ve maintained that the province erred in their selection of the Kemptville site, but rather than test their platitudes before the Court as part of the Judicial Review, they are focusing all their effort into avoiding that process altogether. The province erred in the most serious of ways a government can in a democracy governed by the rule of law, they failed to follow their own laws. Specifically, legislated planning laws, by-passed to pave over increasingly scarce arable farmland, disregarding environmental features like floodplains and a creek with flow to the Rideau River, and all without the interest or ability to explain to the community how they made their decision. By anyone’s standard, it is perplexing, irresponsible and non-sensical. Tomorrow, we’ll be asking a

New this year, in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the amalgamation of several townships into the Municipality of North Gren-

judge to step in and reject the province’s motion to dismiss our judicial review application. The legality of the province’s decision deserves its day in Court, and the priority the Province has placed on attempting to sidestep it is telling in and of itself.”

Victor Lachance, a member of CAPP, and a judicial review co-applicant, explains the broader implications of the province’s actions concerning the EOCC, noting: “The motion to dismiss our judicial review application is just the latest in a series of moves by the Ford government to advance their plans to pave over farmland with highways, new suburbs, and costly, ill-advised infrastructure projects like prisons, without public consultation to line the pockets of their buddies in the construction and banking industries, who stand to make a fortune from

The Civic Awards are presented annually to one volunteer in each of the designated age groups, consisting of Youth (25 years and younger), Adult (26 to 55 years) and Senior (56 years and older)*, in addition to one group award, in the each of the following categories:

- Arts & Culture

- Exemplary Work in the Community

robbing us of the resources required for a sustainable future. The province must be worried that if our judicial review to stop the EOCC from being built on farmland is successful, we will set a precedent that could be used to stop other backward-looking, 20th century-style infrastructure projects they want to steamroll forward like Highway 413 and greenbelt housing developments. In these cases, like the Kemptville Prison, the province has also ignored its own laws and failed to meaningfully consult with impacted

The Mayor and Council of the Municipality of North Grenville established the Civic Awards Program to recognize and honour the selfless efforts and dedication of outstanding individuals and groups who volunteer in service to our citizens and community.

More than 54 individuals and 12 community groups have been recognized since the program began in 2009.

For more information and to nominate an individual or organization visit: www.northgrenville.ca/ civicawards

residents, and so they’re looking for a precedent setting, get out of jail free card for the self-imposed mess they’ve created. It’s our position that the courts should not oblige”.

After the arguments from both sides were presented, the Judge promised to return with a decision “as soon as possible”, though this could mean days or even weeks. Readers are encouraged to check the Times website for updates in case a decision was made between our printing deadline, and the delivery of the paper.

Classifieds

FOR SALE

Electric Wheel Chair

Asking $1500.00 dollars or best offer, it was used for two years it is in good shape. Phone number 613-258-7703

Cedar posts and rails for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

4X4 round bales of hay and straw for sale. Jon 613-227-3650.

Champion generator, 4000 WATT, like new, 4 plug 15 amp, 120/240 volt 3 prong plug $340. nadfudt@gmail.com

R.V. screened room add on to extend your space. Good condition, no longer needed. $200. nadfudt@gmail.com

Cedars for hedging, 2' tp 10', Tamarac & Spruce. Call Jim after 6pm 613-258-3561

Property for rent for spring & fall deer & turkey hunting. Call Jim after 6pm 613-2583561

Firewood for sale. Cut, split, seasoned, mixed hardwood. $105/face cord. Call Ken 613 323 5503 20230201

Dry firewood for sale $110 a cord plus delivery fee. Call or text Jon 613-2273650

For Sale: Never used 1/3 horsepower Emerson motor. $100 firm. Call Reg - 613 258 7606

Saturn Rosewood Acoustic Guitar, 40 yrs old never used, in original pkg, $375 or best offier. 613-567-8533

Wheelchair, Fuse 5.0 with accessories; Shower chair with coasters & commode. $375 each. Call 613-5678533.

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and

we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids. com

WANTED

Experienced+local farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to

CROSSWORD

creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail.com.

