Issue 31 2023 August 10 NG Times

Municipality of North Grenville announces new CAO

noted Karen’s more recent engagement with municipal affairs.

“Over that past several years, Ms. Dunlop has led a variety of key projects for North Grenville, such as the rebuild and replacement of many urban and rural streets, increased efficiency and reliability of the municipal sanitary and water systems, growth management in rural and urban subdivisions, and more recently, the emergency response for the 2023 ice storm as well as overseeing the 2023 budget process.”

In accepting the position, Karen paid tribute to her colleagues on staff.

by David Shanahan

The Municipality has announced the appointment of a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and she is a familiar face in the community. Karen Dunlop, who has been acting in the position since the departure on leave of CAO Gary Dyke in January, has taken over as the permanent CAO following Gary’s decision not to return to the Municipality.

Mayor Peckford issued a statement on Karen’s appointment, calling on the community to welcome

someone who has worked her way up through municipal staff positions over many years.

"On behalf of Council, please join me in congratulating Karen on this permanent role. She knows our community and our municipal staff team very well. Not only has she demonstrated important leadership skills since stepping into the role, she also brings decades of experience and is well respected throughout the organization," said Mayor Nancy Peckford. "Council is confident that she is the

right person to lead the organization at this time."

The appointment of a local resident with long and varied experience in the workings of municipal government is a welcome initiative, as Karen has been involved in the growth of North Grenville since her move here in 1997. She knows both staff and the needs of the community, having spent fifteen years as the Municipality's Director of Public Works.

In announcing the appointment, a press release from the Municipality

"I am honoured by this vote of confidence and am excited to continue in the role of CAO on a permanent basis," she said. "I have an incredible team who works alongside me and I look forward to leading the daily operations of the Municipality, overseeing sustainable and responsible growth, as well as achieving our goals of maintaining a high quality of life in North Grenville for the years to come."

CAO Karen Dunlop

Josue Arce’s World Music Show, August 12, Kemptville Street Piano

L’histoire des Acadiens et des Cajuns

submitted by Lisa Poushinsky

Josue Arce’s World Music Show

Staying home this summer but dreaming of travel? Take a musical trip to the seaside with visiting musician Josue Arce. All the way from Costa Rica, Josue wowed us at July’s piano jam and is happy to share with North Grenville his special mix of Latino, jazz and bossa nova, pop, country, American hits, and more for an afternoon at the Street Piano. A veteran performer with over 20 years of experience entertaining guests and locals alike at venues throughout his home country, Josue’s favourite musical influences range from the Beatles, Carlos Santana and the Eagles to Latin Legends from around the world. Possessing a meltingly gorgeous singing voice and serious guitar chops, join Josue on the library terrace this Saturday and be transported.

What? The Kemptville Street Piano presents

Who? Josue Arce

When? Saturday, August 12, 2pm

Where? North Grenville Public Library terrace

How much? Free! (Cash donations welcome, or see the featured section on our FB page for the link to our GoFundMe campaign.)

Street Piano concerts are family friendly, accessible, and take place rain or shine (in case of inclement weather, concerts move indoors). Dogs on leashes welcome!

La fête nationale des Acadiens est célébrée le 15 août. Ceux-ci sont éparpillés de part et d’autre au Canada, même dans notre municipalité de North Grenville et, bien sûr, au Nouveau Brunswick. Les Acadiens du Canada sont apparentés aux Cajuns de la Louisiane. Le mot “Cajun” provient du mot “Acadien” par évolution linguistique.

Voici une brève chronologie des Acadiens et des Cajuns.

1604: Des colons français s’établissent dans l’est canadien maintenant appelé la Nouvelle Écosse. Ils y trouvent terres fertiles et faune abondante. Puisque c’est pour eux le “Ciel sur terre”, ils nomment leur nouveau paradis l’Acadie et la colonie grandit et prospère.

1713: Les Britanniques prennent le contrôle de la colonie. Les Acadiens promettent à leurs nouveaux gouverneurs de rester neutres lors de conflits entre l’Angleterre et la France. En retour, ils demandent qu’on les laisse en paix.

1755: Charles Lawrence, lieutenant-gouverneur anglais, bouleverse le pacte avec les Acadiens : il leur ordonne de prêter allégeance au roi d’Angleterre. Les Acadiens refusent et réitèrent leur promesse de neutralité. En représailles, le gouverneur confisque leurs terres et les exile. Certains retournent en Europe et d’autres se réfugient ailleurs au Canada.

1765: Joseph Broussard dit Beausoleil, chef de fil acadien, débarque à Nouvel Orléans avec 200 de ses confrères. Beausoleil trouve la vie urbaine déplaisante et

se réfugie au sud-ouest de la Louisiane. Avant longtemps, plusieurs milliers d’exilés le suivent. Vivant isolés du reste de la Louisiane, ceuxci jouissent d’une culture florissante qui survit jusqu’à nos jours. Dans l’intervalle, d’autres exilés se rapatrient au Canada, notamment au Nouveau Brunswick dans la région de Moncton.

1847: L’Américain Henry Wadsworth Longfellow publie le poème épique Évangéline, l’histoire de deux amants malheureux séparés à jamais par l’expulsion acadienne. Longfellow et Évangéline sont immortalisés dans le village de Grand Pré, au cœur de l’Acadie.

1884: Le drapeau acadien est choisi lors de la deuxième Convention nationale des Acadiens. L’abbé Marcel-François Richard propose à la Convention le tricolore français (bleu, blanc et rouge) décoré d’une étoile jaune représentant le dévouement à Notre-Damede-l ‘Assomption.

1921: La nouvelle constitution de la Louisiane exige que tous les enfants fréquentent l’école. Malheureusement, seule la langue anglaise est permise en salle de classe et dans la cour d’école. Les enfants acadiens, ou cajuns d’après la prononciation locale, sont punis lorsqu’ils parlent leur propre langue.

1928: Les autorités ne peuvent pas empêcher les Acadiens de jouer leur musique distinctive. La chanson Jolie Blonde, qui sera nommée l’hymne national des Cajuns, est une version populaire d’une chanson qui raconte le triste départ d’une jolie femme blonde de celui

qui l’aime.

1930: Des rencontres annuelles ont lieu chez les Acadiens du Nouveau Brunswick, attirant l’attention des Cajuns de Louisiane. Les concertations régulières des Acadiens et des Cajuns prennent leur forme.

1968: Le Conseil pour le Développement du Français en Louisiane est créé par le corps législatif de la Louisiane, amorçant une renaissance des Cajuns. Des professeurs du Canada, de la France et d’autres pays francophones viennent enseigner le français aux enfants d’école.

1974: Thomas Arceneaux de l’Université d’État de Louisiane propose une version américaine comme drapeau officiel “d’Acadiana”. Les trois fleurs de lys d’argent sur le champ bleu représentent l’héritage français; l’étoile dorée sur le champ blanc représente le dévouement à Notre-Dame; la tour d’or sur le champ rouge représente l’Espagne qui régnait sur la Louisiane lors de l’arrivée de Acadiens.

2000: De nos jours et jusqu’à maintenant, la culture acadienne prospère: festivités annuelles, concerts et activités culturelles regroupent et les Acadiens du Canada et les Cajuns des États-Unis.

2023: Selon Statistique Canada, le Canada compte quelques 96,000 Acadiens. Alors que la majorité des Acadiens vivent au Québec, le Nouveau Brunswick compte la plus grande population, proportionnellement parlant.

La famille Cormier est fière de son héritage acadien.

Le drapeau acadien du Canada

Le drapeau acadien de la Louisiane

Red tape: A hindrance to housing and more

by Brandon Mayer

A local resident and business owner is drawing attention to a simple, yet important problem: hydro layout inspections can be yet another hindrance to the already overcomplicated world of building new housing, or renovating existing housing or businesses.

