Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Science informed us factually of changing climate; it provided constructive recommendations for vaccines, and it continues to provide reliable, rational data to citizens as it has for many generations.

These scientific findings and recommendations often have been challenged for clarity, understanding and compelling advocacy. On the other hand, some challenges to science have been for argumentative reasons. Today, alternate facts smother scientific research, such that acceptance of scientific findings is now debatable.

As the majority of us have recently come to realize the correctness of changing climate warn- foot” doesn’t even do this particular store justice. The lack of common sense is so obvious, it’s painful.

Full circle. What does it mean to come “full circle”?

It’s when a situation goes through changes that eventually lead back to where everything started. Normally, I wouldn’t bring up this topic again having already written about it in the past, but the self-checkout fiasco is ever evolving and gets more interesting by the day. An article published by the CBC on July 10 reveals that self-checkouts are causing huge increases in theft for retailers. If only there was a way to have a cashier provide a level of appreciated customer service AND surreptitiously check to ensure that all items in a customer’s shopping cart have been scanned. It almost sounds like… a traditional checkout lane! We may not have come full circle yet, but I have a feeling it’s coming.

The CBC article also mentions that retailers are cracking down on receipt checks as a way to combat the increasing theft. There are two reasons why this is ridiculous. One is that it requires extra employees. Where could we use those? Perhaps… working checkout lanes instead? The other reason is that there is virtually no favourable outcome for the store. Either the customer refuses to submit to the receipt check, or the customer complies but is so embarrassed and frustrated that they never return to shop again, preferring instead to support stores that respect and trust their customers.

It surprises me how many people don’t realize that they don’t need to submit to a receipt check in a retail store. Why not? I’ll answer with a question. Would you let a store employee unlock your cellphone to verify that it’s actually yours and not a stolen display model? Would you let a store employee inspect your wedding ring for an engraving to make sure it’s not from the store’s jewelry department? What about your sunglasses? Your purse or wallet? Would you let someone check the clothes you’re wearing for tags? No – because it’s YOUR stuff, right? A lot of people forget that once you pay for something, it’s yours. Which means that all that stuff in your shopping bag belongs to you as well, and no store employee has the right to search your possessions without a warrant or consent.

I haven’t been asked to present a receipt in quite a long time, but I am firm in my decision that the next time it happens, I am going to simply keep walking and wish the store employee a nice day. If stores are paranoid about theft, they should ditch the self-checkouts. It already takes me longer to shop fumbling with those awful machines – I don’t have time to stop and be searched like a criminal, too. One quip I read online recently was “I never signed up for the cashier’s job so if I did it badly… oh well!”

There are so many stores – good, local stores – that don’t use self-checkout and still provide great customer service. Yes, big box retailers that treat us like criminals will always be less expensive, and for some families, there is no choice but to shop where the prices are low. This is understandable, and no judgement here. Those who can afford to spend their dollars at smaller, locally owned stores should do so to take a stand against the decline of customer service (and get a great shopping experience!). ings and of vaccination effectiveness, what will assist us to realize and accept any truths provided to us in the future? Is there a role for the North Grenville Times in discerning imperative truths from alternative facts? What could evolve in Kemptville as a constructive process for filtering out the negative alternate facts while retaining sufficient essential truths ? Do we have suggestions as to how we can discern the difference sooner?

This situation is either going to come full circle, with a return to real customer service when retailers realize it is cheaper in the long run, or more technology is going to be deployed to make customers’ lives even more miserable in the name of loss prevention. Perhaps soon, it won’t be “thank you for using selfcheckout” that we hear in a robotic tone reverberating around the store, but rather “handcuffs successfully deployed” as the self-checkout detains a suspected shoplifter. Heck, maybe they could even be loaded with tasers and pepper spray. Anything to make big bucks for big corporations, all while utterly humiliating customers and violating their rights. Enough is enough. Shop small, shop local.

Most of us understand the difference, after the fact.

1) This letter does not imply a search for the truths, as they are given.

2) We can respect alternative viewpoints; however, rehashing the past or attempting to de- termine what was the truth, is not the intent of this letter.

3) Urgently, this implores us to search for better ways to filter all reporting, so that alternative facts support the truth, not obfuscate it!

4) Can it be implemented?

What would be an improvement to remove the divide amongst North Grenville residents? Sincerely, Graeme Waymark of any surplus lands in the area of the proposed EOCC. Acting CAO Karen Dunlop confirmed that there is not yet a written agreement in place for the Province to pick up the tab for its portion of the required water and sewer upgrades to support the project.

