Ontario investing in improved transportation infrastructure for North Grenville

submitted by MPP Steve

Clark

by Brandon Mayer

On May 25, the annual Mayor’s Address took place in Kemptville, hosted by the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce. Tina Murray, Treasurer of the Chamber and a local business owner, hosted the Mayor’s Address alongside fellow business owner Will Pearl. The event began with some background information and an update on the Chamber itself.

Several business owners were invited to speak about their experiences in local business. They discussed the perks of being a business owner in North Grenville, and the roads that led them to settle – or stay – in North Grenville.

Mayor Nancy Peckford was formally introduced with a brief biography, including the fact that she is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, where her uncle served as Premier in the 1980s. Mayor Peckford moved to Ottawa to begin working as a parliamentary intern. She and her family moved to North Grenville in 2011, and she was described in the introductory statement as a “force for change in the local political landscape” when she chose to run for Mayor in 2018.

Mayor Peckford was welcomed to the podium with heavy applause. She joked that she has trouble remembering whether she is “mayor mom” or “mom mayor”, talking about her three children and sharing tidbits about each of them. “Being able to raise children here has been a fantastic experience,” said the Mayor. “I don’t think I can overemphasize how meaningful it has been to raise kids in a small town much like I was raised in… I’m really grateful every day for the incredible caring and the commitment and the energy and the vitality of this place, and it certainly has given me a lot of motivation to serve you since 2018.”

Mayor Peckford took the time to introduce Deputy Mayor John Barclay and various members of the municipal staff team. She explained that Councillors Strackerjan, Wilson, and O’Sullivan were unable to make it to the event due to other commitments.

One subject that Mayor Peckford spent time discussing was growth in the Municipality and how to properly manage growth. She explained that to better unite the Municipality, there are plans to hold Council meetings in locations around the Municipality in the months ahead, moving them out of the traditional location at the Municipal Centre in Kemptville.

Something that Mayor Peckford is proud of is properly preparing for the anticipated local residential growth. An example she provided was upgrading the municipal sewer system in Kemptville. She emphasized that lifestyle quality must not be sacrificed due to the

Another topic of discussion for the Mayor was the International Plowing Match, and its importance both for attracting visitors, and for celebrating the agricultural character of North Grenville. She also took the time to congratulate the many, many locals who take the time to help and support each other, which she feels is part of what makes North Grenville a great place to live.

In her concluding statement, Mayor Peckford emphasized the need to balance residential and commercial growth. “We know that growth is good, but we also know that what this community needs is a lot more local employment opportunities that are meaningful and well paid that will build on some of the leadership provided by businesses in this room,” the Mayor added. She discussed what she sees as the seven most important economic development pillars for North Grenville’s near future:

1) County Road 43 bridge and road expansion project

2) Critical investments in road safety

3) Business supports

4) Leveraging the potential of the Kemptville Campus

5) Bringing rural transit to North Grenville

6) Rural growth (balanced growth)

7) Increasing serviced commercial lands in North Grenville

After the Mayor’s speech, she answered questions from residents. Finally, the meeting ended with recognition awards for long-serving local businesses including Grahame’s Bakery, which has been in business in Kemptville for an incredible 138 years.

The Ontario government is investing in improved transportation infrastructure in LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This includes proposed improvements such as the installation of traffic signals at the east and west ramp terminals of Highway 416 and County Road 43, along with illumination and intersection improvements at the ramp terminals. Details were announced today by Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, alongside Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville and Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

“Today’s announcement is a great example of the historic investments our government is making in transportation and critical infrastructure in Leeds and Grenville,” said MPP Steve Clark. “We will continue to ensure that the people of North Grenville have access to modern, effective infrastructure that fits their needs and supports our community’s growth.”

Additions include a second eastbound through lane at the Highway 416 west ramp terminal intersection, and the partial realignment of the existing County Road 43 eastbound ramp to southbound Highway 416 to accommodate intersection improvements.

“County Road 43 in North Grenville is an increasingly busy regional thoroughfare that serves commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential traffic. The installation of lights at key ramps and related improvements will go a long way to improving road safety and ensuring effective traffic flows.

