Partners in Cooking
by Marguerite Boyer
On Tuesday, July 16, 19 youths, ages between 13 and 21 signed up for a free cooking class at the House of Lazarus (HOL) Community Hub in Kemptville. The class is sponsored by both the HOL, and Wellness Access for Youth (WAY) in partnership with the St. John’s United Church.
St. John's provides the volunteers for the reception and the space, while HOL and WAY do everything else. The HUB was initiated out of conversations at the Community Forum. Cathy Ashby described what they were doing in Morrisburg and a group of the members from St. John's went to see the HUB there. They were so impressed that
their board agreed that this was consistent with their own vision and that they should give it a go.
This was the first class, and organisers were very pleased with the turnout. Shelley Summers, House of Lazarus' Community Cook, and Justin Cunningham of WAY, were the two main coaches. Justin's journey is a remarkable story of resilience and transformation. Justin struggled with alcohol, substance abuse, and hidden homelessness. Despite these difficulties, Justin has been sober for three years and returned to school and graduated the Mental Wellness and Addictions program from St. Lawrence College. He now works to support youth
at RNJ Youth Services in the WAY Program; helping them navigate similar challenges through his lived experience. You can find Justin at the Kemptville skatepark (Riverside Park) on Wednesdays from 2:30pm – 4:30pm, and at the Kemptville Youth Centre on Fridays throughout the summer. Dan MacKinnon from Wellness Access for Youth, part of the John Howard Society of Kingston and District, was also in attendance lending a helping hand wherever needed. Any youth or parents looking to get connected to local services can also find Dan at the HUB on Tuesdays, where he can help with referrals and information. These cooking classes
are open to all youths from ages 13 to 24 and run on the third Tuesday of every month, from 10:30am –1pm. The theme on July 16 was chicken, and the youths were led through the process, from prepping to cooking of fajitas and chicken soup. It was a very crowded kitchen. Afterwards, they all sat down together to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and even had some to take home.
HOL Community Hub is located in St. John’s United Church and open every Tuesday from 9am – 4pm with counsellor Veronica LedermannFear from the HOL on hand to help with figuring out where to get assis-
613.258.1277
tance for a wide range of things, such as finances, filling out paperwork, and navigating online forms. They can offer non-judgmental assistance to help you access services available to you in the community. Income tax can also be dropped off any Tuesday from 9am – 4pm.
To reach Veronica, you can email her at vfear@houseoflazarus. com or drop in on Tuesdays at 400 Prescott street, Kemptville, or call House of Lazarus 613989-3830. About WAY
Wellness Access for Youth (WAY) is a collaborative – funded by the Kemptville District Hospital – of local service providers who make referrals and support mental health and substance use health services for youth aged 12 to 25 years of age in North Grenville.
WAY can help with mental health, substance use health, food insecurity, clothing/basic needs support, housing, employment, transportation to appointments, referrals to other services and more. Help is just a call away.
1-866-741-1WAY (1929) or email at info@wellnessaccessforyouth.ca
WAY partners that can be accessed this way include:
- Kemptville District Hospital
- Assault Response and Care Centre
“Wizard” tournament boasts loads of fun
- Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville
- Connect Youth
- CSE Consulting
- Developmental Services of Leeds & Grenville
- Kemptville Youth Centre
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health
- Mental Health Crisis Line
- PLEO – Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario
- RNJ Youth Services
- Victim Services
On July 14, the 2024 North American Wizard Tournament took place at Pierces' Corners a.k.a. the Marlborough Community Centre.
Wizard is a trick-taking card game designed by Ken Fisher, of Toronto, in 1984. It is based on "Oh Hell", also called "Screw Your Neighbour".
Of the 40 players who competed, about half were from North Grenville and the other half travelled from Ottawa, Toronto and its nearby cities, western Ontario, Montreal, Texas, New York and even Spain. Many met through Ken Fisher's website at https://wizardcards.com; others met by playing Wizard at Pierces Corners. The winner was our own Sandra Nolan, from Kemptville.
To join the fun playing in future Wizard competitions, arrive at Pierce's Corners between 12:30 and 12:55 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. Play starts at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Debi at debiar@ ymail.
Move Better, Feel Better
Camp Day fundraiser brings in over $14,000
$100,000 grant
The annual Tim Hortons Camp Day fundraiser brought in a staggering $14,003.38 between the two local Tim Hortons locations this year. This includes funds raised both through coffee sales, and through associated Camp Day fundraising events.
“What a fantastic day, with great support from our local Kemptville community,” said Ingrid Kohling, owner of the Kemptville Mall Tim Hortons location. “Team Members organized events and helped guide volunteers such as Mayor Nancy Peckford, who happily greeted guests at the drive thru window, and OPP officers who assisted with window washing for a donation at drive thru.”
This year’s campers on site helping with the fundraising events were Payton, Zoe and Ella.
Ingrid added: “A big thank you to our volunteers and guests for their support, generosity and helping making Camp Day a success!”
for Riverside Park multi-use pathway
On July 19, local MPP Steve Clark met with Mayor Nancy Peckford as the Municipality announced the completion of the multi-use pathway at Riverside Park, which was made possible thanks to a $100,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). This funding has significantly enhanced the park, providing improved amenities and greater accessibility for the community.
“Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for investing $100,000 towards creating a multi-use pathway in Riverside Park. This support is vital to the Municipality of North Grenville’s initiative to enhance the park, making it a space all residents can enjoy,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “Encouraging active living by creating more dedicated and accessible infrastructure
fosters healthy lifestyles, while also helping to build more connected and safe communities.”
First awarded in March 2022, the grant allowed the Municipality of North Grenville to build a new multi-purpose pathway at Riverside Park. The new multi-use pathway will connect various parts of the park, encouraging outdoor activities and fostering a greater sense of community for all.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Nancy Peckford, Mayor of North Grenville. “This funding is crucial in our efforts to enhance Riverside Park by offering more amenities
and creating a safer, more accessible space for all residents.”
The multi-use pathway at Riverside Park was designed to accommodate a variety of activities, including walking, cycling, and exercise stations. This project is part of the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public spaces and promoting active living. For more information about the Riverside Park multi-use pathway project, please visit: https://www. northgrenville.ca/councilgovernment/projects/mngprojects/riverside-park-recreation-expansion-project
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic wellbeing, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant
Phone:613 329 0209 Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca
Mayor Nancy Peckford with long time staff member, Bonnie
Aim at foot
by Brandon Mayer
One common topic of conversation around the region lately is the LCBO workers’ job action. For me, as I write this, the strike is still ongoing. For you, as you read this, it may still be happening, or it may have just recently ended. Letters to the editor on this topic have been plentiful between our local North Dundas Times, and our sister paper, the North Grenville Times. The arguments seem to break down into two groups. 1) “Doug Ford is horrible” and 2) “A strike is a terrible way for these workers to get their point across”. Well… yes, and yes. It's hard to get behind any politician anymore.
Then again, maybe that is partially a good thing. We need to leave the “fangirl” behaviour for celebrities, and use our brains when it comes to electing leaders. Too many people don’t make this distinction, and politicians capitalize on
this. Hitler gained power largely through manipulating the masses. We may think those days are behind us, but you know what they say about those who fail to learn history – they are doomed to repeat it. Take Trump for example. No, he is not Hitler, and anyone who makes that reference should stop and realize what an insult it is to Holocaust survivors, and the recent attempt on Trump’s life was also totally unacceptable, and I condemn anyone who makes jokes such as “better luck next time”. But how Trump can have the absolute brainless following that he does from millions upon millions of Americans – and sadly, many Canadians too –is beyond me. It either shows that so many of these supporters are bullies at heart, just like Trump, or they are too ignorant to notice what their cherished leader is really like (I don’t know that any movie writer has ever accomplished writing a more self-absorbed fictional character than the very much real-life Donald Trump).