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613262-1204. (8 weeks)

COMMUNITY EVENTS

KLUB 67 Euchre – Fun, social card playing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1PM, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome $5., cash prizes.

BREAKFAST, Kemptville Legion! Every 3rd Saturday from 8-10am - $8 for adults, $6 for children 10 and under. Euchre will be held following breakfast, registration starts at 11:30 am.

Kemptville Legion: Now Open Fridays 1-7. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

BINGO, Kemptville Legion, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, doors open at noon

North Grenville Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, 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

BID EUCHRE on Monday, March 27 and every two weeks after until May 22 at Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

EUCHRE on Tuesday, April 4 and every two weeks after until May 30 at Pierce's Corners, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 1:00 p.m. and play starts at 1:30 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

Emergency Radio Club Meeting, by kind permission of our Mayor Nancy Peckford, on Wednesday April 12th at 7:30 pm at Kemptville Restaurant. New members are welcome. For additional information call Milfred Harper at 613-258-5375

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy Medium Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Black Lives Matter, What Does That Term Mean?

felt threatened, even if the person was just walking to their car. There have even been instances where people who were at home and were shot through a window, or where police barged through the front door to search for illegal drugs that the person didn’t have, and they were shot.

Building a Strong Ontario

of their colleagues’ racist behavior when they are kind and not racist at all.

by Zara Zrudlo

The term “Black Lives Matter” is used to raise awareness that Black folks are being killed by police officers and being mistreated by the legal system. It can even just be a way to say that racism exists and has very tangible effects.

A lot of people think that the term "Black Lives matter" is exclusive, that it says that White lives don’t matter. However, nothing in that sentence implies that White lives don’t matter. Saying ‘All Lives Matter!’ or ‘White lives matter too!’ may seem reasonable, but White people aren’t being brutally murdered by police officers in the frequency that Black people are. It draws attention away from the people who are being mistreated and killed. The statement ‘All Lives Matter!’ basically says “it doesn’t matter that Black folks are being murdered.”

Across North America, countless Black people have been killed by police for the colour of their skin. The worst part is that most of the police officers won’t even be charged with murder, though some definitely have been. It’s as though Black people aren’t even human beings, so it doesn’t matter if they are killed.

Sometimes the police will use the excuse that they

Dante Wright, age 20, was shot in 2021 for not obeying the traffic rules. The officer says that she used her gun thinking it was her taser.

Andre Hill was shot because he walked out of his garage talking on his cellphone. He was shot, then handcuffed. He died five minutes later.

One of the reasons that so many Black people are killed is the existence of stereotypes. A lot of movies and books portray Black folks as drug dealers and criminals. Because of this, people who aren’t aware of the untrue stereotypes have biases that they are not aware they have towards people of colour and Indigenous peoples. However, some people are just plain racist because they grew up in a racist family, or something similar.

Because police officers are given guns, they have the resources to be racist on a bigger, life threatening, scale. If police were given information and training about biases they might have, they could be taught to move past their biases and stereotypes.

Something that is not commonly talked about when the BLM movement is mentioned is that not all police are racist. There are some police officers that get a bad reputation because

Something that is just as important as the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM movement) but isn’t given as much attention, is the Latinx, Middle Eastern and Indigenous Peoples who are unfairly murdered or incarcerated. It happens to Latinx, Black and Indigenous Peoples just as much as Black folks, sometimes even more frequently depending on the ethnic group.

I didn’t mention this as much in my article simply because they don’t fall under the BLM banner, but please don’t think that this isn’t because I don’t care about these communities as much, or because it’s any less common or horrible.

Similar to this issue is the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people. The police often refuse to investigate disappearances, and murders which are sometimes even caused by the police.

Continuing to learn and be aware of the stereotypes and biases that you or the people around you have is one of the best ways to combat racism along with going to peaceful protests.