We appreciate the priority that is being placed on enhancing safety and intersection features to serve the needs of this high-growth area”, said Mayor Peckford. Ministry of Transportation staff will coordinate this work with other projects planned in this area by the Municipality of North Grenville and United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, including the widening of County Road 43, as required. Construction, including the installation of traffic signals, is scheduled for completion in 2024.

North Grenville celebrates Pride Month

by Jill Sturdy, Municipality of NG

The Municipality of North Grenville is celebrating Pride during the month of June. In 2020, Council declared in perpetuity, the month of June as 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month for the Municipality of North Grenville and will fly the Pride Flag at the Municipal Centre.

“The flag raising ceremony, and the annual proclamation of Pride Month reflects our community’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” highlighted Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Pride Month is dedicated to uplifting and celebrating diverse voices within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

“North Grenville is well known for being an exceptionally caring and compassionate place. It is important that this care extends to all members of our community, particularly our youth,” noted Mayor Peckford. “We all have the right to belong, no matter our gender or sexual identity.”

“This is an opportunity to learn about the history of marginalized groups and to acknowledge our role in addressing the current challenges that individuals and groups continue to face. It is also a reinforcement of our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance and allyship. We are stronger, together,” added Councillor Kristin Strackerjan.

North Grenville’s Council also recognizes the leadership of two community not-for-profit groups, NG Pride and North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance.

NG Pride was established in 2018 to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Municipality of North Grenville. They also plan, fund, and organize Pride activities – including the annual Pride Parade - to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families.

North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance, was established with a mission to “create a safe space where all 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying and questioning youth can come together to foster friendships, experience creativity and gain confidence.”

“We have recently partnered with the Kemptville Youth Centre to offer a safe space to host events for youth and their families,” emphasized Melissa Button, Chair of North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance.

“We are so pleased to see the strong and vibrant leadership of the Pride community in North Grenville,” added Deputy Mayor John Barclay.

NG Pride held its annual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 3. For more information on Pride festivities and to get involved visit www.ngpride.ca.

Joint statement from Ontario’s farm leaders

submitted by Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The leadership of Ontario’s agricultural organizations named below are pleased to find common ground with the Ontario government with respect to protecting farmland under the proposed Provincial Planning Statement, with thanks to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark, for their willingness to meet with farmers on this issue, better understand our position and work together to find a resolution on this matter. We understand — and support — the need to increase the housing supply in Ontario, but we also want to ensure that hous-

Brain Droppings

by Peter Johnson

John Sebastian once wrote: “Did you ever have to make up your mind? Pick up on one and leave the other one behind. It's not often easy, and not often kind. Did you ever have to make up your mind?”

He was referring to dating sisters but it brought to mind a good topic: What kind of person should I choose to be? Greetings North Gremlins. Welcome to the next instalment of:

“What The Heck Is This Going To Be About?”

I had two memorable encounters last week. The first was during a walk with my Geezer Walking Group. An elderly woman asked, “Do you mind if I say hello to your dog? Is she friendly?”

I said that my dog – Eleanor – would love to meet her. And so, they had a wonderful time getting to know each other. It turns out that the

Adrian Moll

ing is developed without encroaching on Ontario’s farmland which is our most precious natural resource.

It is extremely encouraging that the Government is committed to continuing to work with Ontario’s farming community to find solutions. This commitment will ensure the protection of farmland and allow Ontario’s farmers to continue to feed the villages, towns and cities of the Province.

In addition, local farm leaders across the Province look forward to engaging in the extended consultations with respect to the proposed Provincial Planning Statement.

Since 2018, the Premier and his team have been strong advocates for the agricultural sector and have had the backs of Ontario farmers. We look forward to continuing to work with this government to ensure Ontarians have a sustainable supply of fresh, healthy and local food on their dinner tables both now, and in the future.