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
There was an excellent letter in the NGT recently from Andrew Thriscutt regarding MP Micheal Barrett’s flyers where he wants to “Axe the Tax”. He and the Conservative Party in general have turned the carbon tax, even one with a substantial rebate, into a political weapon. I think that I find their cherry-picking of facts the most annoying, as they give people a false sense of what is really going on, knowing that most people don’t have the time nor the inclination to fact check what they are told.
I would like to add to Mr. Thriscutt’s points. He covered the moral and ethical points well. I would like to tackle the fiscal ones, as money seems to be uppermost in the flyer information. The Conservatives portray the carbon tax as the prime cause of inflation, but inflation has affected the entire world. Most countries don’t even have a carbon tax, and inflation hasn’t spared them. In Canada, the carbon price contributed 0.15 percent to an inflation that topped out at 8.1 percent in 2022.
Compare that to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting spike in oil and gas prices, or the impact of
Either way, it points to a doomed country.
The comedy movie “The Campaign” with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis does an excellent job at using satire to point out the flaws in US politics. Fair warning though – it is quite a vulgar movie. It highlights the reality that actual policies and leadership principles matter far less in politics than token concepts such as “supporting our troops” and “creating jobs” to gain popularity.
This latter point – “creating jobs” – reminds me of former Ontario Progressive Conservative leader, Tim Hudak. He relentlessly pushed his “million jobs promise”, so much so that I can still hear him in my head on the TV talking about “1 million jobs – good, middle class jobs!” One would have to be completely thick to think that in a province of 12 million people, a single party could “create” not only enough jobs for approximately 12.5% of the province’s adult population, but “middle class jobs” nonetheless. You’d have
extreme weather the past 3 summers on global harvests, both of which outweighed the impact of food price inflation, and let’s not forget the insane profits that the food giants are making, which begs the question of why aren’t the Feds taxing these windfall profits? Or consider the pandemic and its decimation of supply chains, which accounted for a third of global inflation at its 2022 peak. Each of these inflationary causes outweighs the carbon tax by an order of magnitude.
In his flyer, Mr. Barrett also managed to avoid mentioning that the Federal government sends us a cheque four times a year to offset this tax, (estimated, for a family of four, at $1120 for the coming year), so presumably, you would have to deduct what the Federal government sends you from his numbers, because if you don’t pay the tax, then you don’t get the rebate. The system is that you tax the polluters, then offset the price increases they pass on to the consumer by issuing a cheque, the amount you receive being a function of your earnings. Make the polluter pay and compensate the consumer. The Federal government gives back 90% of what it collects to the
to be even more thick not to notice that in the same campaign, Hudak’s government announced plans to cut government jobs through attrition.
It's interesting how much psychology actually plays into politics. Studies show that lower class people tend to believe that they are “middle class”, and upper class people tend to believe that they are… well… middle class! This bit of psychology is used in campaigns a lot. One would think that a campaigning party would want to appeal to the lower class – the people in poverty who really need help – but that doesn’t properly play the odds. The reason we hear from parties on both sides of the House of Commons about “helping the middle class” is because an overwhelming majority of the population thinks they will be the ones getting the help!
If I had the time and space, I would write pages and pages on how politics is nothing more than a game played between parties. Politicians play, and regular
taxpayer, scarcely a money grab.
It hasn’t always been that the Conservative Party is so anti-environment. They are the ones who convened a global treaty to save the ozone layer in 1987, who wrote the original Environmental Protection Act that became law in 1988, and who signed an accord with the United States in 1991 to curb acid rain. It was also Conservatives who first proposed a carbon tax. As recently as 2007, Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper called climate change “perhaps the biggest threat to confront the future of humanity”. Almost two decades later, with all the warning lights blinking red across the planet, Conservatives have transformed themselves into a national vessel of denial.
This is not the Party of your father or grandfather. Colin Creasey, Kemptville
Dear Editor,
After a number of us in this area had read Mr. Raina's letter to the editor in the July 4th edition, "Halt all development pending infrastructure upgrades", and I felt compelled to send a letter directly to Mr. Raina to thank him for saying out
people like us… we are the spectators. Oh, and every now and then, we get to participate in the “audience choice awards”, otherwise known as an election.
Being short on both space and time, I will return my focus to Doug Ford. I share the concerns of many. I do believe that Ford’s heart was in the right place when he first ran for office, but that he has since gone off the rails in terms of his duty to Ontarians. His plans to pay a penalty of $225 million to cancel a contract with The Beer Store so that alcohol can be sold in more locations has been described in the Globe and Mail as “a scandal”. Perhaps – but so was Kathleen Wynne’s choice to enter into a 10 year agreement with The Beer Store in the first place. Politicians make decisions with votes in mind. Doug Ford wants to be remembered as the reason why you can by beer at Circle K when you are standing in front of the ballot box. That said, the “conservative” in “progressive conservative” stands for “fiscal responsibility”, and when it comes to $225 million, the responsible decision would have been to
loud what many of us have been thinking, voiced in our own letters, or stated at some of the meetings. Now I would like to share a condensed version of my letter with your readers since I feel everyone should have a say. Many that I sent this letter to said that Mr. Raina hit the nail right on the head.
"Thank you, Mr. Raina, My name is Maureen Pinsent and we met quite a while ago in my driveway and you gave me your contact information.
I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated your letter to the editor in the July 4 edition of The North Grenville Times. I too, and many, many others have deep concerns regarding the current state of "what was once" our great little piece of paradise. And yes I totally agree with every concern you have, especially around the infrastructure.
I fully believe the municipality is absolutely putting the cart before the horse... and that cart is extremely long and overloaded... and that poor horse is barely bigger than a pony.
It bothers me that all this development is going on, and I am nervous about what is still to come. It would seem voices are not being heard... or if they are... we
wait until next year when the contract expires. This all perhaps makes LCBO workers “right” in their principles, but it doesn’t mean their job action makes sense. I recently picked up some alcohol for a party at my usual place – the amazing Rick’s Gas Bar in South Mountain. There was no change for me, but I’m sure many people discovered how many convenient places there already are to buy alcohol in this province after being turned away from their local LCBO by “closed” signs. This strike action sounds a lot like a case of “let us prove that you don’t need us”. It sounds like the LCBO union followed a two-step instruction manual: 1) Aim at foot. 2) Fire when ready. No politician will ever please everyone, but that’s a fundamental part of democracy. A leader who pleases everyone is likely to be more skilled in the art of brainwashing than policy making. A lone person can’t change the face of Canadian politics, so instead I’ll just grab my popcorn and continue spectating. We’re almost at the season finale, and it’s sure to be a good one.
basically get "oh stop your whining" or "if you don't like it, move", blah, blah, blah.
Great way to treat the homeowners that have no other choice than to have our hard-earned tax money spent on things we are dead set against.
Oh, we are not against moving forward, advancing, getting a facelift... but good gawd... stop trying to reinvent the wheel and do it all overnight!!!
After all... by the time the "long-term implication of unchecked development" raises its ugly head... those pushing that cart against that pony... are going to be long gone. Then what?
By the way... the developers of the old KPS site at 215 Reuben Crescent will likely have their stage 1 permit within the next 40 days, and will be starting the first building (of the three, 4 storey buildings) facing Riverside Park.
I for one, sincerely appreciate the wisdom of people like you."
