Double Agent Brando

by Brandon Mayer

I have come to the conclusion that someone needs to automatically cue up the James Bond theme music when I walk into a room. Or the Mission Impossible theme, with its iconic 5/4 rhythm. Really any music that blatantly identifies me as the cunning and ruthless super-spy that I am. The Secret Service agencies of most Western countries would be jealous of the closely guarded secrets that I protect on behalf of Her Worship, North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford and her loyal Council.

I am a busy man. Sometimes, when I am plotting to ruin the lives of North Grenville residents while simultaneously sticking my neck out on behalf of the five members of North Grenville Council, three of whom I have never even spoken to, I get a rush of remorse and compassion. I think – “No! You can’t continue to support the Evil Five and their plan to overthrow North Grenville. You MUST speak for the common North Grenville resident!” I suppose this makes me a double agent. Supporting Council AND speaking out against Council? What a thick and twisted plot! Seeing as most people call me “Brando”, I would like to be known as “Double Agent Brando”, to fill my new shoes. It is at this point in my writing that I feel the need to point out that I am being sarcastic. Normally, I would assume it is obvious, but in this day and age, I can’t risk it. In 7 years of university and 7 years as an educator, I have never been accused of anything even remotely as heinous as the things I have been accused of in approximately 7 months as Editor of the Times. Such accusations include the notion that I am “in” with Council. My only question is… why? This is the problem with most conspiracy theories – they simply make no sense. What could I possibly stand to benefit from having a back door relationship with North Grenville’s local government?

Some readers may recall

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, There sure seems to be a different feeling as to the percentage of units suggested in a proposal and the numbers the Council suggests. This is a reference to the article by Brandon Mayer in the May 25, 2023 issue.

G. D. Bungay, Kemptville

Dear Editor, Why do our municipal representatives not push back on anything? There is a huge need for affordable housing in North Grenville yet developers are telling Council how many units they will supply. Why are they not standing up against these developers and demanding more? What's the motive?

Our municipal representatives seem to have taken a page from Ford Nation and have taken a vow of silence. Just like Clark never answering direct questions about the prison. Yet he is that I live a few minutes outside of North Grenville’s borders. I care about North Grenville, and being only 15 minutes from Kemptville means it’s a major hub for me, my educator colleagues, and my friends and family. But decisions made by North Grenville’s Council do not govern the taxes I pay, the roads I drive on, the trash that I can put at the end of my driveway, or the quality and quantity of the recreational amenities that are within walking distance for my children. Why then, would I risk my own reputation as a person of integrity to engage in a devious relationship with the NG Council? Conspiracy theorists come pre-loaded with dozens of questions, but they always fail to simply ask themselves… WHY?

If I am a villain, I sure am a balanced one. Not only did I criticize Council in an editorial in January for the handling of the socalled “KPS apartments”, but I also welcomed the voices of many others who did the same. Between mid January and early April,

Dear Editor the Times printed no fewer than 11 letters and op-eds criticizing Council specifically regarding the proposed Reuben Crescent apartments. These were from Bev Arcand, Nadia Gray (x2), Colin Creasey, Victor Jarjour, Colleen Lynas, Elaine McGreavey, Ralph Raina, Kasandra Comfort, Kathy Piche, and David Herman. Did I also write a follow up opinion explaining some of Council’s decision-making logic after John Barclay sent me some reading material? Yes, I did. Did I similarly write an op-ed explaining that the North Grenville Council is far more welcoming, inclusive, and open to residents’ concerns than the Council of North Dundas? Yes, I did. But if I did my math right, 12 critical articles is still way more than 2 fluffy ones. I guess if I want to take down North Grenville, as so many people believe I do, then I should probably re-take kindergarten math first.

The Times is, and always will be, a forum for the community. We print letters and op-eds with which we strongly disagree because we believe in open conversation. Like any publication, however, we cannot break the law. Libel – which refers to making untrue or unproven negative statements about someone or a business – is something we have to take seriously. Not only could we be sued for printing libellous material, but it’s also a crime in Canada. Libel laws are the reason why the word “alleged” appears in news articles before words like “perpetrator”, “thief”, and “murderer”. Without the word “alleged”, these labels for suspected criminals could land newspapers and contributors in hot water for defamation, until the accusations have been proven in court.

It may amuse readers – and further my argument – to point out that Times contributors often pull the plug on each others’ writing. We are human, and sometimes articles written with an angry passion are found to be potentially libellous or harmful when given the benefit of sober second thought. In fact, when sifting through old content to count the number of anti-Council letters and op-eds we printed, I came across an editorial of mine that was never published. I was proud of it. It was filled with my classic play-on-words, subtle sarcasm writing style, and it drove home my own feelings on a local controversial topic with ferocity. However, I knew when writing it that it could be nothing more than a case of me blowing off steam, and sure enough we (internally) decided it was too risky to publish. Perhaps I should have written an angry Facebook post about how I can never write for the Times again. Or an op-ed – “Brando refuses to print article by Brando”. present at every photo op in Kemptville no matter how trivial. It's as if Clark has our council in his pocket. It seems our representatives have forgotten that Clark wanted to take people who reject this prison to court.

The lesson here is simple: I urge North Grenville residents to use logical reasoning before pointing fingers. The Times is a forum for healthy debate and community news and opinions. We are “the voice of your community”. At least I think that’s our secret identity. I’ll ask the CIA.

