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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol 8, NO 31

August 5 , 2020

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The McLean Cairn as it was and as it is today.

by David Shanahan Is there anything sadder than a memorial that no-one remembers? In the first half of the last century, Deek’s Quarry was a hive of activity. At one time, around 200 workers were employed in crushing rocks to be used as rail beds for the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Ontario Northern Railway. The contract for the crushed rock had been granted to Dominion Construction Limited of Montreal, owned by Harry Falconer McLean. In order to obtain the ballast for the tracks a division of his company, Grenville Crushed Rock Ltd was established at the site on Scotch Line Road and a production plant

set up to crush the road bed ballast.

McLean bought the land for the quarry in 1919 and the operation continued until 1932, and at its peak, almost three million tons of local limestone was quarried every year. The work was hard and dangerous and there were deaths among the workers. When the quarry closed, McLean erected a stone cairn in memory of the dead workers, one of around a dozen such memorials he built at various quarries he owned across Canada.

On the stone monument metal plaques were mounted carrying the names of the dead, and one side was placed a poem, “The Sons of Martha”, which McLean had commissioned from famous British Imperialist,

Rudyard Kipling. Many are the stories about Harry McLean, especially during the last decades of his life, which he spent in the Merrickville area. Deek’s Quarry, also, is a place of historic importance. During the Second World War, the disused quarry was used as a staging point for trains carrying munitions and equipment eastward to Halifax to be sent on ships to Britain.

But time was not kind to the McLean Cairn, and it remained neglected and vandalised for many years. The metal plaques were removed and some, at least, ended up in the care of the Historical Society in Merrickville. But the cairn itself became lost in overgrown bush and the memories of local residents until a few individuals de-

cided in 2001 to see about moving it to Merrickville for preservation. The plan was to have it sited on the green space beside the cenotaph.

It was then that John Shawarna, one of those involved in the project, says they made their first mistake: they informed the Township of North Grenville of their plans. Meant as a polite gesture, it led instead to the North Grenville (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee [LACAC] to recommend to the municipal council that the cairn be given a heritage designation, which would prevent it being moved to Merrickville.

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The North Grenville Times continued from front page Board took place in July, 2002 resulted in a recommendation that the cairn be designated on site. John Shawarna remembers being quite unimpressed by the Board hearing, and disappointed that the residents group had been thwarted in their attempt to protect the cairn from further damage.

Throughout 2002 and 2003, meetings were held in North Grenville as steps where discussed whereby the cairn would be renovated and negotiations took place with the then-owner of the site, Barry Forbes, who was prepared to contribute to the costs. The Algonquin College Heritage Institute’s Heritage Masonry program was recruited to restore the stonework of the cairn.

The Historical Societies in both North Grenville and Merrickville-Wolford joined

As more businesses and services reopen, we must all continue our efforts to protect each other.

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Continue to practice physical distancing, stay two metres apart even in gatherings.

The Voice of North Grenville in the project. Everything seemed to promise a speedy and professional restoration of the McLean Cairn to its rightful heritage state.

But, at that point, it seems that everything stopped. The North Grenville council refused any financial support for the restoration, and would not agree to purchase the site from Barry Forbes.

No tax receipts would be issued by the municipality for donations of materials to use in the project. In short, after all the effort, conflicts, and time, the cairn remained where it was, in its dilapidated state. In fact, the cairn became even less accessible when the Municipality of North Grenville closed that part of Scotch Line Road to vehicles a few years ago, so anyone wishing to see the cairn had a bit of a walk to get to it. In addition, the

cairn is now in a very sad state, easy to miss as you walk along the road, and apparently destined to simply fall apart in time.

The aim of McLean in 1932 was to provide a memorial to the workers of Deek’s Quarry, itself an historic site that has been left to decay. The words of Rudyard Kipling, along with the names of the workers memorialised, have been removed from the cairn and from the site. Perhaps, in hindsight, it would have been better if those concerned citizens in 2001 had just moved the cairn to Merrickville, where it could be restored and preserved for future generations. Then the memorial would achieve its proper purpose. Is it too late to do something now?

North Grenville Public Library reopens to the public

by Hilary Thomson The North Grenville Public Library (NGPL) has opened its doors to the public once again.

The library has been closed to the public since the government shutdown of non-essential services in March. On May 25, the library started offering curbside pickup, so that patrons could access their catalogue of books and DVDs. “It started off really well,” says Manager of Service Delivery, Sierra Jones-Martel. “People were starved for books.”

For the past few weeks, the library has also been offering computer services, where patrons could make an appointment to access the computers for a set amount of time. Library CEO, Rachel Brown, says that, while this wasn’t extremely popular, they did have some regulars coming in to use the computers.

The library was included in the province’s Phase 3 reopening; however, it has taken them a couple weeks to get everything organized. As of Tuesday, August 4, the library opened to the public with a limited schedule and with a significant number of precautions in place. They are limiting the number of people in the library to 25, and are requiring everyone to wear a mask when they are in the building. There will be hand sanitizer at the door for people to use when they enter the library, and there will also be extra masks on hand for those that may forget.

They are asking people to keep in mind that they are reserving the first hour of the day for seniors and other high-risk individuals. “That’s when the library is at its safest,” Rachel says.

Computers will continue to be available by appointment only. They now have a limited number of computers on the floor, and each station must be cleaned after every use. “We are asking people to make appointments for one-hour blocks,” Rachel says.

Rachel is happy to be welcoming people back into the library, but wants to make sure it is a gradual transition. At this point, people are being asked not to come to the library to just hang out. The expectation is that they come in, select their books, and take them home to enjoy.

“We have a bunch of great new books at the library; but it won’t be the same as before,” she says. “Like all businesses, we want to start slowly and see how things go.”

The NGPL will be open from 10am-7pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and 10am-2pm on Saturday. They will be closed on Wednesday, but will still be offering curbside pick up from 5-7pm. They may also be offering a few hours for curbside pickup on Friday, if needed. Rachel says staff will be using the days they are closed for extra cleaning, shelving, and organizing books, which will be difficult to do with patrons in the library.

While the library doesn’t look as welcoming as usual, everything that is in place is to ensure that they can deliver confident and safe service. “It looks unwelcoming; but we want people to know we are excited,” Rachel says.

She also noted that their Co-ordinator of Children’s and Teen Services, Sue Bergeron, has been offering very successful outdoor children’s programming throughout the Summer. She has hosted story time in the park, and something called a “word walk” through the Kinderwood Trail. They will be continuing with outdoor programs for children through September, and will re-evaluate in the Fall about whether they can start hosting their indoor programming for children and adults at the library again.

Rachel believes that if everyone follows the guidelines, they will be able to offer their services in a way that is safe for both patrons and staff. She is very thankful to the Municipality, as well as the Health Unit, for helping to guide them in the creation of their reopening plan.

“If we are following the procedures, we will be fine,” she says.

For more information about library hours and safety protocols visit their website at www. ngpl.ca.

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The North Grenville Times

Thank You from @thetripletsofkemptville

by Veronica Cresp I continue to be astounded by the amount of help and support we have received from our community over the past nine months. Before the babies were even born we were generously gifted

an abundance of clothing, swings, bouncers, jolly jumpers, exersaucers, baby carriers, bumbos, nursing pillows, toys...and the list goes on.

(That doesn’t even include the gifts we received from our family and friends at our

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showers.) On a few occasions I posted in some Facebook groups (Moms in Kemptville and Kemptville Buy Nothing groups) that we were looking for formula samples, coupons and Similac cheques; each time the response has been overwhelming. We have been generously gifted far more than free formula samples and coupons. Beyond the plethora of items we received, some mamas also provided moral support from afar while others graciously offered to help with the babies (we definitely took some before COVID-19 and social distancing was a thing). We are forever grateful for the wonderful people in our community and we promise to pay it forward wherever we can. It really does take a village to raise children and thankfully we have an amazing one! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Neon Night getting ready for virtual event in September The Neon Night Fun Run is gearing up to hold a virtual event this September, with even more activities than just the run. Chair of the Neon Night Fun Run committee, Yvonne Lane, says they started meeting early in the year to start organizing the 2020 run.

When COVID-19 hit, they started monitoring the situation carefully, and decided that they weren’t going to be able to hold the physical event in September. “With the thousand people that come in such a small space, we knew it wasn’t going to be possible this year,” she says.

Yvonne says they debated whether they should hold the event at all, given the impact the pandemic was having on small businesses, which often support Neon Night. However, they decided that they didn’t want to lose the momentum they had going after seven successful years holding the extremely popular run in Kemptville. “For the sake of the warrior kids, we want them to know we are still behind them,” Yvonne says.

“We know the community really looks forward to the event every year.”

With the goal of finding a way to harness the usual enthusiasm and joy that surrounds Neon Night, the organizing committee decided to organize a virtual event, August 5, 2020

where people could sign up and do the run/walk on their own. They also added a “roll” component, where people can rollerblade, bike, or even use their wheelchair to participate in the event.