One thing I didn't include in this letter to Mr. Raina, that I will at this time, is my concern about the sewer/water system in this area. People know what
Infrastructure is and the sewer’s ability to accommodate increased volume. This includes even fresh water delivery and the fact that the aquifer will definitely be taxed to the limit... all the utilities will be!
Traffic on Reuben will be an issue, with a lack of downtown parking spaces for a possible 300 plus vehicles. The flow on Prescott will make that street a miserable drive, more congested and more dangerous for pedestrians. I hope the people of this town... especially the downtown core, are taking heed of all that is going on in our town and take a good hard look "before" the possible mistakes are allowed to proceed.
Maureen Pinsent
A very concerned homeowner
Dear Editor, "The local health unit is reporting cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in our communities. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be very serious in vulnerable patients.
One impact from the Covid-19 pandemic has been waning uptake of routine
NGtransit launches a mid-year community survey
North Grenville’s ondemand transit service, NGtransit, is proud to celebrate its six-month milestone. Since its inception, NGtransit has successfully facilitated nearly 4,200 rides, maintaining an impressive average passenger rating of 4.5 out of 5. The service has predominantly catered to adults, who comprise 82% of the ridership, while youth account for 16%. In alignment with Council’s objectives, the Municipality is undertaking a comprehensive mid-year assessment of the NGtransit program to guide future planning and enhancements.
“We are committed to making NGtransit the best it can be, given its mandate, our resource constraints and the large geographic area it
vaccinations. Vaccinations that help to protect everyone in society. Family doctors can provide routine, publicly funded vaccines, but over 2.3 million people in the province do not have a family doctor. Health units offer appointments for vaccines, but often at times that are not accessible for working families and at locations that may not be accessible to all.
Pharmacies played an essential role in the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, and have been delivering publicly funded flu vaccines for over a decade. Pharmacies are located in every community and many have extended opening hours. At a time of falling vaccination rates, outbreaks of highly contagious infections, and limited access to family doctors, it is nonsensical to exclude pharmacies from the wider publicly funded vaccination schedules.
As a pharmacist, I know the struggles people face to get routine vaccinations. Ontario Greens are calling on the Ford government to include pharmacies in publicly funded vaccination services in order to increase access to these life saving vaccines which help keep everyone in society safe. Steve Gabell
serves. Fundamentally, NGtransit’s mission is to be a reliable and efficient service for those who require it,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “By listening to our riders and those who have yet to try NGtransit, we hope to gather the information needed to enhance and expand our services.”
Your input is crucial in helping us improve NGtransit. Whether you are a current user or have yet to experience the service, we encourage you to participate in the survey and share your thoughts.
Together, we can continue to build a better transit service for North Grenville.
The survey aims to collect feedback on user experiences and identify factors that encourage or
deter transit use. The survey will take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete, and will close Friday, August 2, 2024. Residents can participate by visiting www. northgrenville.ca/transit to access the survey link or by picking up a paper copy at:
- Municipal Office at 285 County Road 44
- North Grenville Public Library at 1 Water Street
- Kemptville Youth Centre at 5 Oxford Street West
- North Grenville Community Living at 2830 County Road 43
- Seniors’ Community Services at 215 Sanders Street
We encourage all residents to participate in the survey and share their thoughts. The feedback gathered will be crucial in
shaping the future of NGtransit and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of North Grenville.
About NGtransit
NGtransit is North Grenville’s municipal-wide, ondemand transit service offering:
- Service seven (7) days a week
- On-demand booking and the ability to schedule trips in advance
- A variety of ways to book a ride (phone, app, online)
- One-way fares and thirty (30) day pass
- Specialized service for riders with accessibility needs and users of our current accessible system - including door-to-door service and the ability to book rides within a shorter timeframe
July 10 Council meeting update
by Brandon Mayer
The July 10 meeting of North Grenville Council opened with a presentation of a Canadian Honours 20Year Exemplary Service Medal to Captain Luke Geleynse of the North Grenville Fire Service. The high honour was presented to Captain Geleynse on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon. Fire Chief John Okum nominated Captain Geleynse for the award, and gave a speech at the award presentation about why it was deserved.
The first planning matter at the meeting was in regard to the property at 646 River Road (The Boathouse Café), which the owner used as a wedding venue in 2023 without the proper zoning. The owner made a request for a temporary 6 month allowance to use the property as an outdoor gathering venue, and Amy Martin, the Municipality’s Director of Planning and Development, read off various comments from members of the public and businesses either for or against the proposed temporary zoning change. The temporary amendment
would “allow for additional time to undertake the necessary studies for a full zoning amendment”.
Municipal staff recommended approving the temporary zoning change, but a public meeting took place so that community members could provide feedback before Council made its final decision. The property owner spoke first, explaining that the weddings she has already hosted on the property were an honest mistake – as a new businesses owner, she did not realize that these events violated zoning bylaws.
One local resident spoke to the crowded room in support of the temporary zoning amendment, while several residents spoke out against it, including one neighbour who stated that the outdoor events have caused “complete disruption to our way of life”. The property owner spoke again following the concerns from her neighbours. “I do not want to be enemies with everyone on the street,” she said through tears. She explained that her business, at minimum, needs to be able to host indoor events to survive, and that her current zoning does not even provide for that.
Municipality introduces an EDI fund
The Municipality of North Grenville is proud to announce the establishment of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Fund, initiated by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Residents and local organizations are invited to apply for funding to support initiatives that promote EDI values within the community, with the application deadline set for August 30, 2024.
Mayor Nancy Peckford expressed enthusiasm about the new fund, stating, "The EDI Fund reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity across North Grenville."
The EDI Fund offers grants of up to $3,000 per application, aiming to empower local initiatives that enhance EDI practices, strengthen community cohesion, and foster sustainable EDI-related efforts.
With an annual allotment of $15,000, the fund is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations committed to advancing EDI principles in North Grenville.
This fund is in keeping with the Municipality’s objectives to create a more inclusive and diverse community. The fund was modelled off the recently established Municipal Arts and Culture Fund which has enabled small scale, affordable and innovative initiatives that enrich our community.
Application Process
Interested and eligible applicants can fill out an application at www.northgrenville.ca/equity or pick up a hard copy at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44 in Kemptville.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 30th, 2024, at 5:00pm.
Councillor Kristin Strackerjan provided comments on the matter, pointing out that a temporary zoning amendment allows for already-planned events to be fulfilled on the property, while giving the business owner a chance to prove that the events can take place without disrupting traffic flow or road safety, and without causing excess noise.
After some discussions about ways to mitigate noise and parking concerns, and ways for residents to quickly complain and get noise levels reduced if they become bothersome, the temporary zoning amendment was approved by Council, with a note from Mayor Peckford that it is a “file [they] will watch very closely”.
Other planning matters were discussed in the lengthy meeting, including the development application for 215 Reuben Cres, which became known by many last year as the “KPS apartments” since the lot was formerly the site of Kemptville Public School. Director Martin reported that the Municipality has received the site plan application for the development with all
Eligible projects must take place in North Grenville and must align with the EDI Fund’s objectives.
Successful applicants will be notified in September 2024.
For more information about the EDI Fund, visit www. northgrenville.ca/equity
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
required civil drawings, and that staff have reviewed the information and are satisfied that the developer has met all requirements for the first 59 units. Staff recommended lifting the holding provision to allow construction to begin on this first phase, and after some discussion, Council unanimously voted in agreement. It is antici-
pated that ground will be broken this fall.
The July 10 meeting was the only regularly scheduled open Council meeting this month, with no upcoming meetings yet added to the municipal calendar as of the time of writing.