The bulk of the remainder of the meeting was dedicated to discussion of the zoning amendments required for new developments. A comment from a member of the public criticized the plan to allow an exception to the recommended proportion of affordable housing for the development. A healthy exchange of ideas (and disagreements) took place between the resident and Mayor Peckford.

Much later in the meeting, resident Jesse Stewart expressed an urgent desire to speak and was invited to do so. He opened with a comment, “Sorry, I started getting the feeling that a vote was about to take place, and I thought the public was going to have a chance to say something before that took place.” Jesse was clearly frustrated with and critical of Council during his presentation. “We want to see honest debate!” he said. “Tonight, we will be able to do so before you take a vote… Questions must be answered before any decisions can be made. To do otherwise… would be an absolute desertion of representation [of your] constituents… are you planning on green lighting everything?” The resident strongly suggested that developments in North Grenville are being pushed through consistently in favour of developers.

“If you’re searching for reasons why I’m supporting this, I’ll keep it very simple,” answered Deputy Mayor John Barclay. “There is an old adage – ‘they’re not making land anymore’ – and even though we’ve got a very large municipality, preserving farmland, agricultural land is an imperative, so we’re looking to intensify residential development within settlement areas.” The Deputy Mayor expressed the various other reasons for his position in detail.

Councillors O’Sullivan and Strackerjan discussed the reasons for their positions as well. Jesse repeatedly interrupted Council members from the audience after his time to speak was over, eliciting a request from the Mayor for him to stop.

The vote for the zoning

BRAIN DROPPINGS A rock & roll song

by Peter Johnson

A few week's back I wrote, “Canada's 156th birthday just took place. I wonder how it went/ will go.” Well now, thanks to my special gift of 2020 'Hind-Sightedness', I know.

Greetings North Gremlins and welcome to the second half of the month of July. It has been a hot one, has it not? With so much heat and the lack of rain, it has been a trial for many – not just the agriculturally-inclined. And as I sit writing this, it is raining... will continue to throughout the day, and if our friend Connor Mockett can be believed, this afternoon it might look like Oklahoma here – Oklahoma being in tornado alley. (turns out he was right, as one touched down in Barrhaven, damaging 125 homes). But back to July 1.

There was music 'everywhere': The Kemptville Folk Club set up with The Street Piano, at the Library. Across the water, at Salamanders, on the patio, Bradley Smith – a fellow Folk Clubber – was performing his magic on keyboards. We thought by-law changes resulted in a tie, with Deputy Mayor Barclay and Councillor O’Sullivan supporting it, and Councillors Strackerjan and Wilson voting for a defeat of the motion. As a result of the tie, Mayor Peckford was required to vote to break the tie, and voted to defeat the motion. A spokesperson for the Municipality confirmed that a concurrent Plan of Subdivision and Plan of Condominium application was not considered at the meeting. The United Counties makes decisions regarding these plans, but the Municipality has not provided a recommendation. The developer is likely to appeal the defeat of the zoning by-law amendment.

In a bit of mild drama in the late hours of a long evening, several of the residents who had shown up for the meeting were firmly asked by the Mayor to leave quietly, as they were holding a personal conversation while exiting that was disruptive to the already complicated meeting.

The final item of major business was the passing of a rezoning application for the proposed Pine Hill Road development project.

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.

• Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 7:00 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

• Indigenous Advisory Circle – Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Equipment Operator

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the position of Equipment Operator in the Public Works Department. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 4th, 2023.

Advisory Committees

Join the conversation regarding the community! The Municipality continues to accept applications for members to various advisory committees. 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

North Grenville In Bloom

Garden of the Week Nominations that he sounded great. Not to be outdone, we cranked up our speakers so that we could share our music with the patio people too. And, of course, on the main stage in Riverside Park, Jamming Around Man Productions was set up for a first class presentation of local performers. The live music there went from noon until the fireworks lit up the night sky, many hours later. So, congratulations once again, to the KDCA organizers. Our community is enriched by your efforts.

Now, for a few free, fiercely formidable-yetfervent (alliteration alert!) thoughts about North Grenville's music scene. I have been involved in music in this community for some time now...not as far back as the United Empire Loyalists, who built my disastrouslydreary-dingy-dusty dirt road (alliteration alert #2). Music is a part of the fabric of our society. I and my fellow musicians have performed in many venues: The Hyde Smokehouse, The Goose & Gridiron, The Legions of Spencerville, Merrickville and Kemptville, The Red Dot Cafe in Osgoode, and The Vibrations Studios in the same hamlet...to name just a few (NB: the word 'Hamlet' originally referred to a small, Danish pig).