“Individuals are in control of when/where and how far they go,” Yvonne says.

Wanting to do more to connect with the community, the committee has also put together several other activities that are running in tandem with the run. This year they are encouraging the community to participate in a “Paint your Porch” competition, where families, individuals, and businesses can paint their driveway, sidewalk, or storefront in bright colours to support Neon Night. Yvonne would like people to register online and submit photos of their neon homes or storefronts.

“We will have some prizes at the end of it,” she says.

“We would like to have warriors and their families be the judges.”

Neon Night is also running another contest to encourage people to create their own posters to show the young cancer warriors that the community supports them. There will be prizes awarded for the top posters submitted as well.

Finally, Neon Night will be holding their second annual online auction on Facebook, which was very

popular last year. They are currently looking for donations of auction items, prizes for their poster and “Paint your Porch” competitions, and cash sponsors. “We recognize that many businesses have been impacted

by COVID-19,” she says.

“We are open to any ideas of what folks can do.”

For Yvonne, the nice thing about holding a virtual event is that it is not limited to the North Grenville community. People with family all over the world can participate and raise money for childhood cancer. “We want to get as many people involved as possible.”

In the last seven years, Neon Night has raised over $452,000 to support childhood cancer research. Last year, they had 18 warriors present at the event, and they are hoping to get many of them involved again in September. All the money raised goes directly towards

funding research that supports all the local kids in their fight against cancer.

“You really feel the community spirit and the love for these kids [at Neon Night],” Yvonne says. “Hopefully, we will get back at it next year; but, for now, this is the next best thing.”

Registration for all the events related to this year’s virtual Neon Night is now open on their website: www. cancer.ca/neonnight. The walk/run/roll is set for September 1-18, the “Paint your Porch” and poster contests will be running from September 1-17, and the online auction will be on Facebook from September 5-11. Yvonne says they are hoping to have a Facebook live event on September 19, which would have been the date of the physical event, to announce the winners of the contests and how much they raised this year.

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

Isn’t life strange?

by David Shanahan Yes, indeed. The Moody Blues were asking the right question way back when.

Isn’t life strange? No stranger than it has been for some time now, but maybe we need to think of something else for a while. One could point out the rather ironic and strange fact that, in these odd times, banks now welcome people who enter their premises wearing masks. Jesse James or Bonnie and Clyde might wonder at that.

The Quebec Government caused not a little controversy and bad feeling when they banned some women from wearing face coverings, and now they’re telling everyone to wear them! Maybe it’s only frowned on when they are worn for religious reasons? Yes, life is strange and throws up some interesting situations.

I tend to think about these things while trying to sleep at night. Some wise man said

to me recently that it is not a matter that older people need less sleep, it’s that they can’t actually get to sleep. I’m sure that most of the readers of this newspaper would agree that one of the most satisfying and comforting moments in life is when you finally roll over and fall asleep. Leaving the day behind and curling into the cocoon of bed sheets or duvet must rank as one of life’s joys.

You may lie straight, you may curl up, you may lie of your back, or have a favourite side to turn on: it matters not. You are letting go of the slings and arrows, the daily grind and duties, and letting yourself drift into peace and rest.

That is, of course, if you can actually fall asleep at that point. I tend to start thinking, and I have a brain that won’t shut up! It may take some time, as I lie there thinking about the work I have to do, whatever project I’m working on, or the extremely irritating snatch

of a song that won’t stop infiltrating my drift to sleep.

Then, as my mind starts to wander, and I approach that moment of unconsciousness, my peabrain takes note and says: look! You’re falling asleep! This, of course, puts all dreamy developments to flight, and I’m back singing that stupid song over and over.

I am now in the middle of my seventh decade, and you would think I would have this all figured out by now: little tricks and subtle moves to get my mind in a soporific state. But no, counting sheep leads to a discussion of wool and meat markets, or an examination of the countryside through which the sheep are passing. Listening to soothing music only encourages me to listen more attentively.

My wife uses audio books to fall asleep: I just stay awake, listening to the story.

Then, when sleep has finally knitted up the raveled sleeve of care (in my case, dropping a few stitches), I

find I have to make a trip to the washroom, and the whole darn things starts again. So, it becomes necessary to make use of those sleepless hours. And so, I find myself thinking about walking into a bank with a mask on. Or, in the good times, I begin to see links in what I’m writing, ideas for research and insights into the deep things of life. Of course, when I wake up, all of the brilliant insights have either completely vanished, or don’t seem as brilliant in the cold light of day.

There’s another aspect to all of this that gives me pause. Just how much time we spend sleeping, or trying to, is remarkable. They say the average person spends eight hours asleep - that’s a third of your life. Average is, however, a deceptive term. Babies, in my extensive experience, sleep a great deal less than eight hours. Coincidentally, new parents also manage a lot less sleep than the average.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, With a deep interest in the economic prospects for North Grenville, I gave a careful read of James Bertram’s piece which asked where is the proof of economic growth?

Let me say I agree completely with his assertion. To facilitate economic development anywhere (national, provincial, local), you need to base your efforts on evidence. He is also correct in asserting that good qualitative and quantitative information is the foundation for that evidence.

Looking at some numbers, the 2020 budget shows just over $311K being spent on economic development which represents just over 1.4% of the total North Grenville budget. I note this as Mr. Bertram makes reference to the “relatively large sums” spent on economic growth. If we are to start to move the North Grenville tax base to one that is less reliant on residential taxation, some amount needs to be spent. Ultimately it is up to each taxpayer to decide if this is a large amount or not and whether this spending is generating a return on investment.

I appreciated his point that perhaps the previous council had a better approach by setting aside funds for future infrastructure. Work August 5, 2020

is now proceeding on the expansion of municipal waste water treatment facility and highway 43. It would seem current council is ticking that box in a big way that supports current and future economic development.

Ultimately we do need evidence; benchmarks, performance indicators, and as much data as we can muster.

At times this may require some outside expertise to supplement the efforts of staff, though Mr. Bertram seems to feel that this may not be the best use of funds. This seems like a bit of a contradiction.

As I see it, this relatively new council has been moving in the right direction overall on the economic front. It has shown itself to be believers in being guided by evidence just as Mr. Bertram wants and while ensuring North Grenville is getting a good return on investment now, and in the future.

Mitch Bloom Dear Editor, The economic difficulties and suffering that currently confront the private sector are serious and likely enduring, despite the temporary CERB and other government programs like the table scraps of a one-time $300 boost to CPP pensions. There has been virtually no diminishment of the public sector,

would like to point out that what I was referring to is that Jim and his Party keep trotting out the same old policies, such as giving our tax money to corporations in the belief that they will create jobs with it, when there is no evidence that this has ever happened, as well as “balancing the budget” by cutting social and environmental programs. I was questioning the sanity of these practices, and not the sanity of the individuals involved.

That being said, there seems to be a double standard at play here. When Jim maligns my ability to think rationally, as he has done on a number of occasions, your correspondent did not step up to my defence. That doesn’t bother me, as I have

and members of the public sector have enjoyed an unbroken continuation of their salaries, benefits and pensions, regardless of whether they are necessary frontline workers or not. "We're all in this together" is a false virtue signaling slogan often repeated by governments and their cheerleaders among the public and the media.

Where is the leadership among our government and public service for a true shared experience of "being all in this together"? Jacinda Ardern, prime minister of New Zealand, put the "government's money where its mouth is" and reduced some government salaries by 20% to share the pain of the covid 19 economic decline.

Contrast that with our governments' virtue signaling bs. Even at the municipal level, there has been no concern or action to reduce the burden of excessively high property taxes. All while many municipal services and facilities remain shut down and our municipal financial reserves are being recklessly spent.

Stephen Hammond

The Voice of North Grenville

The average teenager sleeps far more than eight hours, but not necessarily at night.

I have grandchildren who often sleep until noon when it isn’t a school day. That’s yet another interesting aspect of this whole sleep issue: we all have our own circadian rhythm, that internal system that tells us when to sleep and when to wake. I have believed for many years that my own personal circadian rhythm has no sense of rhythm at all. Play it a good tune, and it would probably start dancing like some poor fool who stuck their finger in an electric socket. Rhythm? I scoff at the very suggestion.

Sleep can do great things, of course. Paul McCartney woke up one morning with the melody for “Yesterday” complete in his head, with no idea where it came from.

Likewise, the riff for “Satisfaction” came to Keith Richards in the middle of the night. He woke up and played it into a tape recorder before falling back asleep.

In my case, I was lying wide awake around 2am one morning, wondering what I was going to write as an Editorial in the next week’s Times, and all sorts of weird ideas were going through my brain as I began to doze off again. They were so strange, in fact, that I had the thought: “Isn’t life strange?”