Free workshop aims to stop spread of invasive species
Invasive species can wreak havoc on our native ecosystems, but a free community workshop aims to help local residents and community groups identify the region's most problematic invaders so they can stop them from spreading even further.
Staff from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority will host the workshop on Saturday, July 20 at the authority’s headquarters at 3889 Rideau Valley Drive
in Manotick. From 9 am to noon, participants can enjoy presentations as well as hands-on displays of invasive plants and animals.
“The more people know about invasive species and how to stop them, the better,” said Eric Guitard, RVCA’s City Stream Watch Co-ordinator. He said this year’s workshop will include information on up-and-coming invaders in an effort to get ahead of them.
“By reducing the spread,
we can give our native species a fighting chance and promote a more balanced and diverse local ecosystem.”
Invasive plants like Himalayan Balsam, garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and dog-strangling vine can spread rapidly, pushing out native species and leaving gaps in the area’s biodiversity. This can reduce food supplies and resources for other species who rely on the missing native plants.
Invasive plants are also often poor substitutes when it comes to erosion and flood mitigation, as their roots generally aren’t as deep or strong.
In the water, invasive aquatic species can have dramatic ecosystem impacts while also measurably changing water quality and characteristics. For example, invasive zebra mussels filter
Habitat for Humanity Kemptville Korners build now complete
Last week, the highly anticipated Kemptville Korners build project undertaken by Habitat for Humanity was completed, with local dignitaries able to formally welcome some of the new residents.
In total, 16 families will call the new housing project home. “The homes were built on a severed piece of land on the periphery of the Kemptville Campus,” explained Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Born out of a conversation in 2019 between Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands Brockville ReStore, my Mayor’s Taskforce on Afforable Housing, the
Municipality of North Grenville and ultimately a key partnership with the Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, the scope of this project grew alongside the determination to make the best use of a small parcel of land close to schools, our hospital and our beautiful downtown. Our MPP Steve Clark also provided his support.”
Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit organization that allows families who would not otherwise be able to obtain a mortgage attain home ownership. These families work volunteer hours on build projects in exchange for
suspended particulates so effectively they can cause distinctly weedier lakes, since sunlight can reach further into the water column.
“It’s a group effort to keep our local environment as natural and functional as possible for everyone’s benefit,” Guitard said. “We’re excited to welcome residents as passionate as we are about making a difference.”
Space is limited. Advanced registration is required by filling out a form on the RVCA website, or emailing citystreamwatch@ rvca.ca. All are welcome, including community associations, environmental groups, property owners, students and anyone with an interest in learning about invasive species. Light refreshments will be served.
vs later. Thank you to staff and my Council colleagues who willingly went down this road – and supported the surplusing of a small but well-located parcel of land, and enthusiastically joined on our Build Day. We also appreciate the efforts of our local Kemptville ReStore and neighbouring stores who spend a lot of time receiving, processing and selling goods on behalf of Habitat. Welcome to our new families and huge thanks to everyone who lent a hand, a hammer, funds and/or their heart to bringing all of this together.”
an interest free, down payment free mortgage on their new home through the organization itself, with payments geared to what the family can afford.
“We recognize there are many others who would like to avail of a similar opportunity, and that this project alone is simply one step forward,” added Mayor Peckford. “Based on the early success of this initiative, the generosity of our local and regional business community, and the tremendous work of so many volunteers and the Build Team, we are hopeful that another opportunity may emerge sooner
CEO and President of the national Habitat for Humanity, Pedro Barata joins Mayor Peckford and Councillors Wilson and O’Sullivan.
A young boy accepts the key to his newly build Kemptville Korners home on behalf of his family.
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Craftsman (CR)
Craftsman (CR)
Restoring hope is job one
It’s happened before, and it was only a matter of time until it happened again. A brutal act of violence against a candidate for political office shatters the hope that reasonable people can exercise the democratic process. As has also happened before, these events cause a surge of short and long-term impacts on the health of society – especially children, teens, and young adults.
There’s no escaping the economic cost of violence. Gun violence is just one kind of trauma, costing the U.S. a staggering $557 billion annually according to the National Institute for Health Care Management. What’s behind that gargantuan number? Medical costs are less than $3B. Policing and criminal justice costs add $11B. Employer hits to revenue and productivity are half a billion dollars. These are small change in that
$557B figure.
But there are two biggies. Income lost due to death and disability, work loss of caregivers, and incarceration costs $53.8 billion on average each year. Quality-of-life costs and the pain and wellbeing lost by those injured or killed and their families amount to a walloping $489 billion annually.
These numbers are calculated based on an annual average in the U.S. since 2020 of about 45,000 people dying from gun-related incidents.
Now consider the impact of gun violence as witnessed by the world with the assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. Like him or not, Donald Trump is a figure well known to all of us. Every shooting is horrible. But as the statistics above confirm, when it is someone we know, the ef-
fects are catastrophic, and it’s the innocent and vulnerable who pay the most.
Maybe young adults have the fortitude to avoid negative impacts on their psyche, motivation, confidence, and general outlook. But we can’t find the studies to show it, and there’s not a lot of overt evidence for that.
For millions of teens and younger children, one wonders how they internalize these events, the societal shock, then weeks of questioning, and the inevitable barrage of media, much of it depressing. What do these costs amount to for them?
Times like this call for bold leadership at the highest levels. But who wants to take up the opportunity in politics? The ideal of shaping a better future through the debate of policies in a democratic system is all but lost. Now, the “wellbeing” calculus is deterring wouldbe aspirants. The number of young people turning away from the preparation for holding public office is bad enough. What’s alarming is the easy alternative of reckless abandonment of the principles that uphold a decent society. Apathy is another sad and likely outcome.
Montesquieu was the French judge and political
philosopher who took up the leadership challenge. In 1748 with the publication of his book, “The Spirit of Law”, he upended old political ways with his theory of the separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches of administration. And he warned, “The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.”
We’ve seen the cost of this in terms of war and peace. We also need to see it in terms of general health. Can we measure the social, economic and health costs of loss of hope in the political process?
With half of the world’s population living in the nearly 100 counties having elections this year, 2024 was bound to be tumultuous and costly. Is it time for healthcare leaders to take a bolder stand?
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Health Unit raises awareness about bats and rabies
Approximately three percent of bats carry the rabies virus. The most common signs of rabies in bats are the inability to fly and resting in unusual places such as the ground or floor. It is important to remember many of the bats that get into our homes are healthy bats and are looking for a way out.
Bats are nocturnal animals and feed most actively two to three hours following sunset. They are efficient pest controllers as they consume three times their body weight in insects per night. While bats often give birth to their young in natural locations, such as caves or hollow trees, they will also select attics and similar sheltered, humanmade structures for nursery colonies. During the day they roost in trees and in buildings. Bats are usually born in June. Nests are not required as the young are able to fly and obtain their own food within three weeks. Hibernation occurs between November and March. Some species typically hibernate in attics of
buildings while others prefer caves.
Diseases Bats May Carry
While they are important members of our ecosystems, with most species being protected, bats do have the potential to carry diseases such as rabies and histoplasmosis, which can affect humans and animals. They may also transmit distemper and mange to household pets.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and is found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is fatal if left untreated.
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. Exposure to the fungus occurs when the soil is disturbed. The disease primarily affects the lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. If you are cleaning areas where bat droppings have accumulated, be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves and keep dust to a minimum.
Bat Encounters
If a bat is carrying the rabies virus, there is a risk of it being transmitted to an individual when both the following conditions apply:
- There has been direct contact with a bat – direct contact with a bat is defined as the bat touching or landing on a person, and;
- There is a bite, scratch, or saliva exposure into a wound or mucous membrane. If you are bitten by a bat or if saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical attention immediately. If the bat is available, the Health Unit can arrange for it to be tested for rabies.