The business owner who contacted the Times wished to remain anonymous in order to prevent any effect a news story might have on her case.

“I contacted Hydro One [mid June] for a new layout

request for renovations we are planning,” she said. I would’ve called in April had I known we required a new layout, but due to errors with Ontario Call Before You Dig, we did not know Hydro was in the area we were working.”

The business owner is being told that the earliest date she can get an onsite meeting for a layout is October 30 - more than 4 months after her call. “After making calls and inquiring, it appears that most new builders and electricians are all facing significant delays,” she added. “The response we

received from Hydro One is they are short staffed and I should have called sooner!”

Such a delay can potentially have a major impact on those building housing or upgrading their business, as is the case with the business owner who spoke to the Times. “If we cannot get our new septic system in before the winter sets in, then we potentially risk closing as we have outgrown our current set up,” she said. “These delays must have significant impacts to many. With the need for affordable housing, what type of financial burdens are being added to the

Lightning strikes eQuinelle house, causes fire

producing tornadoes in the Ottawa area, and many producing significant lightning, large hail, and strong winds.

The quick escape of the family from the eQuinelle house on August 3 highlights the life saving nature of having working smoke detectors. A new provincial campaign called “Saved by the Beep” is underway to bring awareness to the importance of installing and testing smoke detectors.

costs due to these delays?”

The business owner added a suggestion: “Can the layouts not be contracted out if they are that far behind? If they are that short on staff, why is there not more than one position posted for planning, instead of 27 positions for managers and administration?”

The provincial government is pushing its plan to “build more homes faster”, in part by cutting red tape. Clearly, much red tape still exists in the industry.

Youth Centre ANNUAL BOOK FAIR at FFC August 18, 8-7 19, 8 - 5 20 8-12

KYC is seeking book sorting volunteers anytime between 8 am and 5 pm

Saturday August 12th to Thursday 17th

In the early morning hours of August 3, several major storms rocked the area, including one storm in Kemptville that dealt a devastating lightning strike to a house in the eQuinelle subdivision. The lightning strike caused a major fire, which left the house still standing but uninhabitable.

Neighbours in the area at the time of the lightning strike reported that it sounded like an “explosion”. Flames were clearly visible pouring out of the top story of the home in Royal Landing Gate in the northwest end of town.

All people in the house managed to escape unharmed – thanks to smoke detectors – but only one out of three pets was able to be saved. Two cats and one hamster were removed from the building, but only one cat was successfully treated for the resulting smoke inhalation. The Times offers its condolences for the loss of the pets.

The family affected by the fire – consisting of four now-displaced individuals –did have insurance, and the Office of the Fire Marshall has officially designated the cause of the fire as accidental (a lightning strike).

There have been many intense storms in the local area this summer, with some

“Thursday Sept. 28, 2023, is Ontario's first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day!”, reads a section of the Saved by the Beep website. “Last year, there were 133 fire fatalities in the Province – the most in 20 years. As part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, all Ontarians are encouraged to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety, and home fire escape planning, which can save the lives of you and your loved ones. Most importantly, we want you to test your smoke alarms! We've created free, downloadable resources in multiple languages so everyone can share this safety message.”

For more information, visit http://savedbythebeep. ca/.

by Brandon Mayer

by Brandon Mayer

“Won’t somebody please think of the children!?” Such a classic line never gets old, and I would say it aptly summarizes probably about 95% of reasoning used by climate change activists in furthering their cause. Future generations will have to suffer for current bad choices, there is little doubt about that, but people are driven by the immediate necessities of life, not doomsday lectures.

Early last week, I stepped outside one morning to discover that everything smelled really good. I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was almost like “nostalgia”. I quickly realized it must be that the air just finally smelled like “air” instead of smoke. Wildfires –and resulting transcontinental smoke – have definitely given us a reminder that the world is getting hotter and drier.

Childhood was simpler when Smokey the Bear made solutions to big problems seem easy. “Only YOU can prevent wildfires.” Unfortunately, Smokey lied. Long gone are the days when people just had to be more

careful with their campfires to quash the problem of wildfires. Now, the planet is becoming so hot and dry that over half of all wildfires are caused by lightning strikes.

I’m sure that many readers also remember when recycling was a status symbol. Plenty of recycling bins still have the simple phrase “We Recycle” written on the side, meant to be a statement of pride when seen by neighbours driving by. This is no longer a brag. Everyone recycles. For most households, recycling is a practical necessity regardless of personal feelings toward the environment, due in part to garbage limits that restrict us to a couple of bags per week.

Ever drive behind an old car lately? I’m not talking “Model T” old, but any car from the 70s or 80s (maybe even some from the 90s). Even with the windows up, and the air conditioning on recirculate, it only takes a few seconds for the overwhelming smell of exhaust to reach your own car. Hey, I’m not complaining – I love seeing people ride around in their nostalgic old toys – but that smell certainly serves as a reminder that vehicle emission standards have

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Part of the role of journalists and editors is to assess the veracity of what they are reporting on or publishing. News reporting should be factual and opinion pieces or letters to the editor should be grounded in reality. Declining to publish certain articles or letters is not censorship, rather it is a core part of editing a publication.

Many journalists, editors, and broadcasters come from humanities backgrounds rather than scientific ones and while it may be valid to seek a range of opinions on some matters, this is not the case when it comes to well established areas of science. Unfortunately,

tightened considerably in the last few decades. Yet here we are, still facing “doom”. Progress made has not been progress enough. Psychologically, that is bound to make people give up. They need signs that we are going in the right direction, not just apocalyptic tales.

A Merrickville pharmacist (who also happens to be the President of the Ontario Green Party chapter in Leeds and Grenville) posted on social media a couple of weeks ago lamenting that municipalities aren’t doing enough to stop climate change. Is anyone doing enough, though? Does anyone really ever get an A+ from the Green Party?

People are potentially seeing real signs of climate change for themselves for the first time, with intensifying storms, wildfires and smoke, and rising average temperatures (though the chilly weather last week definitely threw a wrench in that mix!). What people aren’t seeing is hope. Fingers pointed at them? Yes, lots of those. But they’re not seeing changes on the big scale that can actually make a difference. It’s just a “blame the little guy/gal”

in the name of balance and neutrality, we've seen climate change deniers (invariably bankrolled by fossil fuel companies) being given equal time with climatologists, or creationists being given equal time with evolutionary biologists, making these issues much more contentious than they really are.

Science is the most powerful tool we've developed to understand reality. Science is not simply a body of facts, theories, and laws to memorize, it is a way of thinking, of asking and answering questions about our reality. Scientific discourse has its own language, and the differences between this and the language we

game. Any readers who have studied psychology may know of Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist who is most famous for his “Hierarchy of Needs”. It’s a handy tool resembling a pyramid that can be useful in therapy because it reminds clients that they can’t expect to tackle all of their problems at once. There are certain basic needs that must be met before we can expect our bodies and minds to give us the necessary energy to tackle our more intricate needs or others’ needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs starts with physiological needs, such as food, shelter, and sleep. Second is safety needs, third is love and belonging, fourth is esteem, and fifth – which Maslow proposed not everyone reaches in their lifetime – is self-actualization. Where might we put “saving the planet” on Maslow’s pyramid? I would say it should either go on the second level, safety needs, since “resources” and “health” are listed as two needs in that category, or otherwise it could go all the way to the top, to the self-actualization level. That top level is “the

use in daily life is also responsible for some misunderstanding.

How do we resolve this conflict between what science is telling us and what some wealthy, powerful individuals and companies would have us believe? Ultimately, we need a much higher standard of scientific literacy within the media and within the general public.