Perhaps, I thought, I should write an article with that very title. After all, all of my Editorials have titles that are also song titles, so it would make sense to use the title of a Moody Blues song for the next one. I thought about the lyric to that song: “Isn’t life strange? A turn of the page can read like before.

Can we ask for more?” And, in the quasi-delirium of the half-waking brain at 2am, I thought: Yes, indeed. The Moody Blues were asking the right question way back when. Isn’t life strange?

learned to look after myself.

However, I would like to point out another criticism that Jim has levelled at me, and that is that I should be an equal opportunity critic, so I would encourage your correspondent to consider doing the same.

Lastly, there is the observation that my letters are “long winded”. Maybe your correspondent hasn’t read much of Jim’s writings. The length of them often put mine to shame. However, this letter won’t be one of those.

As for you, Jim, my apologies to you if you interpreted what I said last week as impugning your sanity. That was not my intent. As for your politics, I am unrepentant on that score, and even though we have a very different opinion on governance, this is

what democracy is all about, the free exchange of ideas.

Colin Creasey Kemptville Dear Editor, I was somewhat disturbed by your decision to publish the letter critical of Kemptville's new postmistress, which came precipitously close to being a personal attack.

I’ve never met either of these women, but I strongly feel Ms Herman should have addressed her concerns solely to the Post Office itself, as they are the authority which will ultimately deal with complaints. A public forum such as the NGT is highly inappropriate, since the letter contains such gossipy barbs.

Thanks for your attention, Monica Wallace

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Dear Editor, In response to the letter in this newspaper last week from William J. Langenberg, who took offense at what he assumed was me questioning the sanity of Jim Bertram, I

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Editor Staff Reporter Accounting David Shanahan cfo@ngtimes.ca Hilary Thomson david@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 hilary@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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The North Grenville Times

Council discusses new development and fast food outlets

by Hilary Thomson North Grenville Municipal Council held a special council meeting on July 22, to discuss the site plan for phase 2 and 3 of the Kevlar commercial development located on County Road 43.

The portion of the site that is currently developed includes the Starbucks, RE/MAX, Trigon Insurance, and Mucho Burrito.

Phase 2 and 3 of the development will include two buildings with a total of five new commercial units. Tenants will include a physiotherapy office, Domino’s Pizza, and a Harvey’s/Swiss Chalet restaurant. The plans for the new development also include pedestrian sidewalks to facilitate connectivity within the development; a community pathway which connects County Road 19 with County Road 43; a new entrance and exit to the development off County Road 19; and bike racks at the new buildings. North Grenville Planner, Amy Martin, says the site plan has also been sent to the Accessibility Advisory Committee which will look at how individuals with differing abilities will react to the proposed site. “[We are] waiting for their comment and review,” she said.

Although council are supportive of the development, they did have a few concerns.

Mayor Peckford raised the

issue of site drainage, as she has been in correspondence with several property owners whose land is adjacent to the municipal drain that handles flows from both the Kevlar and Colonnade developments. “More than one property owner is feeling that their lands are far wetter and not draining well by virtue of additional stormwater that is coming from Colonnade and Kevlar,” she said.

Director of Planning and Development, Phil Gerrard, said that, in the case of the Kevlar development, the stormwater management plan was peer-reviewed by consultants, and approved by both the Municipality and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). There was also an Environmental Compliance Approval from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), which is needed when stormwater is being directed off-site. Should a property owner feel that they are having issues due to water being funneled onto their property, their recourse is to hire an engineer to assess the situation.

Mayor Peckford also mentioned that she was disappointed that the pedestrian connectivity between the Kevlar and Colonnade developments was not addressed in the site plan. “I’m surprised that I didn’t see better connectivity, because I understood Kevlar themselves wanted to facilitate that,” she said. “This

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feels so intuitive as a way to bring together two large commercial developments.”

Councillor O’Sullivan echoed Mayor Peckford’s concern, adding that she doesn’t see the point of the community pathway, because it doesn’t connect to anywhere. “It says it’s a community path; but it seems to be a site plan path that has nothing to do with the rest of the community,” she said.

Amy Martin explained that the purpose of the community pathway is to eventually connect to the sidewalk and bike path which are in the plans for the new and improved County Road 43.

That being said, Mayor Peckford pointed out that the re-development of County Road 43 could take several years. Councillor O’Sullivan mentioned that, even with sidewalks along County Road 43, there is still no connectivity between the Rail Trail and the community pathway, which would be beneficial.

“There is no direct link from the rail trail,” she said. “That just dead ends on Wellington Road.”

Although Director Gerrard said he will bring requests for more pedestrian connectivity back to Kevlar, he did note that this is outside

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the site plan approval process.

“I shouldn’t be speaking on their behalf; but I can tell you from past experience that they’ll want to be compensated by the Municipality, because it doesn’t deal directly with the development of this site plan,” he said. He did mention that the Municipality has the ability to improve connectivity by investing in a sidewalk between Ryan’s Well Drive and the Kevlar development, along County Road 19. Although it is a county road, sidewalks are a municipal responsibility.

“That’s the missing piece here that we need to obtain,” he said.

Mayor Peckford said that, given the density of the commercial developments that continue to grow in the area, it might be a good idea for them to take a look at providing that pedestrian pathway between the Kevlar development and Ryan’s Well Drive. Director Gerrard said that development charges could most likely be used to help fund such a project. “Sidewalks and multiuse pathways can, to some degree, be paid for through development charges,” he said.

That being said, Mayor Peckford hopes to continue the conversation with Kevlar

to see if they can help to provide a solution for connectivity moving forward.

“They do such good work in the community and I think they appreciate the need for people to safely transverse a number of different properties in that area,” she said. “I

think we’d really like to take a harder look at how we create that safe passage sooner rather than later.”

demic. Fortunately, they have been short episodes and not often or severe. While I couldn’t pinpoint the cause for them, they were very real.

Imagine how someone feels when they experience anxiety or depression on a frequent, or more severe basis. Imagine if their boat is a leaky rowboat or a tippy canoe. Imagine if someone treated them unkindly!

We had a tragic incident in North Grenville last week.

Carleton Place also had a similar sad incident the week before, and, early in the pandemic, there was a tragedy in Brockville. We cannot definitively link these to the current pandemic situation, but it is possible that the effects of restrictions may have

played a role.

The message I want to convey in this article is to continue to practice the basics, Wash your Hands (visit this link on how and when to do it properly https://youtu. be/YTUFqnP326E). Avoid touching your face (the virus can be transmitted to your mouth and nose through contact with your face). Practice Physical distancing (stay 2 metres away from people who are not in your personal bubble. If you are unable to physical distance, wear a mask). Stay Home if You are Sick (no matter how minor your symptoms are, don’t assume it is just a cold or allergies. Stay home and protect others). BE KIND! (we have no idea what kind of boat

people are in, and we don’t know what they are dealing with.) Remember to practice the Golden Rule!

North Grenville, we have done very well at keeping this virus at bay so far. Well done, and thank you all for doing your part. Please continue to be diligent and BE KIND!

**NOTE: Council and Planning Public Meetings are being conducted in-person in Council Chambers and will be live streamed and archived on the Municipal website. Visit http://www.northgrenville.ca and click on Agendas, Minutes & Video in the Govern tab. Attendees must fill out a visitor screening sheet prior to attending the facility and health issues aside, must also wear a mask while in the facility. Attendees are to follow signage to enter the facility

NORTH GRENVILLE MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS The Municipal Office is open to the public with new hours (9:00 am - 4:00 pm). Residents and businesses can continue to access Municipal services by phone, email and online.

For more information visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

2020 BURN PERMITS & CONDITIONS

In accordance with By-Law 33-12, residents must have a Burn Permit before they have an open-air fire. The fee for a Burn Permit is $15 and available online at www.northgrenville.ca.

Please check conditions prior to burning by calling 613-7061770 or online to see if there are any burn bans currently in effect.

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 Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-9569 x204 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

www.NorthGrenville.ca

When you can’t HUG – K I S S

by Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan Keep It Sweet and Simple! Every level of government provides the same basic advice about how to manage during the current COVID 19 pandemic, and that advice always includes; Wash your Hands Often, Avoid Touching your Face, Practice Physical Distancing, Stay Home if you’re sick and Be Kind!

The World Health Organization (WHO), Government of Canada, Ministry of Health of Ontario, Lanark Leeds Grenville Health Unit, and the Municipality of North Grenville all urge you to follow those basics. The experts are making their decisions based on the best available evidence and we are bound to follow August 5, 2020

rules and guidelines that have been set down.

Our individual and community responses to the pandemic are very dynamic and ebb and flow based on our circumstances at a point in time. Initially, our focus was turned to toilet paper, and that obsession either made you laugh, or caused you to get on the bandwagon and join the crowd of TP shoppers.

Similarly, the focus on flour and yeast had a variety of responses from society. Some people are very afraid of the virus and still remain selfisolated and extremely cautious. Some have the idea that government restrictions are over-kill and not necessary.