Clark is not our friend, why is Council embracing him at every opportunity?

Arne Laewen, Oxford Mills

Regarding the Op/Ed: 'Idiot Wind' in last week's edition, I suppose I too will be accused of being 'too close'--not to council, but to the retired editor of the NG-Times, when I say, 'Bravo--Well Said---Shut 'em Down!' I am referring to the intellectual giants who rant and roar out of sight, in the safe obscurity of social media/Facebook, when they feel that they have been slighted.

In this case, the person who possessed an impressive amount of innate idiocy was saved from his own mouth and vacuous thoughts, resulting in legal bills that would have been prohibitive. Just because you don't like someone or an outcome (like losing in an election---badly losing) doesn't give anyone the right to libel and slander others. Who do you think you are? Just how important are you that you feel so entitled? You are no more or less important than all the rest of us. Do us all a favour please...just shut up!..excuse me, I should have said, 'Stop talking, please' You are a community liability. If you have nothing but negativity and falsehoods to contribute, why not remove yourself.... to, say, Florida. There seems to be no shortage of likeminded intelligentsia there.

And as for this council: a) it does not rule with a dictator in the Mayor's chair (as was the case prior to the previous batch), b) it does not feel that it has been anointed by God Almighty and rules with The Divine Right of Kings (as was the case with the group who had served far too long past their best-before-date). It's not perfect, but it is a huge improvement.

The Pierre Poilievre style of always criticize, never compromise nor suggest alternatives is not helpful. Anyone can be a critic. It doesn't make you superior. It does not make you right. Putting forth a better plan does improve your stance. I would gladly listen to that.

Peter Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills

LAND TITLES ACT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ABSOLUTE TITLE

(Subsection 46(2) of the Act)

RE: PIN 68115-0907 (LT)

TO: The Registered Owners of Lands Surrounding the Lands Described Below

RE: PART LOT 26 CONCESSION 1 GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF NORTH GRENVILLE, DESIGNATED AS PART 1 ON THE ATTACHED DRAFT REFERENCE PLAN PREPARED BY EMMETT KETCHUM, O.L.S. AND DATED MAY 12, 2023; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT OVER PART 1 ON THE DRAFT PLAN AS IN GC77320

A copy said plan is available for inspection at Suite 300-1565 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R1

Take Notice That Equinelle Developments Inc. intends to apply to be registered as the owner with an absolute title to the land described as follows:

PART LOT 26 CONCESSION 1 GEOGRAPHIC TOWNSHIP OF NORTH GRENVILLE, DESIGNATED AS PART 1 ON THE ATTACHED DRAFT REFERENCE PLAN PREPARED BY EMMETT KETCHUM, O.L.S. AND DATED MAY 12, 2023; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT OVER PART 1 ON THE DRAFT PLAN AS IN GC77320

And Take Notice That any person claiming to have any title to or interest in the said land or any part of it (other than an interest protected by registration) is required on or before the July 13, 2023 to file a statement of objection, setting out the grounds for such objection, verified by affidavit, directed to the land registrar at the address of the solicitor at the following address:

Merovitz Potechin LLP

Suite 300-1565 Carling Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R1

Attention: Nathan Serratore

If no such statement of objection is filed by July 13, 2023, the applicant 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 on June 8, 2023.

Nathan Serratore Solicitor

for the Applicant www.leedsgrenville.com

Public Notice Consultation Meeting

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has undertaken an evaluation of lands across the Counties, with the goal of developing a current map of the Counties agricultural system. We now have draft mapping available for consultation and review. We want to hear your thoughts on the specifics of the methodology and the resulting mapping.

A consultation session will take place Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 starting with a presentation by our consulting team, PLANSCAPE at 4:00 p.m. at 25 Central Avenue West, Brockville, Ontario

This meeting will be in-person with a virtual participation option through Microsoft TEAMS. To register for the virtual option, please contact Elaine Mallory, Planner 1, at 613-342-3840, ext. 2422 or by email at elaine.mallory@uclg.on.ca

To learn more, contact Planning staff or visit www.leedsgrenville.com/agriculture

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

Sign-up to receive Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

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.

• Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. (Open Session) –Council Chambers

• Tuesday, June 20, 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

• Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, June 12, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Heritage Advisory Committee – Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

• Arts and Culture Adisory Committee – Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Volunteer And Employment Opportunities

Advisory Committees

The Accessibility Advisory Committee currently has room to accommodate more members. Visit northgrenville.ca/committees 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

ParticipACTION

Get active North Grenville!

ParticipACTION Community Challenge is back starting Thursday, June 1 until Friday, June 30, 2023. Get active throughout the month of June and track your minutes on the ParticpACTION app or website. For more details visit: www.northgrenville.ca/GetActive

North Grenville In Bloom

North Grenville is participating in Communities in Bloom, which is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the aesthetic appeal of communities across Ontario. North Grenville is looking for residents and businesses to participate by sharing photos and details of their blooms. We will be putting together a profile book and tour of the community for the judges visiting the second week of August.

If you’re interested in taking part in the initiative, including contributing to the profile book, tour, or submitting your beautiful photos of local gardens and landscapes, visit the North Grenville in Bloom project page on northgrenville.ca/projects. For more information, contact vision@northgrenville.on.ca.

Police Administration: 613-258-3441

Animal Control: 613-862-9002