In a child, any direct contact with a bat (i.e., the bat landing on or touching the child, including contact through clothes) could be considered a reason for vaccine administration, as a child may not be able to reliably communicate the encounter with the bat to determine the type of the contact (i.e., a bite, scratch or mucous membrane ex-
April 16, 1940 - July 22, 2020
You bettered our world. For this and the privilege of knowing and loving you Your family and friends say thank-you! "For You Were A Man To Know"
posure).
If you have experienced a bat encounter and/ or may have been bitten, contact 1-800-660-5853 or on weekends call 613345-5685 and seek medical attention from a health care provider.
Bat Proofing Your Home
Bat proofing your house is necessary when the bats are entering the living space of your home. It is advisable to contact a pest management company or a wildlife conservation agency for assistance with bat-proofing your home.
If you find a bat in your home and there was no human or animal contact, the bat can be released to the outdoors. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat to avoid being bitten.
Rabies can also affect pets; to protect your pet from rabies it is important to vaccinate them. Rabies vaccination is mandatory in Ontario for domestic cats and dogs. For more information, visit healthunit.org.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kimberly “Kim” Mae Lynch (nee Royal) announce her passing on the morning of July 10, 2024, at the age of 55. Kim is survived by her husband Wayne Lynch, daughter Sarah Lynch, Mother Luella Royal (nee Bell), and sister Karen Royal. She leaves behind two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, as well as her many nieces and nephews. Kim is predeceased by her Father, Kenneth Royal. Shortly after moving to Kemptville in 1993 with Wayne, Kim joined Welcome Wagon and took pride in greeting new members to a community that was still new to her as well. Since then, Kim has continued to be a beloved member of the community and has touched the lives of many through her various volunteer efforts, with both local and country-wide organizations. Kim’s Visitation and Service on Saturday, July 27, will be held at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church at 1964 County Road 43, Kemptville, ON. Visitation will be from 10 am until Service time at 12 pm and light refreshments afterward. Expressions of sympathy may be made by a donation to either Community Living North Grenville, or Golden Rescue.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435
Phone:613
Email:
melissa@ngtimes.ca
Kimberly “Kim” Mae Lynch (nee Royal)
“Never a dull moment” at Kemptville Retirement Living
by Cecile Fortier Kemptville Retirement
Living, nestled along the river, leaves one wondering how life keeps on going for the folks living there. One is surprised to see how life encompasses a transition from their home, to living with so many people around them. As they enter the front door, their lives become an act of endurance that exercises patience during the transition that slowly becomes a routine. They have moved into their apartment with what is left of their most preferred treasures and bits of furniture. Life suddenly
brings them through a revolving door into a new journey that will keep them going until they are settled in. The choice of the daily routine is an abundance of activities provided by the recreational manager and are posted on the monthly calendars.
To the astonishment of many, not a single celebration is forgotten. From Thanksgiving to Remembrance Day, when about twenty large photos of military members now living here were exhibited for all to remember and admire.
December was packed
Baldwin's Birds
full of activities. There were many choices of Christmas delights, and many musicians entertained the audience with their renditions of familiar Christmas carols. Christmas trees decorated every nook and cranny. The whole building vibrated pondering what was to come. Santa paid a visit and had a gift bag for everyone spreading good cheer to all.
On Christmas eve, the recreational manager introduced a new tradition of morning tea. She brought out the bone China cups and served various choices of tea. Everyone tried to be very “correctly – Brit” while also munching on Christmas cookies. These festive activities lasted until New Year’s Eve. On that day, the chef and his staff welcomed the diners and handed them each a glass of “bubbly”. Then the room echoed with a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” wishing all a Happy New Year. Witnessing such an extraordinary show, emotions were hard to control. It was a beautiful festive meal of “surf and turf”.
Happy hour every
Internationally similar birds
Having just returned from a trip abroad, it never fails to amaze me the similarities that exist between the birds of the different countries that I have visited over my lifetime. Of course this doesn't apply to our good old faithful Canada Goose, who pops up somewhat unwantedly, in many public parks in Britain and Europe! However, it is always a welcome sight to see them, when visiting away from our Canadian borders, adding that little bit of home familiarity to whatever surroundings I happen to be in. It can be said that the trip, just completed, brought me another bird similarity treat, but in a different way.
A couple of my relatives have a house adjacent to the beautiful English Cotswold Hills, which has trees very nearby to their backyard. This relatively postage stamp sized garden, compared to most of ours, has some feeders of
week brings the folks to the lower lounge to listen to different music played by local artists. Singing and dancing to the music loosens those who are too timid to exhibit some prowess in these skills. Drinks and snacks are passed around and for a whole hour, music resounds through the halls of the building.
Many different activities are experienced like high and low impact exercises during four mornings per week, with different professional teachers. The elders march behind a chair getting their heart rates up, toning their muscles, and working on their balance using ribbons, balls, and weights. But the most unbelievable activity of all is the dancercise with Nancy – a feat for all ages, but some seniors are capable of following movements that exercise the whole body, heart, and brain. So far, they have learned 6 dances since last fall, to music from Sinatra, Como, Presley, and more. These marvellous seniors are in their 80’s and 90’s! Kudos to them!
The cold weather brought out winter sports.
different sorts for attracting the various English birds to it, hence being written the third verse of the song titled "English Country Garden" (version on YouTube by Jimmie Rodgers - https://youtu. be/xf9EsJXSMXg?si=z44EzSFyLp9l24). Some of the birds mentioned I don't think are English, but are North American, still a nice song anyway!!
He, my brother, being an avid photographer, makes the most out of those moments, when the birds do use the feeders. Recently, he got a surprise when they got a visit from not only a lone member of a Great Spotted Woodpecker family, but also the youngsters too! This particular type are very similar in coloration to our Downys and Hairys, so I was very keen to get some pictures for myself, to compare them. On a previous visit, he had shown me where a Green Woodpecker was located, in a place well away from where people were, so when he told me about the Great Spotted ac-
A hockey game between the residents and the staff was held with the players chosen at random. It was played hitting tennis balls with golf clubs into a real hockey net. The ball had to go through a strategically placed hole. It was a tight game but in the long run, the staff won by a small margin. Jolly good fun was had by all who played and by those who cheered on their teams.
The recreational manager had a few more tricks up her sleeve to get the residents moving and thinking. Activities such as: the knitting club, the garden club tending to the flower beds outside, the “Grandpal” project adopting the little ones from Montessori playing games with them, “Career Day” had grade 10 teenagers questioning seniors about their various careers trying to decide what to do in their adult lives.
Dates such as Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, open house, etc. were celebrated with special diners and homemade treats from the baking club. Volunteer Day is always important to managers and residents alike.
tually coming into his little enclosed garden patch, I was looking forward to seeing it (or them). We weren't actually staying with them this time, so my chances of seeing their birds were a little bit slimmer, but did actually successfully come about, as you can see. I was able on two occasions just to sit on a stool and watch out of their kitchen window to spot any birds that I could.
On one of our days out, we were able to make a visit to the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge Gloucestershire (https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/WWT_Slimbridge) and see a great number of different types of water birds from all parts of the world. The location is very near to the River Severn, so it’s a very natural habitat for birds to be, and many of the residents fly in from Europe and Scandinavia on their own volition and are free to go whenever they please.