The point is, that it depends where you are at in a particu-

lar moment how you react.

I’ve heard it said that we are all in this together, and that may be true; but, while we are all in the same storm, we are not all in the same boat.

Some are cruising through this on a luxury cruise ship; others are managing well on board a fortified battleship; some are in a leaky rowboat; and others are in a very tippy canoe. The supports that are within and around us make a huge difference in how we react and deal with the current situation. I appreciate, acknowledge, and accept that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and response.

I admit that while I am personally ‘in a good place,’ I have experienced episodes of anxiety through this pan5

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Vital Information – All in One Place

One of the surgical towers in the WDMH Operating room

Close to 5,000 surgeries are performed at Winchester District Memorial Hospital [WDMH] each year. For each one, WDMH surgeons need a good view – right into a patient’s body. A specialized piece of equipment called a Surgical Tower ensures vital information is front and centre.

Thanks to our generous donors, WDMH has recently received two new Surgical Towers for its operating rooms. The total cost was just over $92,000.

These complex towers house vital equipment including highdefinition cameras, light sources, two flat-screen LED monitors and a computer processor. They provide crucial information and a digital picture that the surgeons watch during surgery.

Dr. Suru Chande has worked at WDMH for five decades.

“Many of the surgeries that take place in our OR require the use of this equipment,” he explains. “Surgeries such as gallbladder and sinus surgery, bowel resections, and hysterectomies require these towers. They are also used during minimally invasive surgery.”

WDMH was one of the early adopters of this type of surgery, starting in the early 1990s. Minimally invasive surgery is used to help make a diagnosis, take a biopsy sample, or perform certain types of surgeries. Often, these surgeries are done as an outpatient procedure – meaning patients go home the same day. Patients often have a faster recovery time, and we have seen a decrease in complications after surgery.

“Over the years, thanks to the generosity of our donors, WDMH has had the medical equipment that enabled me and other surgeons to perform thousands of surgeries,” adds Dr. Chande.

“We are so fortunate to have such a caring community.”

Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman agrees.

“WDMH would not be what it is today without our donors. The surgical towers are a wonderful example of the impact our donors are making every day at WDMH. We can’t thank you enough.”

Une nouvelle Direction de L’Éducation au CEPEO

Le Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) est heureux d’annoncer la nomination de Sylvie C.R. Tremblay au poste de directrice de l’éducation et secrétairetrésorière.

Mme Tremblay occupait le poste de surintendante de l’éducation au CEPEO jusqu’à cette nomination. Évoluant au sein du CEPEO depuis l’an dernier, Mme Tremblay a démontré une solide expérience en éducation et son cheminement professionnel lui donne l’expertise nécessaire pour occuper ces nouvelles responsabilités.

Détentrice d’une maîtrise en histoire et en éducation et leadership pédagogique, d’un baccalauréat en éducation ainsi que d’un brevet d’agente de supervision, elle August 5, 2020

est forte d’une expérience de 28 années dans le domaine de l’éducation, dont 12 ans à titre de surintendante de l’éducation. Elle a travaillé au sein de nombreux organismes éducatifs de la région, dans les écoles élémentaires et secondaires mais aussi au sein du milieu universitaire auprès des étudiants ayant des besoins particuliers, notamment à l’Université d’Ottawa.

«C'est un honneur pour moi d’être nommée à ce poste et d’avoir l’opportunité de collaborer avec le Conseil et la grande équipe du CEPEO pour écrire le prochain chapitre de l'histoire du CEPEO. Depuis mon arrivée au Conseil, à l'automne 2019, j'ai été séduite par la créativité, l'agilité et l'engagement dont font preuve les membres du personnel au quotidien. En collaboration avec nos communautés scolaires et nos partenaires, nous poursuivrons nos efforts pour soutenir le bien-être, le développement de compétences et la réussite des élèves et des apprenants.

Le nouveau plan stratégique, qui sera dévoilé à l’automne, nous donnera d’ailleurs des orientations claires en ce sens pour les cinq prochaines années. La prochaine année scolaire, tout comme la dernière, d’ailleurs, sera marquée par la pandémie ; je sais

mars dernier après huit années en poste. Elle entrera en fonction le 4 août 2020. * Cette nomination est conditionnelle à l'assentiment du ministère de l’Éducation de l’Ontario

pouvoir compter sur l’équipe du CEPEO pour relever les défis qui nous attendent avec dévouement, courage et résilience », a mentionné Mme Tremblay.

Le président du CEPEO, Denis M. Chartrand, tient à souligner la grande qualité de la candidature de Mme Tremblay: « Au nom de l’ensemble des membres du Conseil, je tiens à féliciter Sylvie C.R. Tremblay pour cette nomination en tant que directrice de l’éducation. Son expertise en éducation sera un atout pour assurer la continuité du développement du CEPEO. De nouveaux défis nous attendent dès la prochaine rentrée après une année 2019-2020 hors du commun mais nous sommes certains que l’expérience de Mme Tremblay permettra de commencer sereinement cette nouvelle année scolaire ».

Le Conseil tient par ailleurs à remercier chaleureusement Ann Mahoney, qui a assuré avec dynamisme et confiance les fonctions de directrice de l’éducation par intérim. Mme Mahoney a relevé le défi de diriger le CEPEO lors d’une période mouvementée et sans précédent dans l'histoire du conseil scolaire.

Sylvie C.R. Tremblay succèdera à Édith Dumont, qui a quitté ses fonctions en

The Voice of North Grenville

Local politicians learn about poverty and hunger

by Cathy Ashby On Thursday, July 23, local politicians from all branches of government joined Food Banks United members via videoconferencing to discuss local poverty and hunger. The virtual meeting began with a brief summary of Food Banks United’s report, “Voices United 2020: Food Bank Clients Speak Out”.

This was followed by a reiteration of the report’s three recommendations: close the gap between current social assistance rates and the actual cost of basic necessities; utilize the current definition of disability under the Ontario Disability Support Program; and all levels of government look at decisions that they are making through a poverty lens.

When making decisions, participating politicians were invited to ask themselves: does our most vulnerable population have access to affordable healthy food, affordable safe housing, affordable local transportation, rural employment opportunities, and to children’s sports and cultural activities?

From across Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Leeds and Grenville counties several municipal mayors and counsellors as well as MPP Jim MacDonnell, MPP Steve Clark, and MP Eric Duncan attended the virtual meeting report launch. In response to the report, MPP Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing stated “The data and information that Food Banks United has provided me tonight I think is very helpful. I want to thank you. The information is not going to sit on a shelf. It will be shared widely. Hopefully the engagement will continue.”

Food Banks United is a collaborative comprised of several local food banks. These include: The Agape Centre, Community Food Share, House of Lazarus, Rideau Community Health Services, and South Grenville Food Bank. In Fall 2019, these food banks conducted client surveys covering such topics as employment, transportation, food stability, health, and more.

The survey results, as well as client testimonials, were gathered into the 35-page report with the following goal: “Data obtained from this survey is being shared to invoke discussion of the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and to call to action each community member, community agency and business, as well as each level of government, to make choices that give hope to those living in poverty.”

To obtain a digital copy of the full report, contact House of Lazarus by email to Cathy Ashby at cashby@houseoflazarus. com, Community Food Share by email to Jane Schoones at admin@communityfoodshare.ca, or The Agape Centre by email to Lisa Duprau at lduprau@agapecentre.ca.

Rideau Glen Ladies League golf in spite of the heat

by Cecile Fortier In spite of high heat, humidity, and covid-19 virus, the ladies continue to show-up in droves for the Tuesday´s league play. A theme and ¨Black Lives Matter¨ were included to make the game more meaningful and joyful.

Birdies galore are coming from any greens.

Mary wanted the ladies to show their support of ¨Black and Indigenous Lives Matter¨, and how important it is to all of us, and she wanted the origin country of each one´s ancestors. A huge Canadian flag had approximately twenty smaller ensigns representing each country origin. Some went as far back as in the 1600's, while others were in the 1980's. Hilary Thomson of NG Times, was invited to photograph and write an article about this event. It was well received by all the ladies. On

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one side of the Canadian flag was a sign saying ¨BLACK AND INDIGENOUS LIVES MATTER¨; on the other side: ¨WE ARE ALL CANADIANS AND PROUD OF IT¨.

The heat and humidity haven´t annoyed the ladies.

They are enjoying their game and the company they share it with. For the last Tuesday in June, red and white were worn for Canada Day. Most had acquiesced to the captains demand. The ¨red and white¨ could be seen throughout the whole course. For the end of July, hats of any kind were the topic of the day. Some were very beautiful, with ribbons, bows, and flowers, while others were being very original, with zany, buffoonery objects of all sorts.

The atmosphere around Rideau Glen is palpable with its vibrancy and eagerness of the players´ laughter and fun,

and connections between new found friends. You feel the tangible joy of being out there and playing, in spite of the covid-19 virus. It challenges the ladies into striving to rid the virus and send it flying into oblivion...with your lost ball...