Steve Gabell

desire to be the most that one can be”, and for the average person, it’s necessary to at least meet personal needs before attempting to single handedly conquer a problem created by almost 8 billion people.

Think of how many people you know who can’t meet their needs at the bottom of the pyramid. They may be struggling to eat, struggling to secure and pay for housing, and struggling to get sleep on account of working 16 hours a day to make ends meet. Now take those same people and try to pressure them into buying an electric car using a mix of guilt and carbon taxes. That’s a very small-minded “solution” that helps absolutely no one. Our economy is in a sad state right now. Fewer basic needs are being met, and less energy is available to give a single care toward the environment.

Two things need to happen to “save the planet”. One is that governments need to prioritize basic human needs again – stop the extravagant spending, build some affordable housing, and cut out the taxes that drive the prices of fuel, food, and other necessities

up. The second requirement is the development of global solutions that only governments can implement. Work on electrical grids that can actually handle electric cars that aren’t powered by the same fossil fuels that we are trying to eliminate. Mandate packaging that doesn’t make people feel like idiots when stuffing 10 pounds of plastic packaging into their reusable shopping bag. Invest in better wildfire fighting technology. Make environmentally friendly products and technology affordable by normalizing it, rather than punishing poor people for being poor.

We stopped letting our campfires turn into wildfires. We recycle. We drive vehicles with tight emissions standards. We eat – oops, I mean “we use” – paper straws and pack groceries in reusable shopping bags. We try and try and try. Good ol’ Maslow. Who knew a dead psychologist would one day tackle climate change? Meet people’s basic needs first, and then sit back and see what they are capable of. We might all be surprised.

Meta will soon prevent Canadians from accessing news content

form.

“Without access to real fact-based news created by real journalists, Facebook will become far less attractive to users and advertisers,” Deegan said in a statement. “We expect more and more advertisers and their agencies will begin pulling advertising from the platform in response to this unilateral, undemocratic, and unreasonable move.”

submitted by News Media Canada

Meta announced earlier this week that it will soon begin blocking all news access on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in protest of the recent passing of Bill C-18, the

Online News Act, by the federal government.

In comments provided to The Canadian Press, News Media Canada president and CEO Paul Deegan said this “intemperate” action will harm user experience and devalue the Facebook plat-

Pascale St-Onge, Canada’s new Minister of Canadian Heritage, called the decision “irresponsible” and said she intends to “stand up for Canadians against tech giants.”

Family and Children’s Services workers reach a deal

by Brandon Mayer

A strike by local Family and Children’s Services workers has finally come to an end after three weeks of job action and protests.

Members of CUPE Local 2577 – comprising about 93 child protection workers throughout Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville – began striking on July 12 after a year of negotiations failed to end in a deal agreeable to both sides. Early last week, a tentative deal was reached, and members voted to ratify the deal on August 2, three weeks to the day of the beginning of the strike.

Throughout the strike, picketing and rallies took place across the region as workers attempted to raise awareness about their stressful working conditions, and the growing shortfalls of their compensation. A solidarity rally also took place, with members from other CUPE chapters showing their support by holding events of their own.

“We’re tired of our clients having to apologize to us. We hear, ‘I’m sorry to bother you, I know you’re busy,’ all the time and that should never be the case,” said Jennifer Cromey, a family service worker with FCSLLG. “Our jobs are to support families, to keep

them strong, and to keep children safe. We just want the resources to make that possible and this deal is a small step in that direction.”

A release sent to the Times suggests that “tough negotiations and job actions are roiling the child welfare sector after years of government cuts and downward pressure on workers”. It proposes that “cases are more demanding than ever as workers try to provide incommunity supports to keep families together amidst layers of mental health challenges, poverty, violence and addiction”. Jennifer added: “Until something changes at the top, until we see the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services make a meaningful commitment to keeping vulnerable children safe, we’re going to see more workers picketing to ensure their communities get investments.”

The negotiated deal contains improved workload language, higher wages, and an increased mileage allowance. It was narrowly passed, with 43 members voting in favour and 40 opposed.

“This should serve as a wakeup call for our agency and the entire Ministry. Workers are not happy. The communities we serve are not happy,” said Arlette Carrier, CUPE 2577 President.

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

“People came out in droves to support us because they know we should be doing better by families and children. We voted for this deal because we want to be there for those who need us, but we are going to keep organizing and keep the pressure on to make sure we have the resources we need to support families.”

The deal includes a 6.75 per cent wage increase over the life of the contract, which runs until 2024, and an increased gas allowance from 52 cents to 58 cents for 2024.

“The issue which caused the greatest stir in the meeting, though, was workload,” reads a press release sent to the Times. “Workload triggers – the number of cases members can have before a meeting is automatically set with their manager to review their case burden – was lowered by one, a move that Carrier says will only begin to alleviate member burnout and improve the quality of services families receive.”

Picket lines remained up until the ratification vote at 10am on August 2. The employer still needed to ratify the agreement after it was ratified by workers. As of the time of writing, CUPE 2577 members were expected to be back to work by August 8.

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, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) – South Gower Pavilion

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

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

• Health, Wellness and Fitness Advisory Committee – Monday, August 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

• Indigenous Advisory Circle – Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

• Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, August 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Engineering Technologist – Water Wastewater

The Municipality of North Grenville is seeking to fill the position of Engineering Technologist in the Public Works Department with Water Wastewater. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 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

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN

When do you "rest on your laurels?" What does that phrase mean? Is it ever wise to rest on your laurels? What if resting on your laurels results in stagnant development and redundant service quality.

Resting on your laurels infers that you are satisfied with your achievement and basically you stop putting forth an effort to improve, grow or develop in any manner. Retirement is sometimes synonymous with that reference since performance reviews are no longer a milestone of measurement. However, with retirement at earlier ages, and at maximum of one's health, there are many opportunities to apply your skills and attributes in other avenues such as volunteering, sitting on boards, advocating, and maintenance of relationships. With constant advancement of technology there is no time to rest on your laurels.

Having family also means no resting on your laurels as relationships require constant change in understanding, development and growth. Just take a moment to reflect on how often you required a child to "fix" the remote!!! Abandonment of family comes back to bite you. There is no one more special than your family. The word "toxic" is a scapegoat phrase for saying "I can't be bothered." Active abuse is not acceptable so safety is paramount. Don't rest on your laurels, but open up the dialogue. If the other person is closed then that is their issue. Rest on your laurels that when God questions you on judgement day, your response will be, "I tried my best."

Agencies and businesses that celebrate their milestones either go dormant and wither away, or continue to build upon the strengths and opportunities to flourish in progressive in-roads. When the personal touches are negated by use of technology, something vital is lost. Yes hospitals have so much on computers, robotic surgeries, My chart, etc. but when a patient can't get a towel/washcloth to wash their face, did someone simply rest on their laurels? Did the baby get thrown out with the bath water? When personnel hold others hostage by saying that they will report to work if paid three times their salary, is that not similar to gas stations that upped their prices during the ice storm of 98? Are we as a society so self-indulgent that we don't have many laurels to rest on?

May you take a moment to rest on your laurels but continue to grow and develop to stay abreast of today's world but NEVER forget the humanity that makes the community flourish. Your part is vital- don't underestimate your value!

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

Slavery in Canada

by David Shanahan

Canadians know about the Underground Railway, the network by which escaped slaves in the U.S. could cross the border and find freedom in Canada. But not as well known is the fact that slavery existed in Canada for decades, before the institution was outlawed by the Imperial Government in London in 1834. August is Emancipation Month, marking that very significant act by the British Parliament, and a good time to look back at slavery in Canada.