On one occasion there, I was able to see Cranes that had come in from Europe, and
One resident celebrated her 106th birthday with music and dance. The residents have access to a very well stocked library as well as bookcases on each floor. The KVRL van is always on the go bringing residents to shopping, shows, museums, restaurants, galleries, country drives, and painting in the park. The monthly calendar is filled with other activities such as, dominos, euchre, bingo, bridge, scrubs, pool, and movies. The last but not the least of all the activities offered is the weekly art class given by Tammy, who teaches the residents how to bring their hidden talents to the surface.
My husband and I have been here since September 2023, and as time goes by, I realize I have NO regrets of the decision I made to come here. The staff are tremendous. Always ready to help in any way. Amazing events keep culminating throughout the year. Never a dull moment. Life goes on.
another time I got to see, but not photograph, an English (Eurasian) Kingfisher, which is a brilliant blue color but very elusive! One of these I did not see this time round! On our return to Canada this week, we were pleased to be told by our friends, who had been housesitting for us, that they had watched the Bluebirds and House Wrens fledge their brood of chicks, during our absence, which was very pleasing to hear and something that they had really enjoyed watching.
I hope too that you have been able to witness such happenings, in your own particular part of this world and have, or are still enjoying, what the birds have to offer you. My feeders are now restocked and a Hummingbird has visited us already, as well as an immature Rose Breasted Grosbeak that my wife spotted this morning.
Stay safe and look after yourselves, Cheers, John Baldwin
Health Unit raises awareness about Pertussis
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is raising awareness of Pertussis and the potential for spread in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region. This underscores the importance of remaining up to date with vaccinations based on the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that usually begins with a runny nose and mild fever, but symptoms progressively worsen to severe coughing fits, which can cause vomiting, rib fractures, and serious respiratory distress in some cases. The disease spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze and is particularly dangerous for infants under the age of one and pregnant individuals.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pertussis. Pertussis is included in a vaccine that also includes tetanus and diphtheria. According to Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, individuals should be vaccinated against Pertussis multiple times throughout their lives to ensure they remain protected against the disease:
- Infants require a dose at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months (4 doses)
- Children between 4 and 6 years old – 1 additional dose
- Individuals between 14 and 16 years old – 1 additional dose;
- Adults require 1 booster dose once in adulthood (before age 65) and once in every pregnancy
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many children in our community have fallen behind in their vaccination schedule. The Health Unit continues to encourage families to connect with their primary health care provider to determine whether all family members are up to date according to the Ontario Routine Immunization Schedule.
If your child does not have a primary health care provider, please call the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 ext. 2313.
The Food Corner
This time of year, folks are investing in themselves and their homesteads by enjoying the outdoors: hiking, gardening, cycling, cottaging, swimming and even mowing the lawn are all part of the summer months. When you come back in, it’s good to fill your nutrition bank. Today’s sandwich does that very thing. It’s a Summer Hefty Sandwich aimed at getting you ready to go back out again.
The Summer Hefty Sandwich
Ingredients (per sandwich)
1/8 cup of softened butter (margarine works also)
1/8 cup of crumbled blue cheese
1 long bun per person, e.g., a large hot dog bun, sliced lengthwise
1 sliced tomato
1 sliced chicken breast
3 or 4 slices of salami (to taste)
2 slices of Swiss cheese
Some lettuce leaves
Some ranch dressing or a dressing of your choice, e.g., blue cheese dressing
Preparation
Mix up the butter and blue cheese and spread it on your bun halves
On the bottom half of the bun, lay on the tomato slices, chicken, salami and cheese
Top with lettuce and slather with some dressing
Cover with the top half of your bun
Cut the sandwich in two for ease of handling
For more sandwiches, just adjust your ingredients and start a production line. Some folks will have enough of half a sandwich, so adjust accordingly. Other folks may wish to toast the bun in the oven with the butter and blue cheese prior to loading it up. Vegetarians can use green or red peppers and some tofu if they wish. You might wish to try some of the new 0% beers with this great sandwich. I’ve been enjoying the citrus flavoured Kronenburg 1664 alcohol-free beer this summer and it’s a great addition to any sandwich.
Thanks for your feedback and suggestions and keep ‘em coming at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
New development at Maple View in Athens
by David Shanahan
The Municipality of North Grenville has just donated $51,000 to help fund an extension to Maple View Lodge in Athens, part of a $296,800 fund provided by the twelve municipalities in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville [UCLG]. Currently, Maple View Lodge consists of a long-term care home owned and operated by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville with accommodation for sixty residents.
The new development on the site will be called the G. Tackaberry and Family Long-Term Care Home, recognising the donation of $500,000 to the project by the Tackaberry family, which seems only fair. The entire property, which is the home of the current Maple View Lodge and will be home to a second, brand new building, is now called Maple View Landings.
Given the serious
shortage of housing generally in the United Counties, and affordable accommodation for seniors in particular, the development is a welcome addition, as the extended project will provide 132 new long-term care beds.
It is also the largest capital construction project in the history of the UCLG, at a total cost of more than $80 million.
North Grenville is the second-biggest donor to the redevelopment, after the City of Brockville, as each municipality’s share of the funding is based on a charge of $1 per resident for three years.
In a prepared statement, Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, a member of the redevelopment project’s fundraising committee, welcomed the communities’ commitment towards the project. "This is a very important project for our area," said Mayor Hoogenboom, who was responsible for presenting the fundraising vision to all municipalities
in Leeds and Grenville. "Providing 132 new longterm care beds is a significant investment for the residents of Leeds and Grenville. I thank the municipal councils for their generosity and support for this very worthwhile cause."
Once the redevelopment is completed, the existing building on the property, Maple View Lodge, will be repurposed. North Grenville is one of the biggest contributors to the UCLG budget, and it has often been suggested that a seniors’ residence, on the same model as Maple View, would be beneficial here. While the Shalom Small Homes initiative is really
welcome here, as a private undertaking it cannot match the needs of the community. Maple View Landings will increase the number of residential units available to seniors who qualify for inclusion there, although it often means seniors having to relocate, moving away from the community in which they may have spent most, if not all, of their lives. No solution will be perfect, however, and the new facility is, as Mayor Hoogenboom said, a very worthwhile cause. Thanks from the people of UCLG go out to the Tackaberry family for their generous contribution.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RECURRING EVENTS
Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families.
PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
KLUB 67 EUCHRE Join us for fun, social euchre games taking place every 2nd and 4th Wednesday monthly at 1pm, September to May. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Cres, Kemptville. Everyone welcome, $5. To play, cash prizes. Friendship Lunch has shifted into summer mode. A lunch will be served on AUGUST 2ND and AUGUST 16TH. Regular weekly lunches will resume on SEPTEMBER 6TH. Lunches are served at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Spencerville Agricultural Society planning general meetings. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email info@spencervillefair.ca to receive all of the meeting details. Aug 12, Oct 21, Nov 11. The Drummond Building, 22 Ryan Street, Spencerville Ontario BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, July 30, August 13, 27, September 10, 24. Registration from 6:30 p.m., play from 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, August 6, 20, September 3, 17. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m., play starts at 7:00 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com Kemptville Farmers' Market: Many local farmers, producers and makers. Every Sunday from noon til 4pm, May 12 - October 27. Located at 301 Rideau St, Kemptville, across the lot from B&H Grocers
Kemptville Street Piano Concert, Saturday afternoons at 1pm to mid-September at the North Grenville Public Library. https://www.facebook.com/KemptvilleStreetPiano/ South Branch Serenade at Rotary Park, every Thursday night throughout July and August, between 5:30 – 7:00pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT on Sunday, August 11 at Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.
Scavenger Hunt by Car hosted by A Bunch of People Arts and Events. The event on Saturday, July 27, 2024, starts at the North Dundas Business Centre in Winchester. Participants are expected to check in at 10:30 am at 457 Main St. E, Winchester.