Resources:

- A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee

- Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

- Punching the Air by Ibi Zoobi and Yusef Salaam, narrated by Ethan Herisse

- Breaking (Netflix)

- Know Their Names, Black People Killed in the US (Website)

submitted by MPP Steve Clark

Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy has released Ontario’s 2023 Budget: Building a Strong Ontario. It is a plan that navigates ongoing global economic uncertainty with a responsible, targeted approach to help people and businesses today while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations.

“Ontario’s economy remains resilient, but the road ahead continues to be uncertain,” said Minister Bethlenfalvy. “Our government has the right plan to navigate these challenges. We are building Ontario so we can have a strong economy for the future and the infrastructure needed to support growth across the province.”

The government’s plan is taking significant actions to drive growth by lowering costs, getting key infrastructure projects built faster, and attracting more jobs and investment to help businesses, families and workers. Highlights include:

- Investing in hospital infrastructure, including the Southbridge Kemptville long-term care facility , Queensway Carleton Hospital – Mental Health Redevelopment Project; the Brock Community Health Centre and the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.

- Supporting the rehabilitation of Boundary Road in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund

- Investing nearly $4 billion so every community has access to high‐speed internet by the end of 2025, including communities across Eastern Ontario

- Expanding the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant in spring 2023 for eligible postsecondary students who enroll in priority programs in Ontario including nursing, and work in underserved communities in the region where they studied after graduation, such as Eastern Ontario.

- Launching the new Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which would provide a 10 per cent refundable Corporate Income Tax credit to help local manufacturers lower their costs, invest in workers, innovate and become more competitive.

- Attracting over $16 billion in investments by global automakers and suppliers of EV batteries and battery materials to position Ontario as a global leader on the EV supply chain.

- Providing $224 million in 2023–24 for a new capital stream of the Skills Development Fund to leverage private-sector expertise and expand training centres, including union training halls to provide more accessible, flexible training opportunities for workers.

By working for workers, keeping costs down and providing better services, everyone will have an opportunity to take part in and benefit from Ontario’s plan. Highlights include:

- Providing financial support to more seniors by proposing changes to expand the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) program, starting in July 2024, to see 100,000 additional seniors be eligible for the program and the benefit adjusted annually to inflation.

- Investing in supportive housing with an additional $202 million each year in the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program to help those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, struggling with mental health and substance use, those escaping intimate partner violence, and support the community organizations delivering supportive housing.

- Helping more Ontario students becoming doctors by investing an additional $33 million over three years to add 100 undergraduate seats beginning in 2023, as well as 154 postgraduate medical training seats to prioritize Ontario residents trained at home and abroad beginning in 2024 and going forward. Ontario residents will also continue to be prioritized for undergraduate spots at medical schools in the province.

- Starting in fall 2023, expanding the program to allow pharmacists to prescribe over-the-counter medication for more common ailments, including mild to moderate acne, canker sores, diaper dermatitis, yeast infection, pinworms and threadworms, and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

- Providing an additional $425 million over three years to connect more people to

mental health and addictions services, including a five per cent increase in the base funding of community-based mental health and addictions services providers funded by the Ministry of Health.

“Budget 2023 is a clear demonstration of our government’s responsible, targeted approach to help people and businesses in Leeds & Grenville and across Ontario today, while laying a strong fiscal foundation for future generations,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I’m proud of the historic investments we are making in supportive housing, health care, infrastructure and education, to help build a stronger and more resilient province.”

The government is also providing an update on Ontario’s economic and fiscal outlook, with a plan that will balance the budget in 202425, three years earlier than forecast in the last Budget.

QUICK FACTS

- Ontario’s 2022–23 deficit is projected to be $2.2 billion — $17.7 billion lower than the outlook published in the 2022 Budget and $4.4 billion lower than the outlook published in the 2022–23 Third Quarter Finances.

- The government is projecting a deficit of $1.3 billion in 2023–24 and is on track to post a surplus of $0.2 billion in 2024–25, three years earlier than forecasted in the 2022 Budget. The government is also projecting a surplus of $4.4 billion in 2025–26. While this is a positive update, significant economic and geopolitical uncertainty persists.