After the American Revolution, many of the Loyalists who were forced to remove to the colony of Quebec brought their slaves with them. When Quebec was divided into Lower and Upper Canada in 1791, fifteen of the members of the new Legislative Assembly, the Parliament of the new province, were slaveowners, and the slave trade continued in Upper Canada as men, women and children were bought and sold in what is now Ontario.

Slavery had a long history in British colonies, and had existed in New France before the Conquest. In fact, the Articles of Capitulation, under which New France surrendered to the British forces in 1760 contained an article guaranteeing the continuation in slavery; all those “of both sexes shall remain, in their quality of slaves, in the possession of the French and Canadians to whom they belong: they shall be at liberty to keep them in their service in the colony or sell them...”

The first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada,

John Graves Simcoe, had led Loyalist militia during the American Revolution, but was personally strongly opposed to slavery. However, many members of his administration were not. Peter Russell, the Receiver General of Upper Canada, and his sister Elizabeth owned slaves. Russell acted for Simcoe after the Governor returned to England in 1796. William Jarvis was the Provincial Secretary of Upper Canada, and his family became one of the leading members of the Family Compact in later years. He was a slave-owner.

Matthew Elliot, a Loyalist who came from Virginia during the American Revolution, probably had as many as sixty slaves living in the huts behind his home in Amherstburg. Even some of the Anglican clergy had slaves, and seemed not to question the morality of slavery. The Reverend John Stuart from Kingston, an Anglican minister, expressed surprise when one of his slaves, a “negro boy”, ran away despite the winter weather in which he escaped. Even some aboriginal leaders owned slaves. The Mohawk leader, Joseph Brant, who settled with his people on the Grand River after the Revolution, probably owned over thirty slaves. But many indigenous people were themselves kept as slaves.

A dreadful event in 1793 finally gave Simcoe an opportunity to act against slavery in Upper Canada. In March of that year, a black slave living in Queenston, was sold to a man in the United States. Chloe Cooley resisted vigorously, scream-

ing and kicking out at her captors, who had her tied and forcibly carried onto a boat that brought her across to the States. The man who had sold her, named Vrooman, was reported to the authorities, but, as one writer put it: “Chloe Cooley had no rights which Vrooman was bound to respect: and it was no more a breach of the peace than if he had been dealing with his heifer.”

However, the case was brought to the attention of Simcoe who decided to introduce legislation to outlaw slavery in Upper Canada. This met with resistance from the slave-owning members of the Legislature and Simcoe’s Executive Council, and a compromise was reached. On July 9, 1793, 33 Geo. III, c. 7 (U. C.) "An Act to prevent the further introduction of slaves and to limit the Term of Contracts for Servitude within this province" was passed. This did not abolish slavery completely. All individuals then enslaved remained so for the rest of their lives. Their living children would gain their freedom when they reached the age of 25; but all children subsequently born to slaves would be considered free from birth. No slaves could enter the province: any slaves brought

into Upper Canada would be freed automatically. Owners of freed slaves had to provide for their security. This last requirement depended largely on the generosity of the slave’s owner at the time. Some provided homes and financial support for their emancipated slaves. Others actually sold their slaves in the U.S. before the Act was passed, so as not to suffer any financial loss from the legislation.

Nevertheless, in 1798, a Bill was passed by the Assembly in Upper Canada that would have allowed slave owners entering from the United States to keep their slaves in spite of the law. The Bill only died when the legislative session ended, but there was still, clearly a pro-slavery element in Upper Canada by the end of the century.

Simcoe’s Act of 1793 was the first piece of legislation in the British Empire that limited the slave trade or slave-holding. The Imperial Parliament outlawed the slave trade in 1807, and abolished slavery throughout the Empire in 1833. This law came into effect on August 1, 1834. It was not until then that some of the surviving slaves in Upper Canada gained their freedom.

"An Act to prevent the further introduction of slaves and to limit the Term of Contracts for Servitude within this province", 1793.

P1: Heritage plaque located on Niagara Parkway in Niagara-on-the-Lake, marks the spot where Chloe Cooley was forced across the river to be sold. © Ontario Heritage Trust

South Mountain Fair 2023

Trackside Beer Garden

(Entertainment

Pull 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Eric Ethridge (Entertainment Tent) (All Ages Welcome)

p.m.

p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Ambush (Entertainment Tent) (Age of Majority)

Saturday August 19, 2023 6:00 a.m. Exhibitor Gate Open

Gates Open to Public

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Grain Discovery Zone

9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open (Lila Fawcett Building)

9:00 a.m. Children’s Pet Show (Behind Agricultural Hall)

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Face Painters

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Balloon Twisters (Children’s Entertainment Tent)

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cinderella Princess

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Toddler Bouncy Castle (Beside Children’s Entertainment Tent) 9:30 a.m. Saddle and Harness Show

a.m. Baby Show (Agricultural Hall) 10:00 a.m. Pee Wee Dairy Showmanship

10:00 a.m. Meet the Keepers Rescue Animal Stage Presentation (Children’s Entertainment Tent)

Class

Licensed Mechanics: Taking care of cars and the people who drive them

Mark and Ginette Streit

Arrival of juvenile Leopard Frogs

Train at Upper Canada Village closed indefinitely

previously anticipated,” said SLPC spokesperson Katie Forrester. “The team is determining next steps.”

The SLPC’s three-year business plan has $200,000 budgeted in 2023-24 for the miniature train equipment, and $250,000 in 2023-24 and 2024-25 for the miniature train track.

The miniature train has been a visitor favourite for decades at Upper Canada Village.

by Fred Schueler & Aleta Karstad, Fragile Inheritance

Natural History

On the 23rd of July, the first juvenile Leopard Frog of 2023 arrived at Bishops Mills. Leopard Frogs have traditionally hibernated in the branch of the creek (Middle Creek) below Bishops, and have crossed County Road 18 in April to breed in the ‘South Branch’ creek, with the resulting juveniles arriving in the hamlet on an average date of August 1. The arrival dates range from July 18 to August 17 and are later in drier years.

The arrival date seems to be unrelated to abundance, but this early return may indicate a recovery from very severe declines after the hard winter of 2013-2014. Claudia Lacroix at the University of Toronto analysed our data about animals on the streets: “From 2003 to 2019, we performed thousands of rapid (5 – 15 min) amphibian surveys

and recorded the number of on-road amphibians along a single 267 m stretch of [streets in Bishops Mills].... we show a remarkable 91% decrease in the abundance of Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates pipiens), the species comprising the most observation records, while all other species did not show a temporal trend.”

(Animal Conservation –April 2023, by Claudia Lacroix, Frederick W. Schueler & Njal Rollinson: A 91% decline in a common anuran in an otherwise stable amphibian community inferred from 17 years of rapid road surveys.)

We’re not sure what caused the decline which was more severe in Bishops Mills than it was elsewhere in the Kemptville Creek drainage basin. Hard winters with no oxygen in the aquatic hibernation sites, and the loss of pasture/hayfield habitats to intensified cultivation and brushy second

growth may have been factors. Last year there seemed to be some recovery, and this year’s juveniles suggest that this recovery is increasing.

The decline was also apparent in our springtime counts of “damsel frogs” (dispersing non-breeding yearling females) around our vernal pond. Eleven, juveniles of 2022, were there on 6 May, and this was the highest count since 2010, though nothing like the 106 that were at the pond on 9 May 2005.

Because they summer on land, and hibernate in one kind of waterbody while breeding in another kind, moving across country for kilometres to get to these habitats, making themselves vulnerable to roadkill, Leopard Frogs are emblems of landscape connection and integrity, and we can only hope that they’ll continue to increase toward their historic abundance.