Merrickville Festival of the Arts - July 27 & 28 from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. At the Blockhouse Park on the banks of the Rideau River adjacent to the historic Rideau Canal locks.. St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival - performances of “The Tempest” and “She Stoops to Conquer” from July 13 to August 10 (view the NG Times online calendar for dates & times - ngtimes.ca /community-calendar/)
classifieds@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735
FOR SALE
Classifieds CLASSIFIEDS
Mixed hardwood firewood. $120 per face cord. Call or text Jon 613-227-3650.
4X4 round bales and small squares of hay, suitable for horses. Call or text Jon 613227-3650.
Thule 4 bike rack with 2" receiver for 2 hole hitch. Plus two bike cross bars. $200. 613 258 3512
MISCELANEOUS
Lonely Gay Male, 60's. Seeks other for friendship, companionship. Spend sometime together, outings, meals & playing cards. Just to keep each other company. E-mail only dwight_gifford@hotmail.com.WAN
GARAGE SALEAN
Sat. July 27, 2024, 8:00-4:00. 904 Bolton Rd., 1km from Bishop's Mills. Ice auger, compound mitre saw, layout ground blind, commercial dehydrator, bike hitch for truck, electric boat motor, ice fishing tent, spinning wheel, chafing dishes, hybrid bike, commuter bike, much more.
ACROSS
1. Fate 6. Not closed
10. Tins
14. Electronic letter
15. Flower holder
16. You bake with it
17. British penny 18. Otherwise 19. Old stories
20. Hybridize 22. Not prerecorded 23. Fruity pastry
24. A person who rules 26. Huge 30. Dog command
31. Estimated (abbrev.)
32. Balm ingredient
33. Bright thought 35. Approaches
39. Substitute 41. Relating to heat
43. Affirmatives
44. Bristle
46. Dogfish
47. Seven in Roman numerals
49. Obtain
50. Yearn
51. Highway divider
54. Anagram of "Nose"
56. Wood-chopping tools
57. Infuse completely
63. Short skirt
64. Murres
65. Leg bone
66. As well as 67. Itemize
68. Select by voting
69. Observed
70. Domestic
71. Genders
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
DOWN
1. Visored cap
2. Ends a prayer
3. Tirade
4. Rodents
5. Ready for anything
6. Countermands
7. A painter's tool
8. Being 9. You sew with this
10. Incidental
11. Evade
12. Audacity
13. Contemptuous look
21. Early computer language
25. Feudal worker
26. Deviate
27. Away from the wind
28. Soaks (up)
29. TV
34. Weaken
36. Ammunition
37. Precipitation
38. Dross
40. Largest continent 42. Bigot 45. Conceit
48. Show contempt for 51. Mothers 52. Banishment 53. Thick
55. Satisfies
58. Diva's solo 59. Game piece 60. Wild goat 61. Pleasant 62. Handguns
Your Host Nanda Wubs Huizenga
by
The announcement, when it came, was like a bolt from the blue, bringing shock and dismay to the residents of North Grenville.
Of course, North Grenville didn’t yet exist, for this was October, 1995, and the Ontario Government had released their first targets for closures and cuts under the Mike Harris "Common Sense Revolution". The G. Howard Ferguson Forest Station, covering 1,100 acres in Oxford-on-Rideau Township, immediately north of the Town of Kemptville, was scheduled for closure by June of the next year.
The Forest Centre had been opened in 1945, when the Province bought the old Moore farm to establish both a mixed forest for lumber and other specialist work, and, most centrally, a tree seedling nursery to produce stock for reforestation
efforts in Eastern Ontario.
The role of the Forest Station in Kemptville was vital in reforestation, because, as one expert put it:
"Indigenous species must be grown in the proper time zone and soil conditions. Seedlings from other areas are not satisfactory and do not grow well. The difference from one area to another is highly significant."
In addition, the closure of the Ferguson Station would mean loss of jobs and a precious asset to the Oxford-on-Rideau Township area. It all seemed so unnecessary to local residents, workers and staff at the Station, local politicians, and the forestry industry.
The Ministry of Natural Resources [MNR], who operated the Station, pointed to the one million dollars they lost every year at the Station. There were serious questions in the community about the efficiency of MNR operations, however. The
Government were charging ten cents per tree to buyers, when it was calculated that the market would easily pay three times that amount.
The community mobilised and a Community Consortium was formed, representing the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Oxford Township politicians, forestry companies and the local residents, to draw up a business plan to present to the Province. But meetings with the Minister in charge, and correspondence with the Premier’s office seemed to produce no response. No matter how viable the Consortium’s business plan was, the Province seemed determined to push through with the closure of the Station. Only strong representations from MPP’s and Oxford Council delayed the removal of equipment from the Station. But the MNR’s plan was to sell off all the two and three-year old trees and plough the rest of the
Bruce Enloe is a versatile songwriter from Texas by way of San Francisco, and currently based in Kemptville. With a diverse musical background that ranges from folk, alt-country, and rock, with a little old school punk and indie noise thrown in for good measure… Bruce's music offers a little something for everyone. Whether performing heartfelt original story songs in a listening room, or belting out lively covers at the Farmers’ Market, his performances are a blend
of storytelling, humour, and genuine connection with the audience. Known for original, well-crafted, lyric driven songs, Bruce's music is a reflection of his varied influences and experiences. Check out his many albums and singles on Bandcamp at: https://bruceenloe.bandcamp.com/ (or wherever you stream your music) to experience his unique musical style firsthand.
twelve million seedlings into the ground. As it takes three years for seedlings to become available for harvesting, this would leave any potential buyer of the Station with no crop for three years after purchase. Clearly, the Province was not interested in maintaining the Station as a tree nursery, regardless of the essential role it played in reforestation of eastern Ontario.
Once again, the community mobilised. Urgent representations were being made to Oxford-on Rideau politicians, and, in March, 1996, the Oxford Council wrote to the MNR about buying the Station at a minimal cost. The Station closed, as planned, in June, 1996, and the MNR started the process of selling the property. A public meeting was called at the North Grenville District High School to put pressure on the Government and inform the public.
But, although more than seven hundred people had signed a petition supporting the Consortium’s efforts, only about seventy turned up for the meeting. What was worse, of the nine guest speakers booked to appear, five dropped out and another one arrived but refused to speak at the meeting. It seemed that the commercial sector was losing interest in the issue.
Fortunately, it was decided at the meeting that night that volunteers would
MELISSA OTTENHOF Marketing Consultant
Phone:613 329 0209
Email: melissa@ngtimes.ca
be asked to come to the Station and weed and irrigate the three million seedlings in order to save the crop for at least another year.
The Province now had to dispose of the property, and under Ontario law, the right of first refusal went to the Oxford Township. In July, MNR asked Oxford if they were interested. Oxford Reeve, Don Cameron and Councillor Owen Fitz’gerald argued in favour of Oxford expressing an interest in the purchase and Council agreed with this approach.
Don Cameron informed MNR of Council’s decision and added a very significant statement. Oxford would not be changing the zoning on the land, no matter who bought it. It would remain agricultural land. This would obviously make the property harder to dispose of and limit MNR’s choices in the matter. This stand may well have saved the Station.
Weeding and irrigation continued to be provided by volunteers, organised by the Consortium. Local people came to help, as did people from Ottawa and surrounding areas. Buses of Mohawks arrived from Akwesasne to help in the work, and the extent of the voluntary effort must have come as a great source of encouragement to those working to save the Station. 1997 arrived without any resolution to the issue. Ontario was asking Oxford
Township to pay $1.2 million for the 360 acre package (including equipment, buildings and crops).