- Ontario’s real GDP grew by an estimated 3.7 per cent in 2022 and is projected to increase by 0.2 per cent in 2023, 1.3 per cent in 2024, 2.5 per cent in 2025 and 2.4 per cent in 2026. For the purposes of prudent fiscal planning, these projections are slightly below the average of private-sector forecasts.

- The net debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to be 37.8 per cent in 2022-23 –the lowest level since 2011–12. Over the medium-term outlook, Ontario’s net debt-to-GDP ratio is now forecast to be 37.8 per cent in 2023-24, 37.7 per cent in 2024–25, and declining to 36.9 per cent in 2025–26.

2023 Budget delivers plan for a resilient economy today and in the future

Residents growing increasingly frustrated with natural gas prices

by Brandon Mayer

Residents of North Grenville and the surrounding area are getting fed up with the price of natural gas, and there is no indication the problem will be getting better any time soon. Many have reached out expressing concerns about the impact of the federal carbon tax, particularly due to its impacts on the costs of home heating. For those heating with propane or oil, prices are even higher.

Pam is a local resident who shared some of her concerns. “Things are getting hard to pay – bills let alone

groceries,” she said. “It’s just not me, it’s all seniors on a fixed income. Hydro helps out but Enbridge gives no help.” Pam explained that this is a problem that affects everyone. “It’s also young families. I don’t know how they can afford groceries let alone paying all their utility bills plus rent or a mortgage. It’s tough for everyone. “The government charges a carbon tax and then tax on their charge.”

To use my own family as an example, we receive a quarterly climate action incentive rebate of about $268, which works out to $89 per month. The carbon tax on a tank of gas costs us about $6.50 for each of our vehicles. I use about a tank and a half in a typical week, and my wife uses about a tank. That works out to $60 per month in carbon tax for gasoline. For natural gas, our average carbon tax for the last three months worked out to $20 per month. So we pay about $80 per month in carbon tax, and receive a

rebate of $89. Great deal, right? Not necessarily.

First, my household represents a better-than-average scenario. My wife works from home all but one or two days per week, my workplaces are close to home, and family is relatively close by for visiting. All of these factors mean we don’t use an excessive amount of gasoline. Our house was built in 2009 and is well insulated with good windows and doors and an efficient natural gas furnace. This means that our natural gas bills are not nearly as high as they are for some households.

Second, we have sufficient financial means to pay out carbon taxes on the gasoline and natural gas that we buy, only to be reimbursed later. The poorer a family is, the more the carbon tax hurts. It’s supposed to be a “net zero” program, but it’s an exceedingly privileged attitude to suggest that every family in Canada must be capable of spending an extra $80+ on gasoline and

heating fuel, with the luxury of waiting to be reimbursed every three months.

Third, my “break even” calculation does not account for large increases in the prices of other goods, such as groceries, which are due at least in part to the increased cost of manufacturing and delivering these products as a result of carbon taxes. What appears as a “net zero” carbon tax for an average household may therefore be anything but.

Finally, the carbon tax is unfair by its very nature. A family of six, for example, can expect to receive $112 monthly, as the size of the credit increases with family size. Now imagine that this family consists of two parents and four children, and that both parents work exclusively from home in their properly insulated home. It stands to reason that even accounting for some recreational vehicle use, this family will actually make a profit from the federal carbon tax. By

contrast, a single person living alone and working 30 minutes from home will pay a measurable amount in gasoline carbon tax. Let’s say that this individual rents an older, poorly insulated apartment and is expected to pay their own utilities, including propane (already more expensive than natural gas, and similarly subject to carbon tax). Considering that a single person in a rural area is only entitled to about $45 per month from the Climate Action Incentive rebate, this person is poised to lose a lot of money from the carbon tax. What is such a person to do? Move to a better insulated home?

Good luck in an outrageous housing market. Work from home? If only it were a choice for everyone. Buy an electric car? Not likely in an economy where so many are struggling just to buy food, particularly when a carbon tax hurts finances even further.

Every household in Canada is in a different situation.