'Kemptville Live' is the epitome of music in this community. It brings in the best of Canadian talent: Blue Rodeo, Colin James and Valdy have performed here before and will do so again this year. Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, The Powder Blues Band, Burton Cummings, The Stampeders, Gordon Lightfoot...the list goes on and on. And then there's local talents like Lynne Hanson, Buckledown, The Five-Man Electrical Band, and of course – Bruce Enloe and the Burning Sensations (soon to be rebranded as: 'Bruce-Eric & the Curiously-Incurable Infestations'?)

This year's lineup includes: Harlequin, Melissa Ethridge, Toronto, The Commotions, and the requisite local talent – Silver Creek, and of course, the ageless – Eddie and his talented Stingrays. That is a ton of talent! We – this community – are the envy of many surrounding communities. Apart from Ottawa and it's BluesFest, there is nothing else quite like 'Kemptville

Congratulations Carol and Ron for being nominated as our first Garden of the Week! The Municipality of North Grenville is thrilled to recognize their incredible dedication and hard work in creating such a stunning garden. Their garden truly is a sight to behold with its vibrant colours, lush greenery, and meticulously arranged blooms. The attention to detail and the love they’ve poured into every corner of their garden is evident in every petal and leaf. For more information about North Grenville in Bloom, visit our project page at northgrenville. ca/projects.

Community Improvement Plan

Financial incentives are available for businesses and property owners to continue the revitalization of Downtown Kemptville. As part of the Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan, intake is now open for the following financial programs: Façade & Signage Grant, People Make the Place Grant, Building Fees Grant, and Tax-Increment Equivalent Residential Grant. The Development Charges Exemption is still in place for downtown. Intake is on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. If you have questions or are looking to apply, please email vision@ northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext 177.

Ng Green

NG Green Gift Card will be expiring on August 23, 2023. Don’t let the remaining value on your NG Green Gift Card go to waste! If you have any questions or require assistance email ecdev@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 ext. 153. Thank you for supporting local.

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

Live'.

With that in mind, I'd like to remind those who make the big decisions on behalf of our Municipality – don't screw this up! Your only-est responsibility with say, 'What can we do for you?', and stay the heck out of their way. If they leave, they won't be back. And for that, somebody's job should be on the line.

by Brandon Mayer

North Grenville residents are no strangers to the idea of “paying it forward”, so imagine how much kindness they can spread when it’s made even easier! Joelle Garneau, who was named Miss Leeds and Grenville 2023, is working on bringing a unique idea to the area. The “Kind as a Button” program will allow people to buy meals for neighbours who need them.

“Although I find it humorously difficult to explain, the button program is really quite simple,” said Joelle. “Individuals interested in participating will find two baskets at the cash – one with buttons to buy and one with buttons that have been prepaid for. These buttons are $1 each. Once purchased, individuals can put the buttons in the prepaid basket and, when someone is in need, they can use the prepaid buttons to buy their food.”

Joelle explained that the idea for the buttons originates from a Café in Hamilton called 541 Eatery, which is a non-profit, pay-it-forward café. From there, the C-Road Church decided to implement the idea in the Outpost Café in Prescott, which is where Joelle learned of it. “This prompted me to reach out to the Outpost Café to carry out this program in more of our municipalities,” she explained. “My goal is to implement at least one "Kind as a Button" initiative in each of the 10 Leeds and Greenville municipalities.”

Last year’s Nutritious Food Basket costing, conducted by the local health unit, found that when considering average rent and food costs, a typical lower income family could expect to be left with as little as $90 for monthly bills and other routine expenses, which is clearly not feasible. This is why Joelle knows there is a need for support locally. “Though [there are] initiatives to help those in our community who are in need, there isn't a way the people can lend a hand directly to each other,” Joelle added. “This is a nice way people can come together to help those around them who may be struggling more than the eye can see.”

Community has always been important to Joelle. She believes that those who surround us shape us into the people we become. “You never know exactly what someone is going through behind closed doors,” she said. “I want to help build something that everyone can feel good about.”

The main cost of the “Kind as a Button” program is sourcing the buttons themselves. Joelle has taken on that cost herself, for the time being, with sponsors being sought. “Although I've done a call-out, we haven't had any sponsors for the program,” she added.

Joelle was glad to be able to help both the C-Road Church and the Outpost Café get the program implemented in more cafés. “Their excitement gave me the drive to push, and I am very excited to see how far this program can go and how many lives it can affect,” she said. The local program is not quite underway as the buttons have not yet been received, but the hope is that everything will be up and running in a week or two.

Joelle is encouraging any cafés who are interested in participating to reach out to her directly by email at joelle.garneau@outlook.com. For those who would like to make a larger donation and receive a charitable receipt, the C-Road Church and the Outpost Café are able to issue those receipts.