Birdies were again welcomed and recognized for the ¨ace¨ players or is it just luck?

They are: Judy Collard, Willie Brydges, Georgia Crawford, Sue Ouellette, Judy deGrosbois, Libby Price, Bonnie Thibaudeau, Cathy Maur and Cecile Fortier. Kudo Ladies!

The league is enjoying a Summer like no other---the virus, the hottest ever for eighty years, and the largest boisterous group of great ladies having jun. But do not forget to keep your distances and BE SAFE! www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Farm Forum Event moves to virtual online conference The Farm Forum Event, a future-focused agriculture production conference featuring the industry’s top thought leaders, innovators, researchers and strategists, will move to a virtual format on November 9 and 10, 2020.

The conference was scheduled to be held in Saskatoon in November, but with COVID-19 restrictions for in-person meetings, the Farm Forum Event organizers are instead offering Canadian farmers and agronomists a new and interactive virtual ag production conference.

“Work on the farm doesn’t go away during a pandemic, so we want to make sure we’re helping farmers stay informed, agile and profitable.”

“With so many Canadian agriculture events and meetings this year being put off,

we wanted to make sure that the industry still has access to the latest information and experts who can share innovative approaches to the challenges that farmers face today,” says Iris Meck, Conference Director, the Farm Forum Event.

Farm operations are a vital service, and production is continuing in spite of the pandemic. The Farm Forum Event conference organizers from Glacier FarmMedia are rolling up their sleeves, and applying what they learned from the successful Ag in Motion Discovery Plus virtual farm show last week to build an innovative conference platform for the Farm Forum Event.

The new virtual conference platform will allow farmers and agronomists to

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in agricultural production to give them timely information for their farm operation,” says Iris Meck. “We have had a lot of agronomists attend the conference in the past and wanted to be sure they have a way to meet their online learning requirements. Work on the farm doesn’t go away during a pandemic, so we want to make sure we’re helping farmers stay informed, agile and profitable.”

The 2020 Farm Forum Event virtual conference takes place on November 9 & 10. More information is available at farmforumevent. com and registration information will be provided in the coming months.

connect with each other and the presenters, watch and comment on presentations, view virtual exhibitor booths from sponsoring companies plus connect with their staff, book meetings with other attendees at the conference and attend small-group Table Talks.

The virtual Farm Forum Event will feature speakers like Andrew Coyne, Sylvain Charlebois, Nuffield scholars, Canadian university and government researchers, farm producers, and more. The Farm Forum Event is known for bringing great speakers to the podium as well as providing educational units for Certified Crop Advisors.

“In such an uncertain year, we are committed to keeping our agriculture community in touch with experts

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Gilmer, Lilah Elizabeth

Lilah passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2020 in her 97th year and was surrounded by her loving Bayfield family. She is predeceased by her brothers Charles, Gerald and Alton; and by her sisters Marion, Kathaleen (Kay) Selleck, Evelyn Bowbeer, Freda and Hilda Langstaff. Lilah will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was a role model to many who came in contact with her. Lilah’s life motto was “Live Simply” so others may simply live. Lilah was a long-time volunteer and supporter of the North Grenville Community Church. She gave to many charities and sponsored children throughout her life. A big thank you to Dr. Greg Leonard, all the staff and care-workers who assisted Lilah over the years. Your caring support is greatly appreciated by niece Linda and nephew Dale. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the North Grenville Community Church.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435

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OPEN: MON.-FRI.: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

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Highlights of the regular United Counties Council July meetings Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act: Counties Council has passed a resolution with respect to proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act under the new “More Homes, More Choices Act 2019". Following a delegation from the area conservation authorities earlier this year, the resolution requests the Province to continue to allow Conservation Authorities to provide flexible programming in consultation with local municipalities with a continued focus on watershed activities. Further, the resolution requests a stable funding source for Conservation Authorities to prevent these costs from being downloadAugust 5, 2020

ed to municipal governments.

Funding Transfer Agreement for County Road 43 Executed: Counties Council authorized the execution of a transfer agreement with the provincial and federal governments for funding for the reconstruction of County Road 43 in the Municipality of North Grenville. The $10 million in funding will assist with costs associated with four-laning approximately 1.15 kilometers of the roadway, rehabilitation of the Kemptville Creek bridge, illumination, biking and walking paths. The entire $27 million project will see the extension of four lanes from Highway 416 to Somerville Road.

Something to take your mind off things

William Thake Memorial Bursaries Awarded: Bursaries in the namesake of long-standing Counties Council Member, Warden and Mayor of the Village of Westport William Thake were awarded to Emily French and Taylor Westendorp from Rideau District High School, and Jenna McCafferty from St. John Catholic School. This award is presented to a graduate who has shown leadership qualities and been involved in the community and/or school and will be proceeding on to a post-secondary institution.

Congratulations to the 2020 recipients!

by John Baldwin Not many birds around at the moment, either due to the heat, or a lull in their nesting. I did have this Cedar Waxwing drop by one afternoon a couple of times, one windy afternoon, and I was able to get quite a few shots of it during the half hour, or so, that it clung to the Pine tree.

For a short while it was joined by a Gold Finch.

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Treasurer reports some financial loss due to COVID-19

by Hilary Thomson Village Treasurer, Kirsten Rahm, presented a report to council at their last meeting, bringing them up to date on the Municipality’s 2020 finances. As with many municipalities across the province, COVID-19 has had an impact on the Village’s financial situation.

With council’s decision to lower the tax rate, charge the residential water rate for all commercial buildings, the waiving of interest on utility bills until July 31, lost revenue from the Blockhouse and the rental of municipal facilities, and other COVID-19 related expenses (cleaning supplies, PPE, legal costs, IT services, signage, postage), the Municipality is looking

VID-19,” Kirsten wrote in her report to council. “The third quarter report, to be presented in October, will provide a better indication of the Village’s fiscal sustainability during the pandemic.”

The report also showed that the Village has collected approximately 70% of the interim taxes that were due at the end of February. This means that 30% of Merrickville-Wolford residents have not paid their first tax bill of 2020. Kirsten says that, while the tax arrears are higher than their auditor would like, it is consistent with other years, so this doesn’t seem to be a result of COVID-19. “It’s a process that is ongoing,” she said at the meeting. “We do plan to bring that number up.”

Merrickville-Wolford council also discussed the possibility of waiving the interest on tax installments, due on July 31, for August and September. Kirsten out-

at a loss of $128,598 so far in 2020.

Kirsten’s report also mentions that they are projecting further losses this year from continuing to waive penalties and interest on utility bills, cancelled municipal facility bookings, and lower commercial water and wastewater rates. “It is still too early to quantify all the financial impacts resulting from CO-

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interest on late payments from previous years. Councillor Bob Foster asked whether they had heard from the public if the waiving of interest on tax bills was something they were looking for. “From general public, no,” Mayor Doug Struthers said.

Councillor Foster also noted that, even if they were to waive interest for August and September, they would still owe the County and Education portion of the bill.

“We’re kind of caught between a rock and a hard place on that,” he said.

In the end, council decided against waiving of interest on tax bills. Regardless of the fact that tax arrears are relatively high, this is an historical issue, and it doesn’t seem that COVID-19 has affected resident’s ability to pay their tax bills on time yet. “We’re solving a problem we don’t actually have,” Councillor Molloy said.

Village applies for grant to help pay for Asset Management Plan

are at the he♥rt of our community

by Hilary Thomson The Village of Merrickville-Wolford will be applying for a grant to help cover the cost of creating an Asset Management Plan [AMP] for the municipality. According to the Government of Ontario website, there are many places in Ontario where infrastructure is degrading faster than it is being repaired or replaced. To address this, the Province implemented the Asset Management Planning for Municipal Infrastructure Regulation, on January 1, 2018, with the goal of helping municipalities improve the way they plan for their infrastructure. To guide municipalities in the implementation of this regulation, the Province has provided them with a step by step process, which guides them towards the creation of an approved AMP by July 1, 2024.

As of July 1, 2019, all municipalities in Ontario had to have a finalized strategic

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For small business tools and resources: www.merrickville-wolford.ca

August 5, 2020

lined in her financial report that, should council decide to waive penalties and interest on all tax bills for the rest of the year, the estimated total loss to the Municipality would be $73,500. “We do make a lot of money on arrears,” Kirsten explained.

She also reported to council that, should they decide to waive interest on tax bills for August and September, this would apply to all taxes that are currently owed, including those owing from previous years. This would mean that interest would not be accrued over those two months for outstanding bills for 2020, 2019, 2018 and earlier. “Software systems unfortunately aren’t designed to do multiple interest calculations,” Kirsten said.