Local horse confirmed to have eastern equine encephalitis virus

submitted by LGLD Health Unit

A horse in Lanark County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).

EEEV is normally found in wild birds but can occasionally spread to horses and humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Similar to West Nile Virus, humans get infected with EEEV through the bite of an infected mosquito (humans do not get infected from a horse or another human). The mosquitoes that carry the virus are usually found close to flooded woodlands.

Over the years, there have been three human cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Ontario. Although rare, it can cause a serious neurological disease in all age groups, even death.

While a vaccine against EEEV exists for horses, there is none for humans; therefore, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is issuing a reminder to everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.

To help protect yourself and your family, please take the following steps:

- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, making sure to follow label directions. You can also ask a pharmacist for help when selecting an insect repellent.

- Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.

- Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.

- Ensure that all containers in or around the yard such as tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.

- Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

For more information about eastern equine encephalitis virus, visit the Insect Bites and Diseases section of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit website or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also follow LGLhealthunit on social media for important updates.

Phillip Blancher Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Morrisburg Leader

Out of service for over a year, the miniature train ride at Upper Canada Village will remain closed indefinitely.

The ride, which has been shuttered since heat-related track damage caused a derailment on July 22, 2022, was to return to service this summer.

At the opening of season, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission – which operates the popular train ride – indicated that repairs to the original loop between

Crysler Beach and the village would allow it to reopen this year. The extension loop to Crysler Park Marina was to remain closed this year as additional work is needed to address areas where the track roadbed has heaved significantly.

According to the SLPC, two tenders were issued by the agency: one to repair the track on the original loop and the other for ongoing maintenance of the line. No bids were received by the end of June deadline for either tender.

“As a result, work will not begin this summer as

In June, Geoff Waycik, Director of Historic Sites with the SLPC told The Leader that the agency was planning to rebuild the Crysler Beach station stop, and add a new station stop near the Battle of Crysler’s Farm Memorial while repairs to the amusement ride were made.

The train, known as the Moccasin after the local steam train milk-run that ran between Brockville and Cornwall into the 1950s, last had significant work completed in 2009-10.

At that time, an extension loop was added to Crysler Park Marina. That extension has not been used since 2019.

The amusement ride was originally built in the early 1960s with the opening of UCV.

Rotary Club puzzle sales will help fund bursaries

The Rotary Club of Kemptville awards four $1,000 bursaries to local graduating students each year. To provide funding for these bursaries, we have produced four different puzzles (top quality, made in Ontario). The pictures on these puzzles were taken locally by Club member Anna Van Andrichem-Rochon. The puzzle boxes have the Rotary logo on the front and information about Rotary on the back.

We will be selling these puzzles during the Kemptville Youth Centre Book Fair in August and also during our annual Calendar Sales this fall at $35 per 1,000 piece puzzle and $30 per 500 piece puzzle. If you would like to purchase a puzzle sooner, please contact Nancy Miller-Mckenzie at 613-808-1660 or at nancmm@hotmail.com for delivery.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to assist us in providing local bursaries may do so by contacting Nancy Miller-Mckenzie at 613-808-1660 or at nancmm@hotmail.com.

Juvenile Leopard Frog, Lithobates pipiens, Bishops Mills, 30 July 2023.

Significant trackbed heaving (left) and debris on the line (right) prompted St. Lawrence Parks Commission operators to stop running its miniature train ride on the expanded route between Upper Canada Village and Crysler Park Marina this season. The attraction operated on the original shorter route until a derailment in July shuttered the popular ride indefinitely. Photo by Phillip Blancher.

submitted by Vic Budz

Potassium by the Doctrine of the Golden Mean

Aristotle’s doctrine of the golden mean lauds the middle ground of two extremes: excess and deficiency. But not everyone follows this sage advice. And not all vitamins and minerals send clear signals of absence or excess. This week, we take a look at potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the body.

People, animals, and plants all depend on potassium for essential functions. Depleted soil requires potassium to be replaced with fertilizer. Young animals lacking potassium will quickly die. In people, there’s danger in either too much or too little potassium. But a healthy diet, including healthy drinks, is the best approach.

The American Heart Association recommends 3,400 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day for men and 2,600 mg per day for women. A typical banana provides about 400 mg. A cup of orange juice offers about 500 mg. A serving of broccoli has about 450 mg. A large baked potato can pack in 950 mg!

Potassium is like fuel to the electrical systems in the body – mostly in muscle cells, but also in bones, the liver, and red blood cells. It helps operate nerve signals and muscle contractions. Potassium also helps manage fluid levels and stabilize blood pressure. A deficiency can lead to muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat. Low potassium levels, especially when combined with high sodium intake, elevate the risk of hypertension.

An extensive body of research has shown that a potassium-rich diet has big benefits.

Lowering the risk of stroke is one of them. An Italian analysis of cohort studies involving nearly 250,000 adults found that “a 1,640 mg per day higher potassium intake was associated with a significant 21% lower risk of stroke.”

The U.S. National Institute of Health reports that higher potassium in the diet also reduces the incidence of kidney stones. “In a cohort of 45,619 men aged 40 to 75 years with no history of kidney stones, those with the highest potassium intakes (≥4,042 mg/day on average) had a 51% lower risk of kidney stones over 4 years of follow-up than those with the lowest intakes (≤2,895 mg/day).”

“Similarly, in over 90,000 women aged 34–59 who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study and had no history of kidney stones, those who consumed an average of over 4,099 mg of potassium per day had a 35% lower risk of kidney stones over a 12-year follow-up period than those who averaged less than 2,407 mg of potassium per day.”

There’s research suggesting that potassium supports bone health and helps lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It sounds so good. But can you get too much of a good thing? People with weak kidney function or taking certain medications need to be careful and consult with their doctors.

Who else needs to be careful?

Aristotle could not have imagined the number of soft drinks consumed by today’s society. The average American drinks 45 gallons (170 liters) of pop each year. Even at the average, that’s excessive amounts of glucose, fructose and caffeine robbing the body of potassium. There’s an established connection between too much soda and potassium deficiency.

Patients don’t always confess their excesses of soda and few physicians take the time to ask. Doctors can diagnose a potassium deficiency from blood work. But it is more difficult to measure potassium in muscle and bone cells.

The best recommendation is a healthy dose of common sense. Eat a balanced diet that is high in potassium and cut out the sugary drinks. Another piece of advice from Aristotle, “Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.”

Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.

Anne Dover (nee Davies)

April 8, 1944 - July 30, 2023

Anne passed away peacefully in Kemptville on July 30th at the age of 79 years surrounded by love. Beloved wife of Edward (Billy), married 60 years in October 2022. Dear sister of Margaret. Loving mother of Andrea. Wonderful Nanna to Anne-Marie, S’ean (Alyssa) and Michael (Ellen). Great-Nanna to Colt. Anne was pre-deceased by her parent’s John and Ella Davies and by her greatgranddaughter Charlotte Anne.

Following Anne’s wishes cremation has taken place. Condolences/Tributes Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435

Mercer, Ian Christie

April 19, 1957 - July 30, 2023

Passed away swiftly at his home on Sunday, July 30, 2023, with a caring worker from Community Living North Grenville (CLNG) in attendance. Ian, in his 67th year, is survived by his beloved best friend Susy Filep in Kemptville, as well as her older sister Violet in Ottawa. Ian is also survived by his mother Helen Newell in Iberville, his eldest brother Keith in Ottawa, his twin sister Jennifer, and her husband Tim Parker in North Carolina, as well as his younger sister Pamela, and her husband Barry Walsh in Napierville. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, in Canada and the USA, as well as grandnieces. Born in Montreal, Ian moved to Kemptville in 1989. Being the caring and gentle soul that he was, Ian will surely be remembered fondly and warmly by all those who had the opportunity to know him or make his acquaintance. Ian was a light in this world and his big heart had a vast reach. He will surely be missed greatly by many. A service and celebration of his life will be held soon. Please go to the Facebook homepage of CLNG for further information and details.