Sincerely, Peggy Brekveld, President Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Max Hansgen, President National Farmers UnionOntario

Ed Scharringa, President

Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario

William Bearss, Chair

Ontario Broiler Hatching

Egg & Chick Commission

Jack Chaffe, President

Beef Farmers of Ontario

John DeBruyn, Chair

Ontario Pork

Scott Helps, Chair

Egg Farmers of Ontario

John Hemsted, Chair

Ontario Sheep Farmers

Phil Kroesbergen

Veal Farmers of Ontario

Murray Opsteen, Chair

Chicken Farmers of Ontario

Bernard Pope, Chair and Martin Straathof, Executive Director

Ontario Farmland Trust

Brian Ricker, Chair

Turkey Farmers of Ontario

Murray Sherk, Chair

Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Albert Witteveen, Chair

Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance

Adrian passed away at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Saturday May 13, 2023, at the age of 80 years. Beloved husband of Theresa Moll (nee Riedl). Predeceased by his parents, Gerrit Moll and Johanna Maria Van de Bont. Cherished father of Angelika Sigl. Opa to Angellyn and Johnathan. Adrian is survived by his brothers and sisters, Cathy Payne (Ray), Bert Moll, Ed Moll (Elrena) and Hein Moll (Irene); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donations in Adrian’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435 woman had just recently lost her canine companion and she found this interaction both pleasing and difficult. She was close to tears, it was such a profound moment for her. Eleanor continued on her way, leading her Geezer Pack to its next adventure, unaware of what effect she had just had on a kindly, appreciative senior. My next encounter was less random. I drove up the street of an old friend, hoping he was outside, puttering in his yard. He was surprised to see me and told me that he had been intending to call me to say how much he had enjoyed my articles in the paper. I was a bit surprised – I don't really imagine that there are people out there who take the time to read my writing – let alone like it! Appreciative is a word that I would use to describe my years of association with this gentleman. Bill...let's call him Bill, because that is what his mother named him.

Bill and I crossed paths several times during our years in education, at two local public schools and later at a university. When I followed him into retirement, he had yet another job waiting for me as a supervisor of Canadian students at an American university, training them to get their certification to teach in Ontario.

Again, I accepted his offer and worked with 25 talented teaching candidates over the next 5 years. It was a wonderful way to share my experience and expertise while I waited for the woman of my dreams to join me in her retirement.

Sitting in the shade of Bill's garden, on a lovely May morning, we reminisced about our time together as professionals in education, and what we had been up to since we opted for the golden years of retirement. Later, after I was warmly greeted by Bill's wonderful wife, I loaded Eleanor back in the truck and headed for home.

The North Grenville Concert Choir delighted audiences with hits from The Golden Age of Broadway on the weekend of May 27-28.

Photo submitted by Elisabeth Rubli.

Since that day, I have been thinking about those two encounters and how I have been affected by them. Appreciation. I am very lucky to have crossed paths with people like Bill throughout my life. I have been truly blessed with wonderful people all around me: my wonderful children, their lovely children, my extended family, my musical friends and the people in this exceptional community. I keep shaking my head and muttering to myself, as old people are wont to do, 'What did I ever do to deserve this?'

As my 75th birthday draws nigh, I find that I am more aware of my many blessings. “With age comes wisdom” – Oscar Wilde, who also said, “Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.”

And to answer Mr. Sebastian's question: Yes, I have decided. I will choose to be a positive person and to be an influence for goodness and hope in my life and my community. The opposite takes too much energy and does not contribute much of value. Be well, Touters.

Pike, Caroline Barbara

April 24, 1938 – April 12, 2023

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Caroline passed away peacefully at her home at the Bayfield Manor Retirement Community in Kemptville, Ontario, at the age of 84 years. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by family and many friends, Caroline was predeceased on December 13, 2021, by her loving and devoted husband George of 55 years. Arrangements were in the care of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Kemptville, Ontario. In memory of Caroline, donations to the Kemptville District Hospital or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be gratefully appreciated. A heartfelt “thank you” to all of the wonderful staff at Bayfield Manor for their compassionate care and support, thanks for being there for Caroline.

“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.”