Councillor Timothy Molloy said that, while he was fine giving residents a break for 2020, due to COVID-19, he did not agree with waiving

8

asset management policy in place which outlined how they are going to go about creating their AMP. This included things like who would be the lead on creating the policy, council involvement, budgeting, public consultation, environmental considerations, and alignment with municipal goals, policies and plans which may be supported by the creation of an AMP. The next phase in the process is to have an approved AMP in place for core assets (roads, bridges and culverts, water, wastewater, and stormwater management systems) that identifies current levels of service, and costs for maintaining those levels of service, by July 1,

2021. The Village is planning on hiring a consultant to help with the development of the AMP, and will be applying for a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipal Asset Management Program, to help fund the position. They have also committed $12,500 from the budget to help pay for the initiative. “Thank you to staff for seeing the grant opportunity to offset dollars that we would otherwise have to spend,” Mayor Doug Struthers said at the council meeting of July 27.

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Public washrooms open in village

by Hilary Thomson Public washrooms are now open in Merrickville.

The Village announced last week that the public washrooms, located at the parking lot on Wellington W., near St. Lawrence Street, and the rink house on Main Street W. are available for public use from 10am-6pm daily, including holidays.

The Village is asking that only one person or family group use the washrooms at a time. Washroom users must also practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and wash their hands thoroughly. The bathrooms will be cleaned a minimum of three times daily while the washrooms are open.

“The Village of Merrickville-Wolford accepts no responsibility for any loss,

VILLAGE OF MERRICKVILLE-WOLFORD

damage, or personal injuries, however sustained,” it says COURTESY PUBLIC INFORMATION on the Village Facebook page.

SESSION RE: MERRICKVILLE GROVE “Use at own risk.”

SUBDIVISION Merrickville and District VILLAGE OF MERRICKVILLE-WOLFORD Chamber of Commerce PresiCOURTESY PUBLIC INFORMATION dent, Yves Grandmaitre, says On March 10, 2020, Council held a public meeting pursuant to the Planning Act to inform the SESSION RE: MERRICKVILLE GROVE and the related proposed zoning he is very happy to see public the of the application for approval of draft plan of subdivision SUBDIVISION for the Merrickville Grove Subdivision (Part of Lots 9 and 10, Concession A, now in Municipality respondingamendment to the Village of Merrickville-Wolford, in the former geographic Township of Wolford) as shown on th the need for washrooms inKey the Map below.

On March 10, 2020, Council held a public meeting pursuant to the Planning Act to inform the public of the application for approval of draft plan of subdivision and the related village. “It’s nice to see the proposed zoning amendment for the Merrickville Grove Subdivision (Part of Lots 9 and Village stepping up,” he says.

Vinyl Destination celebrates grand opening of new location

The Council the Corporation theVillage Village Merrickville-Wolford committed to transparency 10,of Concession A, now inofthe of of Merrickville-Wolford, in theisformer geographic and public engagement. As such, Council has directed that a Public Information Session be held t Township of Wolford) as shown approximately on the Key Map below. inform the public about proposed modifications to the Merrickville Grove (Park View Homes) draft plan of subdivision.

The Council of the Corporation of the Village of Merrickville-Wolford is committed to

transparency and public engagement. As such, Council has directed that a Public

CourtesyInformation Public Information Session Session be held to inform the public about proposed modifications to the

Merrickville Grove (Park View Homes) draft plan of subdivision.

DATE AND TIME:

Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Courtesy Public Information Session

LOCATION:

Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street, Merrickville, Ontari DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, August 12, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Merrickville Community Centre, 106 Read Street, Merrickville, Ontario

MERRICKVILLE GROVE KEY MAP

MERRICKVILLE GROVE KEY MAP

Owner of Vinyl Destination, Rob Balsillie, cuts the ribbon, officially opening the new location

by Hilary Thomson Vinyl Destination in Merrickville celebrated the grand opening of their new location on Saturday. Rob Balsillie opened Vinyl Destination in the village eight years ago.

His previous location was on Brock Street, just off the main drag, but Rob has been waiting for a spot to open up on St. Lawrence Street for the past seven years. “Being on the side street, we lacked the foot traffic of the main road,” he says.

When Rob celebrated his eighth year in business on Canada Day this year, he had no idea he would be moving into the bigger and brighter location at 236 St. Lawrence Street. In just a few short weeks he was able to set up his new store, which has plenty of space for social distancing.

“Welcome to the new and improved, bigger and better Vinyl Destination,” he said, right before he cut the ribbon, opening the new location for the first time.

Mayor Doug Struthers was on hand on Saturday to offer his support and congratulations. “In this climate, here is an example of a business not only adapting, but actually pivoting up,” he said. “It’s exciting news, showing what the businesses and entrepreneurs are like in MerrickvilleAugust 5, 2020

Wolford.”

Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce President, Yves Grandmaitre, agreed that it is great to see a business expanding in these times. “This will bring a

whole additional vibe to St. \ Lawrence Street,” he said.

NOTE: In compliance with the Provincial Emergency Orders, as well as the InstrucVinyl Destination is open NOTE: In compliance with the Provincial Emergency Orders, as well as the tion from the Medical Officer of Health, every attendee that is able to wear a mask seven days a week. For more Instruction from the Medical Officer of Health, every attendee that is able to must do so. Additionally, not more than 50 people will be permitted to enter the information, find themwear on a mask must do so. Additionally, not more than 50 people will be Community Centre at one time. Social distancing requirements will be in place. permitted to enter the Community Centre at one time. Social distancing Facebook, or visit their webThank you in advance for your co-operation. requirements will be in place. Thank you in advance for your co-operation. site www.vinyldestination.ca.

by David Shanahan The Ontario government has announced that schools for in-class instruction will resume beginning this September. This plan was developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the COVID-19 Command Table and paediatric experts.

The Plan, as announced by the government stated that elementary schools (Kindergarten to Grade 8) will reopen province-wide, with in-class instruction five days a week. Secondary schools with lower risk will reopen with a normal daily schedule, five days a week, while most secondary schools will start the school year in an adapted model of part-time attendance with class cohorts of up to 15 students alternating between attending in-person and online. Students from Grade 4-12 and school staff will be required to wear masks.

Under the plan, parents will continue to have the option to enroll their children in remote delivery, giving them the final say in whether their

children will return to class next month. The official statement also pointed out that the government is providing over $300 million in targeted, immediate, and evidenceinformed investments, including the provision of PPE for staff and students, funding to ensure class sizes remain small, financial support to allow for healthcare workers to be available to schools to monitor the health of the children, and the provision of extra custodial staff and equipment to keep schools clean.

Funds are also being allocated to maintain a high level of cleanliness on school buses. $10 million is provided to support special needs students in the classroom and the same amount to support student mental health.

"This plan reflects the best medical and scientific advice with a single aim: to keep your child safe," said Education Minister, Stephen Lecce. "While this plan will continue to evolve to respond to the changing threat of

Ontario government authorises school reopening COVID-19, we will remain constant and consistent in investing in the resources, staffing, and cleaning supports, and strict health and safety protocols to keep our communities and our classrooms safe."

"Based on the current data, we are seeing that overall instances of COVID-19 are declining in Ontario.

When considering the health of the whole child, and as long as this trend continues, we believe that with the appropriate measures and strategies in place to handle potential outbreaks and prevent spread, schools are expected to be a safe place for Ontario's students and staff who attend in person," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of students and staff and will be prepared to transition to alternative options should circumstances change."

Dr. Ronald Cohn, President and CEO of SickKids, noted the concerns of many 9

parents and teachers that the loss of school activities and social interaction is having a negative effect on the mental health of children across the province: "While we recognize that COVID-19 will be with us for some time, continuing to stay home from school has become untenable for many children, youth and families.

Effective, evidence-based strategies can help promote the safety of students, teachers, school staff and families as they return to school."

In the event of positive cases of COVID-19 among students, parents, teachers, or other staff, protocols are being put in place that “will enable immediate action by health and education sector officials to identify, track, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the education system. Every school board will have communication protocols in place to keep families informed.”

The announcement of the reopening of schools also provided some data on how

students have been taking advantage of on-line opportunities for learning. Over the summer, students and families took advantage of expanded summer learning across the province. Over 150,000 students enrolled in high school programs, including more than 21,000 students who took Reach Ahead credits. Elementary students participated in literacy and numeracy programs and students with special education needs and mental health concerns are participating in new targeted and transition programs in preparation for the coming school year.

Parents and guardians still have until August 31, 2020 to apply for Support for Families. Under this program, parents or guardians of children between 0-12 years old, or up to 21 years old for children and youth with special needs, are eligible for a one-time payment, per child, to purchase educational materials to support learning at home. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Golden-spangled Lawns

about increased abundance of this and other low-growing species, no one had any data about the spread of BFT onto lawns, and the response that remembered change was Wasyl Bakowsky’s, who said: “Wow, I never noticed that this didn't happen 15 years ago. Like gradually losing your long distance vision, for me... until I put on my dad's glasses, and was like 'wow, I can see every knothole in that telephone pole.'” When I asked the TAXACOM e-mail list of evolutionary biologists, I got references to papers on other species which had adapted low growth forms in mowed habitats, and the suggestion that such low-growing varieties likely originated in heavily grazed fields.