A very special thanks to the dedicated and caring staff from CLNG for having given Ian the dignity he so greatly deserved and such excellent care these past three years. Donations to Community Living North Grenville non-profit organization gratefully accepted. Condolences/Tributes Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca

613-258-2435

Aubin, Timothy Peter Francis

Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday August 2, 2023. Tim Aubin owner of Aubin Farm, Spencerville age 70. Beloved husband of Roshan Virji. Loving Dad of Anisa (Grahame) Gardiner and Sarah (Lorne) Plooard. Cherished Grandpa of Chiara, Leo. Teresa-Marie and Catherine. Dear brother of Sally Patrick (John), Pene Aubin, step-son of Jill Aubin and step-brother of Michael Collis (Soo). Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service was held at the St. James Anglican Church in Kemptville on Thursday August 3, 2023. Burial followed at South Gower Cemetery.

For those who wish donations in Memory of Tim may be made to the Aubin Family Charity Fund https://www.ocffco.ca/aubin-family-fund/ or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

FOR SALE SOON

Right in Kemptville on Somerville Rd., half a block from the Creek. If you need parking YUP this is the place where you can park your motor home, race car trailer, backhoe, dump trailer, boats, 4 wheelers and still have room for a jag of visitors to the pool. AND a 24 X 30 garage 10 foot ceiling insulated and heated. OH it also comes with a high ranch bungalow

SEEKING LICENSED TECH

Automotive repair shop in business for over 30 years

Located just outside of Winchester on Hwy 43. Need to have a 310s automotive licence. We repair all brands major/ minor Clean working environment, clothing, benefits included. No weekend work!

Hours are 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Annual shut down for Christmas. Check us out at www.winchesterauto.com

CALL

Send resume to bob@winchesterauto.ca, or stop into the shop.

Healey Transportation Limited is seeking qualified Kemptville based drivers for Kemptville area School Bus Runs

Competitive wages! Bonuses!

Opportunity to earn extra income for evening and weekend special event charters.

"Work from Home" - No need to commute to the bus depot. Park your bus at home.

Contact us at 613-283-3518 or frank@healeytransportation.ca

Sending Sunshine: A simple idea more important than we realize

elderly relatives in long term care. Their loneliness knows no bounds. Long term care facilities are great at planning activities and providing amazing care, but there is no substitute for the family that an elderly person raised and loved their whole life.

ing for relatives who were never going to show up. If the mental picture of that doesn’t have you choking back tears, I don’t know what would. Truly heartbreaking.

Sending Sunshine

are many seniors who have no family or friends to celebrate with. This makes the holiday season an especially lonely time for our most vulnerable.

by Brandon Mayer

Some stories in life truly stick with you. My mom worked for over a decade as a Personal Support Worker. She was itinerant, and therefore worked both in people’s homes, and in retirement homes and long term care homes. As is common for PSWs, she

OpEd

by Graeme Waymark Retired resident, Kemptville

Two weeks ago, I submitted a rhetorical question regarding the matter of how North Granville (NG) residents currently assess news reporting. Importantly, I highlighted a commonly reported "divide" in community opinion. I had speculated as to whether an improvement in reporting would assist us in better differentiating between fact and opinion.

"Could there be an improvement to (ameliorate) the divide amongst (us)" (at least in N.G.)?

I hoped to provoke a response. And I got a perfect one plus an editorial comment on top of it!

Why am I publishing this question through our local media, the North Grenville Times? Let me reference an issue not covered in my first letter: Bill C-18 (44) was introduced by our Parliament.

I felt that this government policy was responding to a present policy demand to alter certain aspects of news reporting. Apparently, policy supports were received by our Government. Today, Facebook and Google have responded to the passage of this Legislation, as fol-

had to work every second Christmas and got roped into working most other holidays.

Of course, being a PSW takes an emotional toll for many reasons, but one thing that my mom had to deal with was seeing senior citizens excitedly get dressed up for no one. I’m sure that many readers currently have

When my mom invariably worked a split day on Christmas, early morning and then a couple of hours late afternoon or early evening, what she saw was often heartbreaking. Seniors who hadn’t seen their families in months would automatically assume that today was the day. It’s Christmas, of course my family will visit, right? My mom would be asked to dress them in their best clothes and make sure they looked nice. When she would return later that same day, many would still be wait-

When the Times received a submission from a Canadian charity called “Sending Sunshine”, which sends holiday cards to seniors, the above stories from my mom flooded into my mind immediately. A holiday card may not be the same as a visit, but it’s certainly something. The charity has a goal of dramatically increasing its output of holiday cards this year. See their message below:

“Did you know that the winter holidays are the loneliest time for seniors? While it is generally a time to gather with loved ones, there

Sending Sunshine is on a mission to help raise the spirits of our seniors this holiday season in a BIG way. Last year, we delivered cards to 200 facilities across the country during the holidays. This year, our goal is to send cards to all 669 (and counting) of our partnered facilities!

In order to make this goal a reality, we have launched our "Holiday Cheer Throughout the Year" campaign to raise the funds necessary to

cover the shipping cost of these cards. Last year, we spent $3,000 to send 200 packages of cards, and so we are hoping to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of shipping cards to more than triple the number of facilities as last year.

To help out a great cause, visit https://www. sendingsunshine.ca/.”

Health Unit seeking assistance in identifying people at risk of infection

submitted by LGLD Health Unit

lows: "Canadian news will be no longer delivered..." (on our platforms).

Today, my neighbour and I find ourselves capable of parroting any public release of information in either an affirmative or negative belief on any subject. It is fun for us. We both could have different opinions on Bill C-18. We may ask if either of us feel that we received the facts behind this legislation, enough that could fully inform us in developing an opinion?

Of course, that depends on our individual values, as a minimum, or how we receive the news, amongst many other considerations. Regardless, a few examples that have challenged many of us recently are:

- COVID data: vaccine efficacy, masking, quarantines, shutdowns,

- climate change/ warming: causes and consequences,

- economics- ideological: to spend or conserve,

- elections: interference, fraud and voting rights,

- aboriginal issues: rights and reparations,

- the nation's bedrooms: marriage, conception, abortion,

- royalty issues: a King

for Canada? opting in or out of the British "Corporation"?

- my gosh, even the teaching of cursive writing is up for debate.

But, are we debating as a citizenry? Do we have enough reliable data to debate?

Last week, I enjoyed the satirical response to my letter to the Editor, from (Sir) Paul Gleiser. In turn, his reply received an anointing from our Editor (who wears "beautiful socks"). You have to read his letter to understand the satire and salutations! Both Sir Paul and Brandon attempted, I think, to accentuate a form of "neutrality" as sensible? critical? or imperative maybe? I think that is their community response to my question.

Yes, I did want to provoke the bureaucratic, fence-sitting, indifferent, diplomatic neutrality of Canadians. Lo and behold, I got it. They were both perfectly neutral. Had I wished for no less? It was perfect!

To be neutral or notthat is the question, eh?

In being neutral or simply poking fun at serious issues in our community, does it commit or perhaps permit all of us to deflect? Are we comfortable as Ca-

nadians in deflecting away from tough questions? Or is my question silly? Here it is:

"When I read or hear what I believe could be deemed newsworthy by us, how will the N.G. Times and others assist me in the process of discerning between fact and opinion"?

e.g. Is the fact generally accepted as provable and is the opinion derived from expertise?