Proposed partnership would see North Grenville Aquatic Program managed by YMCA

submitted by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of North Grenville

At the April 4th meeting, North Grenville’s Council will deliberate on a Memorandum of Understanding that seeks to expand the Municipality’s successful partnership (since 2019) with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario - to include the management of North Grenville’s aquatic program, which is operated seasonally at the Kemptville Outdoor Pool.

This development is being led by the Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Team, who have advised that this move will bring new levels of professional expertise to the already popular local offerings at our Municipal Pool.

Mayor Nancy Peckford remarked, “since 2019, the YMCA has been operating summer camp programming in North Grenville that has been well received by the community and fills an important need for school aged summer childcare. The camps also continue to provide meaningful summer employment opportunities for local youth.”

“The YMCA brings significant expertise to respond to the changing needs of children and families, and evolving Ministry requirements in childcare programming,”

Mayor Peckford added.

“In our view, expanding on this successful arrangement is significant value added for our community.”

Benefits of the partnership would include:

- Access to highly trained and seasoned management and expertise;

- Program subsidies for families to remove financial barriers – it should be noted that this option is brand new and a direct result of working with an established charitable organization;

- Continued employment opportunities for local youth, along with new training and advancement opportunities. The Municipality has been advertising seasonal recruitment for aquatics staff, and all of those applicants have been contacted for permission to share their application with the YMCA. Municipal staff will also work alongside the YMCA in the hiring process to support a smooth transition;

- A strong partnership with an established notfor-profit entity that may bring other partnership opportunities in the future.

As a leading provider of health and wellness services in United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and Frontenac, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is well positioned to be an important partner in the provision of health enhancement and wellness programs for the Municipality of North Grenville.

The structure of YMCA programming responds to community needs, including, but not limited to, health, fitness, recreation, children’s day camp, licensed child-care and youth leadership within the Leeds, Grenville, and Frontenac Regions.

“Strengthening our relationship with the YMCA Eastern Ontario allows us to offer more robust recreational programs now, and creates the possibility of additional recreation amenities in the future,” says Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

According to Acting CAO Karen Dunlop, this arrangement is “an extension of the existing agree-

ment which has already provided good programming for North Grenville.”

The Memorandum agreement for the aquatics program is set for a term of one year and will be reviewed after completion to ensure effectiveness of the partnership, address any issues, and decide on continuation.

The fee structure for access to programs and public swims is not expected to change this year, and any future changes will be the subject of negotiations between the Municipality and the YMCA.

To further elaborate on the benefits, a report from the Parks and Recreational Department of the Municipality of North Grenville highlights that with the existing agreement, staff have been able to refocus time to increase community development opportunities and key support for major events.

This has resulted in the strengthening of relationships with local organizations such as the Kemptville Youth Centre, as well as community associations and service clubs. For example, the Municipality was able to provide hands

Distances to and from work, the type of vehicle they can afford to drive, the way they heat their home and how well insulated their home is, the size of the family including the number of working adults and whether they work from home, etc all vary greatly. No two situations are alike. A blanket climate action incentive rebate is therefore ridiculous. It is a profit for many who don’t need it, and an unhelpful ripoff for many who do.

Wise residents like Pam are correct. The push toward environmental sustainability is extremely difficult for everyone but the wealthy and upper middle class. There has to be a better way. Many are struggling to stay afloat, and they can’t hold their breath forever.

on support preparing for events such as Buskerfest, Canada Day, the IPM and the Santa Claus Parade, and had more time available to dedicate to Municipally led activities such as ParticipACTION and the first North Grenville Youth Summit.

These efforts have demonstrated positive outcomes for the community, and [staff] are seeking to expand this work plan, as well as to include volunteer engagement and notfor-profit organizational development activities.

It is expected that this new arrangement will offer even more of the same.

The staff report continues to note that an expanded partnership with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario is also supported by the Strategic Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

Further details include that the Municipality:

- Will retain full ownership of the pool and building;

- Assist in communications; and

- Be responsible for all facility maintenance.

The YMCA will manage program registration

through their online registration portal.