Oxford made an offer of $525,000 for the land, buildings, equipment and crops, and repeated the veiled threat that the land would never be rezoned by the township. By August, 1997, an agreement was reached between Oxford Township and the MNR, and the Township set up an Advisory Board, a group of volunteers who would oversee the newlyacquired Station and try and build a solid economic foundation for future growth. Previous customers of the Forest Station committed to buying trees from the new facility, and by January, 1998, half a million trees had already been sold, about half of the available stock for that year. The Township of North Grenville, in one of its first acts, agreed to hire a Manager to take over the day-to-day operation of the facility, and with the arrival of Ed Patchell, a new era had arrived for the Station and a tremendous asset had been acquired by the new municipality. It would take a long time to get things on a secure footing. But as the headline said in March, 1998: the "Forest Station was Back in Business Again".
The story of the FFC part 6
Ferguson Forest Centre Saved
David Shanahan
The Art of Sara Jane Manning
by Marguerite Boyer
Sara Jane Manning is a busy mother of three. Her children range in age from 8 to 12 years old. Having moved here over seven
and a half years ago, she quickly became inspired by nature and the history that surrounded her home.
"North Grenville has an abundance of woods,
fields, wetlands, and history to draw inspiration from,” she said. In her spare time, she enjoys sketching or taking photos for later inspiration from the Ferguson Forest, the Kemptville Campus Trail, Limerick North, and the rural trails around her neighborhood. Sara Jane did a year of art school at the University of Waterloo, and then switched from studio stream into art history and anthropology. She was mostly influenced by expressionism, but has always been fascinated by surrealism and dadaism also. Currently, she finds herself working primarily in acrylic paints, which she incorporates into her linocut printing. She has moved on from her highly stylized figure studies into expressive representations and depictions.
Having grown up in the Kawarthas, she finds North Grenville is very similar to the country there. "There might be more hills there, but, in a lot of ways, the communities have a lot in common, including their rural roots," she added. Sara Jane also enjoys crafting with metal to create chainmail jewelry, costumes, and decor, as well as fibre crafts, like knitting and crocheting. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for NG Pride, a volunteer on the Secretariat for the Community Forum, and, most recently, now serves on the new Board for the North Grenville Arts Guild as Secretary starting this fall. It is not clear where Sara Jane finds the time for all this, while also raising a young family. Her motto is: "Art Is Not A Luxury, Art Is Essential".
New book by local author now on sale
by Brandon Mayer
There must be something particular inspiring in the North Grenville water, because our community certainly turns out no shortage of authors!
The latest author to hit the writing scene locally goes by the pen name Candi Land. Her first published book, “A Witch’s Quest; Broken Eyes Book 1” is the first in a five part series. “It's a fantasy romance aimed at the older teens to young adult generation,” Candy explained. “In its essence, it's a story about a man not knowing how to heal and a woman too desperate to heal. Together they go on a quest to try and make a quick buck all the while seemingly hating each other thanks to prejudices they can't control.”
As with most authors, Candi is not new to writing. “I've been writing ever since I was young, as early as middle school,” she said. “I normally wrote short stories and
posted them online. They didn't gain much traction, but I still enjoyed making them. I remember explicitly that in sixth grade, we had a "Dress as your future career" day and I went dressed as an author. There wasn't much to that though, so I wore my pjs and put some pencils in my hair!”
Candi wrote her first book when she was just 16 years old, but she has since hidden it to “never see the light of day again”. That book nevertheless acted as a great stepping stone to “A Witch’s Quest”, the first draft of which was completed when Candi was just 18.
“As life and Covid got in the way, I found myself leaving writing behind,” Candi explained. “It wasn't until I took a trip in 2023 to relax when I started writing again and made a commitment to finish the series. When I got home, I went through a ton of rewrites and re edits before deciding the book was finished.”
When asked about challenges, Candi pointed out
that “the life itself” of an author is a challenge. The Covid-19 pandemic hit hard for her, and she had a period where she gave up on writing altogether. “After getting into a comfortable place in life, I made the choice to lower my hours at work and have a stricter budget so I could focus on writing,” she added.
Where there are challenges, there must be rewards! “The reward is the writing itself and seeing it all come to life,” said Candi. “The day I got my first copy in the mail, I cried. My partner and I went out to eat in celebration and I actually brought it with me. I carried it around with me for a little while like it was a child! Another big reward I find is when people read and review it. Of course, not all reviews are great, but I've gotten a lot of positive reviews!”
Are there local ties in “A Witch’s Quest”? Of course! “Though I do include a small town in my story, that I very much picture as NG, it was less the area and more the people that helped inspire me in the end,” said Candi. “My teacher at St. Michael's was always very supportive of my writing, and he was actually the cooking teacher. Many family friends helped support me and my own family as well.”
Interested in a copy of “A Witch’s Quest; Broken Eyes Book 1”? You can
purchase it on Amazon, as well as in a few Chapters locations in Ottawa, including Rideau, Pinecrest, Kanata, and Barrhaven. You can also find Candi herself at area conventions or shows, where she is sure to have paperback copies available for purchase. Happy reading!
Mayor continues to push Campus as federal workspace
by Brandon Mayer
Mayor Nancy Peckford is continuing to advocate for the use of the Kemptville Campus as a satellite work location for federal employees who live in the local area. In May, she wrote an op-ed in the Ottawa Citizen called “Federal public servants should support the economies of where they reside, not where they work”.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, most federal employees who were able to work from home were switched over to remote work. Many such employees discovered that they work more efficiently this way, with fewer distractions at home, and the elimination of a time-wasting and environment-destroying commute. The federal government, under Prime Minister Trudeau, has been very open about why it now wants a broader return to the office for federal employees: The small businesses in downtown Ottawa are struggling with the loss of so many customers.
It's true that the hundreds if not thousands of federal employees –most of whom are well-
compensated – were undoubtedly a great source of revenue for the small stores and restaurants in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, which are easily accessible by a short walk from government office buildings. While it’s no mystery why these businesses may be hurting in the “work from home” age, the question is whether the cost is worth the benefit of having federal employees return to the office.
Having office space in such a prime location as downtown Ottawa/ Gatineau is expensive, and for employees who focus better when alone at home, office buildings may represent a loss of productivity as well. With the Liberal government currently pushing environmental sustainability, the elimination of commutes for employees working here in North Grenville (or even further away) is a step in the right direction.
It's not a clear cut answer: There will always be those employees who are unproductive or even steal time when working from home, and yes, some Ottawa businesses may close without the patronage of federal workers on their lunch breaks. Whether or not a return to the office (currently set at a minimum of 3 days per week for most federal departments) makes sense is a matter of divided opinion with valid points on both sides.
Mayor Peckford has made it clear that while supporting small businesses is important, she would rather federal employees who reside in North Grenville support businesses here, rather than in downtown Ottawa. She and other Mayors from the area co-signed a letter to Anita Anand, the federal Minister of the Treasury Board, outlining their “significant
concerns”.
“We are working with the Kemptville Campus to pitch this location as an ideal ‘off site working location’ for federal employees,” said Mayor Peckford. “It has secure buildings, space wellsuited for co-working, high speed internet, and given its central location, it is an excellent alternative to grinding commutes and limited parking in downtown Ottawa. As a thriving educational and community service hub which already hosts two growing school boards, some provincial offices, businesses and community organizations, it could fit right in! It would also help to keep federal public service employees in our community supporting our local economy.”
Mayor Peckford’s complete op-ed can be found here: https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/peckfordfederal-public-servantsshould-support-the-economies-of-where-theyreside-not-where-theywork