Bird’s-foot Trefoil is the most widespread species in the genus Lotus, and is native to much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is an important agricultural species for pasture and hay production, and has been planted along roadsides to prevent erosion. Infusions of the flowers have been used to calm anxiety, insomnia, and exhaustion. The English name comes from the seedpods looking like the toes of a bird’s foot, and the 5-leaflet leaves are called “t[hre]e-foil” because the two inner leaflets are near the

Photo: Bird's-foot Trefoil, Lotus corniculatus, yellowing the lawn of the Oxford Mills school, 2 July 2020. Aleta Karstad photo.

by Dr. Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History Lotus corniculatus, Bird's-foot Trefoil (BFT), is the introduced Clover relative that provides borders of brilliant yellow along provincial highways (and along county and municipal roads that aren’t sprayed for Parsnip).

Back in the day, lawns were either green or brown, depending on their water supply, and weren’t spangled with the brilliant patches of buttercup yellow which

Bird's-foot Trefoil now supplies on so many of them.

The photo is of the lawn at the Oxford-on-Rideau School, and there are now many lawns around houses, churches, garages, conservation areas, and temples where a significant portion of the area, especially in a dry summer like this one, is yellow with this species.

I first recorded BFT dominating a lawn in June 2007 at the Ministry of Transportation maintenance yard in Kanata. It was until August 2016 at the Prince of Wales

Retirement Home along the Rideau River before I next recorded “50% or more coverage of golden lawn,” and then again in August 2017 at the lawn along Hwy 17 at the Deep River Tim Hortons.

Through this decade I presume the BFT was becoming increasingly frequent on lawns, and that I had been finally triggered to start recording its abundance. Since then it has been on many lawns throughout eastern Ontario.

When I queried the Ontario Field Botanists group

The Voice of North Grenville

stem and look like stipules.

BFT has been introduced to the United States, Iceland, Canada, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, and is regarded as an invasive species in some areas, especially in prairies where native species are maintained by prescribed burns, which spread BFT by facilitating seed germination on the burned ground (Val Deziel tells me that BFT is not a problem at the Hazel Bird prairie near Rice Lake, south of Peterborough, which she manages, perhaps because the soil is too sandy).

The increased abundance of BFT may have been aided

by Ontario’s 2009 ban on the use of recreational herbicides. Other non-grass species are also evolving to live in mowed habitats. White Clover, Trifolium repens, has always been low growing.

Dandelions have asexually

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Health Unit Raises Awareness about Bats and Rabies Approximately 3% 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. Bats select attics for nursery colonies, however, 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 Bats do have the potential to carry diseases such as rabies and histoplasmosis, which can affect humans and animals. They may also transAugust 5, 2020

mit 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 Bat exposures: 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

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.

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 exposure).

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

reproducing 'microspecies' which have a great variety of growth forms, and those in frequently mowed lawns spread a flat rosette of leaves well below the danger of the blades. Heal-all, Prunella vulgaris, normally an upright herb a foot tall, can be found on some lawns blooming below mower height. The “naturalized lawns” movement tries to reduce the dominance of mowed grass, and these low-growing broad-leaved herbs, are moving in on lawns to displace the grass, providing resources to pollinators and colour & diversity to the managers of the lawns.

If anyone has memories of Bird’s-foot Trefoil spreading across their lawn or of any other low-growing species in a lawn, I’d be glad to hear of them at <bckcdb@ istar.ca>

The Health Unit, in partnership with local Veterinarians and Municipalities, will be holding the annual Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics; please visit our website in later in August for more information about our Rabies Clinics cost, times and locations.

Related Links: Bats – Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/

613.258.6607

health-canada/services/pestcontrol-tips/bats.html Keeping Bats Out of Your House – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ bats/management/index.html Ministry of Natural Resources https://www.ontario. ca/page/ministry-naturalresources-and-forestry Bat Conservation International http://www.batcon.org/

The North Grenville Photography Club Stand by Me Even though I already knew this, the Pandemic has shown people that family is everything and I miss mine Bill Hamilton

10

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Open For Business

The Voice of North Grenville

Support Local, now more than ever!

Dial A Chef on wheels

Erick Le Pors

Monday to Friday two main courses will be offered, (one meatless option)

Curbside Menu #22 August 11th - 14th

Meal for 2 $35+HST Meal for 4 $65+HST All meals include, Local Greenhouse Greens, Chef’s Choice Veggies, and House made Dessert www. cateredaffairs.ca

NEW STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm

Saturday

8:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday

9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

August 5, 2020

TANDORI CHICKEN WINGS Curried potatoes & vegetables Basmati Rice, Naan Bread, Raita, Chopped Cucumber & TomatoSalad with Fried Veggie Pakoras & Tamarind dip SOUTHWESTERN STEAK SALAD House BBQ Spiced Steak, Black Bean - Pico de Gallo, Spicy Cheddar Smashed Potatoes, Fried Tortilla Straw, and a Creamy Avocado Dressing THAI RED CURRY SALMON Pineapple - Herb Salad, Baby Corn, Water Chestnuts, Garlic Butter Fried Rice, Thai Curry Coconut Broth CHICKEN FAJITAS Soft flour tortillas, Pico de Gallo (chunky salsa), Sour cream, cheddar, rice & beans, pineapple Salsa, House fried Corn Tortilla Chips, Greenhouse Greens & Cabbage Salad with Vinaigrette, SOUVLAKI PORK KEBAB Garlic, Lemon, Oregano Marinated Pork, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Baked Potato with Whipped Feta, and Olive Tapenade, Hummus, Pita Bread

Enjoy an elegant evening on our patio...

3 Course Table D’Hôte Dinner Thursday Aug 6th & Aug 13th 5-7pm $55.00 per person. RESERVATIONS ONLY!…

613-324-3136. www.cateredaffairs.ca info@cateredaffairs.ca

Support Local, now more than ever!

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Monday August 10 1- Chicken émincé with black lentils simmered in red wine sauce.

2- Wild mushroom and red wine risotto, iceberg lettuce heart with home made ranch dressing.

Tuesday August 11 1- Sautéed lamb with zucchini and mushrooms with piquant parmesan crumble.

2- Roasted pepper, goat cheese and basil pasta Wednesday August 12 1- Sole fillet with sweet pea sauce, roasted peppers, basmati rice.

2- Braised chickpea and spinach seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic.

Thursday August 13 1- Roast pork and roasted parsnips with harissa, mashed potatoes.

2- Sautéed eggplant with tofu, cucumber and peanut sauce.

Friday August 14 1- Stir fry beef with tomatoes and olives over fettuccine with fresh parmesan.

2- Sweet potato torte with quinoa, garden vegetables, herbs with creamy yogurt sauce.

Now that we can have groups of up to 50 people inside, and 100 outside, LET’S PARTY! (safely) I can arrange tents and all the party needs.

Call now to make arrangements for your next reception.

Monday to Friday, the cost is $22.50 per person.

Children 12 and under $14.00. There is $5.00 fee per delivery. Payment can be done by cash, credit card, or e-transfer. We need one day advance notice in order to organize the meals and the delivery route. HST extra. Ordering for the week : 10% off Reservation by phone at 613-860-2539 or email : erick@dialachef.ca

PATIO NOW OPEN!

TAKE OUT ORDERS AVAILABLE Salamanders Restaurant and Patio 28 Clothier St E, Kemptville

613-258-2630

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The North Grenville Times

FOR SALE VINTAGE ARMCHAIR OVERSTUFFED ARMS WOOD TRIM $25 YOU MOVE. MINT CONDITION GOLDENROD COLOR WITH BROWN FLECK. CALL 613-7206730 OLD BEER BTLS AND POP CANS 1970-1998 100’S ALL DIFFERENT

BEST OFFER, BRAND NEW ENCYCLOPAEDIA SET NEVER TOUCHED FULL SET$400, FULL BOXES OF ALL ASSORTED SPORTS CARDS 1980-1997 NHL, NBA, NFL, ETC BEST OFFER ANDY 215-0665 Mixed seasoned firewood for sale, $110 per cord delivered, minimum 3 cord order for delivery, Jon 613-227-3650

FOR RENT Available in Smiths Falls, SEPT 1st , 2 Bedroom Apt , $900. per month plus utilities,1st and last months required.

Call John 613-269-3113, leave name and number.

OPP IMPORTANT WATER SAFETY MESSAGE

The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek, issued the following statement for all Ontarians: "For months individuals and families have been doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying inside, and I applaud everyone for their effort. With the progress we have made together, and as we move into Stage 3 of reopening the province, I am encouraging people of all ages and from all walks of life to take the opportunity to get out and safely enjoy our wonderful Ontario summer.