In conclusion, I now reformulate my question:

Do readers have any opinions, expert or otherwise, on how we can bring together, even incrementally over time, the two sides of any divided issue percolating in our community that may have the potential to harm our established social fabric?

Is there a metaphorical seed that we can plant and help sprout?

I believe that this divide in 21st Century growth is truly fettering our ability to pass on a brighter torch to future generations.

Thank you Paul Gleiser and Brandon Mayer. I do appreciate your willingness to at least address the issue.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit previously communicated regarding an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Lapse associated with a body piercer. This IPAC Lapse may have led to a risk of exposure to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and to a lesser extent, HIV.

The Health Unit has now determined that the operator’s client list is not complete, and there are clients at risk of exposure who the Health Unit is not able to identify.

The Health Unit is issuing a public notice to identify any members of the public who received piercing services from Melissa Charland through Piercings by Melissa during the time period from February 25th until June 8th, whether at LUX Tattoo and Piercing or elsewhere. If you have not received a letter from the Health Unit about this situation and have received services in this timeframe, please contact the Health Unit to assess your risk and to receive recommendations for next steps. Although no infection or illness has been linked to this situation at this time, it is important for members of the public who did receive piercing services to be tested.

To contact the Health Unit, call the toll free line at 1-800660-5853 ext 2222.

The Health Unit has become aware that there may have been misleading information on social media and in phone calls made directly to clients about the Health Unit’s investigation and risk assessment. All clients who have received a letter from the Health Unit about this situation are still considered at risk of exposure, and those individuals are urged to follow the recommendations described in the letter, including speaking to a healthcare provider.

More information about the IPAC Lapse, including more details about the Health Unit’s risk assessment for this situation, can be found at www.healthunit.org under Infection Control Information. This website also includes the client information package: a client letter, a client FAQ document, a memo for healthcare providers, and a partially-completed laboratory requisition.

Please visit www.healthunit.org and click on the Infection Control Lapse tab for more information on the IPAC Lapse, and/or contact the toll free line at 1-800-660-5853 ext 2222.

FOR SALE

Antique Farm Machinery for lawn decoration. Call 613-258-3561 after 6:00pm

Sawmill for Sale

Heavy duty dimensional sawmill (Southern) for sale. Equipped with two 20-inch edger blades and a 32-inch main blade, which produces a finished board with each pass. Ideal for quarter sawing hardwood flooring. Max cutting size is 6” X 12” x 20 ft. This mill is in good operating condition and is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 60 hp diesel engine The mill is located near Merrickville, ON. Phone

613-258-3854

1.5 ton York Central A/C unit. 3 years old. Perfect condition. Asking $1500. 613-222-9452

Now booking orders for new crop small square bales of hay. Call or text Jon. 613-227-3650

Dollhouse , Foxhall Manor by Real Good Toys, with side extensions. Currently under refurbishment. $1500. tineboyer@gmail.com

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

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Start a book club in time for cooler weather in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com

WANTED

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call Joanne 613-799-0958

Experienced+local farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail.com.

Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

FOR RENT

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. Laundry, appliances included. 1 block proximity to

CROSSWORD

all amenities. Immediate occupancy, $1975/ month. Call Jeff at 613978-4700

GARAGE SALE

Garage Sale Aug 12, 8am to 2pm Multi family 114B George street west rain or shine.

PROPERTY

CASUAL EMPLOYMENT - PART TIME

Afternoon and evenings, weather dependent Light duty work. Must be a resident of Kemptville, Transportation provided. $20 An hour to start. No experience required Also seeking experienced labour. Pays $25-$30 an hour. Must have own transportation. Could lead into full-time work. CALL

COMMUNITY EVENTS

RECURRING EVENT

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: Now Open Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome

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

NG Duplicate Bridge Club Bridge, Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptville, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

EUCHRE on Tuesday, August 22, September 5 and 19 at Pierce's Corners also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and play starts at 7:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

BID EUCHRE on Tuesday, August 15, 29, September 12 and 26 at Pierce's Corners also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. and play starts at 7:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy Medium Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

South Gower: a strange and changeable township

by David Shanahan

When the Township of South Gower was amalgamated with Oxford-onRideau and the Town of Kemptville in 1998, it officially ceased to exist. But that was not the first time that the boundaries and identity of South Gower had been changed. In fact, for quite a lot of its history, South Gower was very difficult indeed to define.

When the Crown decided to fill in the territory between Oxford, Marlborough and the townships fronting on the Ottawa River, it engaged surveyors to undertake the job of laying out four townships in all. These became the Townships of Nepean, Gloucester, Osgoode and Gower. Note: that is Gower, not South Gower, because, for decades after the survey, what we know as South Gower and North Gower were one township.

There is also some debate about how the township got the name “Gower” in the first place. Almost every other township in the region is either square or rectangular; but Gower was a very unusual shape, and, for some, that explains the name. It was a gore in shape, an irregular piece of territory lying between other, regularly shaped lands. Hence “gore” became “gower”, for some reason. This is the explanation

given by Thaddeus Leavitt in his History of Leeds and Grenville published in 1879.

But it should be remembered that all the other townships in eastern Ontario were named after people and places in England, contemporaries of the first surveys in the 1790's. The line of townships along the Saint Lawrence were named after the King’s family: Elizabeth, Augusta, Edward, etc.

Oxford was named after the University city, while Wolford got its name from the home estate of the Lieutenant-Governor, John Graves Simcoe. Marlborough, Montague and the others also have their roots in England.

The Township of Gower seems to have been named after Admiral John LevesonGower, Lord of the Admiralty from 1783 to 1789. He was a son of John, the first Earl Gower, and served in the Royal navy, being Captain of H.M.S. Victory, later to be the flagship of Nelson at Trafalgar. Gower had died in 1792, during the time when the townships were being planned. This seems a far more likely source for the name “Gower” than any reference to its strange shape.

In September, 1793, Surveyor General D. W. Smith instructed John Stegman to lay out the borders of the four townships but noted, regarding the part of Gower south of the Rideau, that it “need not be run into Lots

at present”. It seems that it was only around 1794 that the boundaries were actually surveyed, and not until 1799 that the first five Concessions and half of the sixth were laid out by Lewis Grant, Provincial Land Surveyor.

In 1830, James West was sent to lay out the remaining concessions, and his Diary reveals a lot about the condition of the land at that time. He left his home in Matilda Township at 8am and reached lot 2 in the 6th Concession of Mountain, a distance of 22 miles, by 6.30 that night, having to travel through “ bad swamp roads, carrying my surveying instruments and some other necessaries”. He worked through August and September to survey Concessions 6 to 9, often commenting on the swamps, the thick tamarack, cedar and alder trees, and the lack of roads. When he finished and travelled home to Matilda, he had to go south to Johnstown and back north again to Matilda, as there was no passable road direct from South Gower to his home. The route he had taken to reach Gower in August was no longer available: “It will be understood that there is no passable road from S. Gower to Matilda only by Johnstown, except in very dry weather when one may pass through the centre of Matilda and through Moun-

tain, which way I went when going, but it had rained so much by the time I returned that when I inquired if I could go it I was told I might if I had a canoe to sailing, for there was miles would which would require one. This will account for my being longer coming home and going”.

The manner in which the township was surveyed differed north and south of the Rideau, so that the concessions in South Gower run south to north, while those north of the river were surveyed to run east to west. In addition, part of North Gower included land on the south side of the river, so when the two sections were separated in 1845, South Gower found itself with two Concessions 2 and 3, at either end of the Township, as it is still today.

A further complication arose when it was later discovered that no one was sure whether the concession roads ran to the north or south of the concession lines. This meant that a land owner could find that his home was a great distance away from the road, whereas he had built it thinking it was beside it. Surveying was not necessarily an exact science when it came to South Gower.