It is also clearly stated and understood that any YMCA relationship in the Municipality of North Grenville will be one that remains open to all regardless of race, sex, religion, or economic circumstance.

The report can be viewed on the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/meetings.

The proposal will be discussed at the Council meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. For details on how to attend the meeting in person or watch online, visit www.northgrenville. ca/meetings.

Sharp young minds on display at NGDHS science fair

by Brandon Mayer

On March 23, students at North Grenville District High School displayed their unique ideas at the North Grenville Rotary Science Fair – the first of its kind since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100 projects were on display, many exploring new ideas, and some revisiting “classic” science concepts.

Mr. Matthew Wilson was the teacher in charge of the science fair. He explained that there was an annual tradition of holding a science fair, open to visiting public, for several years before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to both regulations and health precautions, science fairs were not held in the most recent few years, making this year’s return very exciting. Due to some forecasted freezing rain, there were fears that school bus cancellations might delay the science fair until March 24, but buses ran as scheduled, and the fair proceeded on March 23 as planned.

The range of projects

on display was nothing short of astounding. Some examples of projects include: Optical Illusions, Terrifying Heart Rate, Impossible Labyrinth, Bolt and Crossbow Ballistics, Hot Wheels Aerodynamics, Components of a Four Stroke Engine, Homemade Launcher, How to Make a Light Bulb, Are Gas Cars Better Than Electric Cars?, How Different Popular Drinks Can Affect Your Teeth, Finger Prints, The Effects of Music While Studying, Vinegar Baking Soda Rocket, “Wood” it Burn?, and How to Make Plastic Out of Milk and Acid. This list is by no means exhaustive – there were dozens of truly amazing projects on display, with students ready to answer questions and explain their unique ideas and use of the scientific method to test them.

Projects were lined up in rows throughout the school gym, allowing a convenient walk through to see all projects. Main judging with a winner for each category took place in the morning, with speciality judging taking place

after lunch. The specialty judging is for sponsored awards. An awards ceremony took place in the early afternoon to honour the winners.

The winners are:

- Plant Biology – 1) Layla McEvoy 2) Chloe MacLeod 3) Peyton Christopher

- Aerodynamics – 1) Owen Maxwell and Daniel Johnson 2) Kayl Stuart 3) Declan McIntyre

- Human Studies – 1) Tommy Crus 2) Ella Bon and Gracie Robinson 3) Madden Leonard

- Human Health – 1) Blake Ralph and Ayla Ritchie 2) Cali Tabbert and Lacey Scott 3) Grace Mitchell and Brooke Barlow

- Product Testing – 1) Keira Watkins 2) Simon Desnoo

3) Theo Kelsey and Matthew Grus

- General Physics – 1) Karis Wood 2) Sera Bernado and Nasim Armasrai

3) Lily Ferguson and Ella Hyndman

- Mechanics and Engineering – 1) Brianna Auger and Cullen Badley 2) Ava Ryan

3) Jonah Foley (honourable mention - Aidan Murphy and Frankie Thomson)

- General Chemistry – 1) Liam Gibson 2) Owen Slattery and Aaron Benning 3) Neve Crossman and Lexi Ward

- Sports Science – 1) Ethan Finbow 2) Emma McDermott 3) Jackson Harrison and Cooper Tobin

- General Biology and Environmental Studies – 1) Aurora Vanstoken

2) Savannah Sharko and Briyanna Wilberforce 3) Lincoln Booth (honourable mention - Kiki and Coco Henderson)

- NGCSC Best Visual Display – Neve Crossman and Lexi Ward

- The Jim Wrong Engineering/Mechanics Award

– Ava Ryan

- The George Fisher Animal Husbandry/Health award – Emily Eckland and Zoe Saar

- FFC Naturalist/Environmental Award – Mary West

- Russ Mosher Computer/Technology Award –Rian Chicoine and Elliott Lemieux

- The Rotary Club of Kemptville Best of Fair Award – 1st) Liam Gibson 2nd) Layla McEvoy 3rd) Tommy Crus

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