Buote leaving United Way Leeds & Grenville

submitted by United Way

The Executive Director of United Way Leeds & Grenville has announced her departure from the post, leaving a legacy of impact and empowerment.

Trish Buote is leaving the post, effective August 18. Buote submitted her letter of resignation last week. She has been Executive Director at the agency since April 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. She piloted the United Way through a period of transition with the closure of the Procter and Gamble plant in Brockville which was the largest contributor to the organization’s annual fundraising goal, and the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the cancellation of fundraising events at the same time as an increase in

Baldwin's Birds

need due to the economic disruption and social isolation caused by the pandemic.

Despite these challenges, the organization continued to outperform under Buote’s leadership, with the 2022 campaign raising $1,011,960 – well above the goal of $935,000.

In addition to fundraising, Buote provided leadership as the United Way embarked on a new direction, focusing on directing funds to where they can make a measurable impact. The agency is in the preliminary stages of transitioning to this “collective impact” approach.

“Although we regret her departure, Trish is leaving the United Way in a good position,” Ian McFall, Board Chair, said. “She has been tireless in her efforts to make this community stronger and more resilient. Speaking on

behalf of the entire Board, I wish her well as she embarks on a new opportunity. She is leaving on the best of terms.”

“The last six years have been among the most rewarding of my professional life,” Buote said. “I got the chance to work with a great team of employees, a supportive board, and to engage with a generous and caring community in Leeds and Grenville.”

The Board will soon determine next steps in ensuring a transition to new leadership. For any inquiries, please contact Ian McFall,

Second Batch Blues

Board Chair at imcfall@ burnbraefarms.com

About United Way Leeds & Grenville United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org.

It would seem that our Bluebirds have not given up on trying to bring more of their species into the world and have just about finished with their second brood. Lots of noise from their chicks and rapid disposal of any food coming their way seemed to indicate that they were getting fairly big. At least Mum, or Dad, didn't need to enter the nesting box to feed them, as is demonstrated by the picture of one of them clutching the woodwork by the entrance!

Yuk! I have just looked at my picture a little bit more closely and noticed that there is a small piece of electrical wire attached to the bird, just above the left leg and the tail feathers (lower right hand side of my picture). Hopefully, it is only caught in its feathers and will come adrift pretty quickly. None of us watching the bird had noticed it experiencing any discomfort or inconvenience so, hopefully, everything will be OK. It certainly didn't stop it hunting for food and, thankfully, feeding the "babes".

Our regular evening visitor, one of the Hummingbirds, didn't disappoint last evening, and having fed from our feeder, it flew down and perched in the sunlight amongst the leaves of one of our trees. There are no very bright colours to see, so I suspect that it is an immature one or a female. Of course, it didn't stay for very long before disappearing for the night ahead in its roost, wherever that might be!

Others in our varied avian flock still come to visit, so despite the slowing-down of the nesting activities in our back garden, there is still plenty to keep us interested and occupied at the front of the house, fortunately. I hope the same is happening for you too. Stay safe and well, Cheers, John

Baldwin

The Weather with Connor

the Fairmont Macdonald, a beautiful, classic, old school hotel. The place was massive, and had so many things. Thankfully, breakfast was included in the hotel room, because breakfast for Zoe and I came to $77, which is simply unfathomable for two regular plates.

Featuring Connor Mockett

Hello, everyone!

Welcome back to another week of The Weather with Connor. This week’s column will finally be about the final 9 days of my Western Canada chasecation. When I wrote about this a month ago, I last left off at the end of Day 9, which was me taking a day off to relax at our downtown Holiday Inn in Saskatoon after Day 8’s storms. Let me continue…

After Day 8, there actually weren't any storms to chase at all, so we used Day 9 to rest. The rest of the trip was basically the same, an actual vacation to just rest. Day 10, we woke up in Saskatoon and knew we had to be checked out of our hotel by 11:00am that morning. Without any storms to chase, we figured we’d go to another city that we’ve never been in, and stay for a couple of days again. I found a great deal for a hotel right in Downtown Edmonton; it was

We stayed at the Fairmont, as I said, for two nights, with the second day/night being Day 11. We just hung around the hotel all day, going down to the pool and spa area for 4 hours, and spending the rest of our time ordering Uber Eats for fun, because why not? We can’t do that in Winchester!

Day 12 was a bit of a travel day, but first we hung around Edmonton for a little bit and went to the West Edmonton Mall. Let me tell you, that place is unexplainably huge. We were there for 3 hours, maybe 4, and barely even touched the place. We found the hockey rink that’s inside the mall (where a minor hockey league game was being played, which was super cool), walked through some stores, and realized that we hadn’t even found the water park, food court, or anything else. It’s completely insane, and if you want to see the whole place in one day, get there at like 6:00am or something so that you can

leave by 9:00pm. Maybe then you’ll see the whole place! After the Mall, we traveled back south on HWY 2 towards Airdrie, where we went to Montana’s for supper, and then just went back to our hotel to relax for the evening and night.

On Day 13, we decided that we’d go to the Calgary Zoo! The zoo was massive. So many areas to visit and sit, with obviously super cool animals. That was a hot day for that much walking though, and I made the mistake of not wearing sunscreen. My face wasn’t too bad, but I burned my scalp which was the itchiest burn I have ever had. Never again please. After the Zoo, we traveled a little further south on HWY 2 to the small town of Nanton about an hour south of Calgary. This town is a cute highway town, one that I actually really like. It also has a completely ridiculous candy store which is impossible to not spend like $70 inside of it per trip. So that’s what I did. And I got ice cream too! After the candy store, we went to Medicine Hat and stayed there at a beautiful brand new Best Western Premier.

Day 14 was a rest day at the Best Western before making the trek home. We spent a lot of the day at the pool, and indulged for supper at Little Caesars for fun.

Day 15 was the first travel day back home. It

was a long and at times tiring drive. We went from Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Dryden Ontario. We were in 4 provinces in 1 day. It was about a 15hour day, which is generally the maximum that I do because I do NOT want to drive in the dark up north in Ontario (I did anyway the next day and broke my own rule).

Day 16 was even longer than Day 15. We woke up at 5:00am in Dryden and were on the road by 5:30, just as the light was coming out, as we were in for a super long day. We went from Dryden to North Bay, which is about 16 hours (maybe a little more with stops for gas and whatnot). We drove in the dark on HWY 11 for an hour before getting to our hotel in North Bay. I told myself that I’d never drive in the dark up north just because of the danger of moose. Thankfully, I didn’t see one, but I did see a deer. I won’t be doing the arriving in the dark thing again, that’s for sure. Once was enough.

On Day 17, we decided to take a little bit of a detour home. Instead of taking the logical and shorter way home on HWY 17, we went towards Hunts-

ville on HWY 11 and got off there. Then we went east on HWY 60 towards Barry’s Bay and Killaloe, as that area is forever stitched into my heart since I spent every weekend of my childhood there. After Killaloe, we checked out one of my favourite spots on earth, Bonnechere Lodge on Golden Lake. We had a trailer there as a family for many, many years, but also rented cottages there for years before having a trailer. We went back just to see the place as I hadn’t been there in 5 years, and Zoe hasn’t been there at all. It was nice to go back. After that, we got back

on HWY 60 and went towards home, which was only 3-ish hours away at that point. We arrived home at about 6:30pm, capping off our trip across Canada.

Day 18 was just a rest and do nothing day before heading back to work the next day.

And that ends the story of our Chasecation turned Vacation! Luckily no car issues, or any issues of any kind this trip. The 3rd straight year driving across our beautiful country of Canada!