If you are looking for great reason to get outside, you can take up the annual Ontario Parks 30x30 Challenge. It is part of our government's Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and runs for the month of August. To meet the 30x30 Challenge, participants must spend 30 minutes outside in nature each day for 30 days.

The 30x30 challenge can be a fun way to kickstart healthy new habits or renew old ones and take advantage of the lifelong benefits. Spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our health and well-being, improve our overall mood, boost our immune system and reduce stress. There are countless ways to participate, from going on a bike ride, taking a long walk, or enjoying a provincial park or another greenspace near you.

Although we are encouraging people to be more active, it's important to remember we must continue to be responsible and follow public health advice, including practicing physical distancing whether inside or out, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is required, washing your hands frequently and avoiding large gatherings."

August 5, 2020

Shop space, 500 sq.ft. 107 Brock St.West, Merrickville.

Call 613-216-8711 for details.

WANTED to BUY....Clean Fill...$20 / load...Kemptville Area....613.314.9327

tiques, household goods 613 258 4377 Covid rules apply

PREMIUM FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE IN OLD TOWN KEMPTVILLE, 222 PRESCOTT ST. 178 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE JUNE 1 FOR $460.00/MO. CALL TOM 613 218 1277 U

MOVING / GARAGE SALE

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3834 Donnelly drive Sat. WANTED to BUY....Clean Aug 8, Sun Aug 9. 9am Fill...$20 / load...Kemptville to 1pm Horse tack, fenc- Area....613.314.9327 ing, milk cans,wood, dog crates, new windows, new light fixtures, an-

Additional measures brought in at bars and restaurants The Ontario government, in consultation with the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, has amended emergency orders, implementing additional measures for restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments.

“Protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians has always been our top priority," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These additional measures will help reduce close contact between individuals in these settings, and support case and contact tracing, thereby limiting the spread of COVID-19."

The amended orders will implement the following measures: All patrons will be required to be seated at all times, in both indoor and outdoor areas, with limited exceptions; and bars and restaurants (and also tour boat operators) in Ontario will be required to keep client logs for a period of 30 days and to disclose the client logs to the

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Snowmobile, Vessel, ATV, Enforcement team (SAVE) wants to increase safety and enjoyment of towing sports.

In 2007 a 7 year old girl was fatally by a ski bar pulling a tube. Investigation revealed that ski bars are only designed to pull a water skier. They are NOT designed to pull tubes and other water toys. The risk is that the tube will fail causing it to snap off. The tube can then become a deadly projectile causing serious injury or death to anyone in its path Following the media release in 2007 of this incident several people had brought bent ski bars and bolts to the Peterborough detachment lending further evidence to the investigation and also showing just how lucky they had been not having any serious incidents.

This summer with many more people being on the water with older boats. The OPP marine units have seen ski bars being used to pull people on tubes. During our vessel safety checks we use the story about this incident to educate them. However the message is not getting to a wide enough audience.

And finally a reminder…your lifejacket only works if you're WEARING IT!

Take the Ontario Parks 30x30 Challenge

The Voice of North Grenville

Support Local, now more than ever!

FIRST STOP RENTALS IN KEMPTVILLE IS HIRING!

Full Time Truck Driver

Applicants must have • Minimum 3 years experience driving a 3 ton truck and trailer • Must be 25 years of age or older • A clean driving record • Provide 3 years of previous insured commercial driver history • Provide a letter of experience from their prior commercial insurance company

Find our application online to complete with your resume and email to alexis@firststoprentals.com www.firststoprentals.com 12

medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request, which will support case and contact tracing. Complementary changes are being made in respect of existing provisions relating to tour operators and tour boat operators.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened.

The Ontario Government emphasised that it remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice as more businesses and services reopen in Stage 3. This includes practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Businesses and sectors unable to open or facing significant difficulties in operating under the current restrictions can go to Ontario.ca/ reopen to submit a reopening proposal. Businesses are also encouraged to use the government’s guide to develop a

workplace safety plan. Government officials will work collaboratively with them on a plan to safely reopen, where feasible. The plan will be considered by public health officials and the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee as part of Ontario’s approach to Stage 3.

The province has set up a Workplace PPE Supplier Directory, where employers can find suppliers who sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to support a safe reopening of their workplaces. Testing is available at any of the province’s 144 assessment centres currently open.

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD Puzzled over Real Estate.....Give us a call ** Broker

FOOD CORNER

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville On these hot days of Summer, it’s nice to have cool treats. So, imagine having a nice taco or Caesar’s salad with say, a cold chicken breast sliced up with a glass of chilled white wine (a Pino Grigio, perhaps). Now, how do you finish such goodness? Well, how about a cool Peanut Butter Pie? It’s easy to make, and has only one problem: it’s hard to resist having a second piece (you shouldn’t if you are watching your waistline).

Peanut Butter Pie Ingredients: Crust 1 ¼ cup chocolate cookie crumbs (20 cookies) ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup butter, melted Filling 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heavy (35%) cream, whipped Grated chocolate Preparation: Combine crust ingredients. Press into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes and cool. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped cream. Gently spoon into crust. Garnish with chocolate. Refrigerate until firm (a couple of hours) and serve to an appreciative gathering with, maybe, some Cookie Dough Ice Cream or such. Positively sinful!

All the best and keep those mails coming to pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

ACROSS 1. Dainty 5. Add 9. Cooking fat 13. Disabled 14. Classical Greek 16. Desire 17. Not legs 18. Weave diagonal lines into 19. Trailer trucks 20. It makes dough rise 22. Unfaltering 24. Sourish 26. Follow as a result 27. Melancholy 30. Flourish 33. Fire hydrant 35. Chopin composition 37. A law enforcement agency 38. Earthenware jar

CDSBEO to release School Re-entry Plan for September

SUDOKU EASY

Based on the announcement made by Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, all CDSBEO elementary and secondary students will be returning to school with enhanced health and safety protocols on September 4. Elementary students will attend school five days per week for the full school day. Secondary schools will implement a quad-mestering model whereby students will attend school five days per week to participate in two courses at a time for nine-week periods or “quad-mesters”.

The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario presented their draft re-entry plan for September to Trustees on Wednesday, July 29, at a special in-camera meeting. The Board reviewed details of the plan, which includes measures for enhanced safety protocols for September.

The draft document, which includes nearly 100 pages of details on safety protocols for schools as well as the four return-to-school scenarios, was presented in summary for Trustees.

The document has been divided into six detailed sections: consultation and communication, school site preparation, staff preparation, student preparation, school operations, and hygiene and cleaning protocols. Included in the plan are enhanced supports for students with special needs, as well as additional mental health supports for students with identified anxieties, and specialized training for staff.

The Board has developed four curriculum delivery models which include a conventional delivery (students attend five days per week) with enhanced health and safety protocols, two adaptive delivery models (A and B), as well as the distance learning model.

“We are confident that through this very extensive and well thought out re-entry plan, the Board has included consideration for all facets of the return to school in September,” noted Chair Todd Lalonde. “There has certainly been significant thought put into every aspect of the school day, and we look forward to sharing the plan in detail with our parent community.”

The final document will be posted to the CDSBEO website (www.cdsbeo.on.ca) once approved by the Ministry of Education.

August 5, 2020

HARD

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41. 59 in Roman numerals 42. Creases 45. Emptying 48. Andean animals 51. Venus and the Earth 52. Roman cloaks 54. Teller of untruths 55. Eradicates insects 59. Tablet 62. Press 63. Yearns 65. Comply with 66. Anagram of "Sees" 67. Anagram of "Sneer" 68. Delight 69. Destiny 70. Lack of difficulty 71. Cravings

DOWN 1. Participate in games 2. Unusual 3. Extraneous 4. A communication 5. A sizeable hole 6. Not highs 7. Come together 8. Quiet 9. Oversupply 10. Murres 11. Hens make them 12. Check 15. Conflict 21. Journey 23. Harsh or arduous 25. After-bath powder 27. F F F F 28. Slander 29. Mongrel 31. Defenseless 32. Decree 34. Governor (abbrev.)

36. Former lovers 39. Policeman 40. Murder 43. Daytime performance 44. Dirty air 46. Rostrum 47. Comparison 49. Slack-jawed 50. Lampoon 53. Ringworm cassia 55. Feudal estate 56. Celestial bear 57. The bulk 58. Views 60. Adolescent 61. Visual organs 64. South southeast

MEDIUM

Answer to last weeks crossword

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

COVID-19

Information for North Grenville Residents Stage 3

► Portable toilets are installed at Riverside Park and Curry Park and are cleaned daily.

Please continue to do your part to protect yourself and others to help stop the spread of COVID-19: ►

Wear a face covering indoors

►

Wash your hands frequently

►

Practice physical distancing

► Splash Pad at eQuinelle Park is open daily from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. ► Municipal sports fields are open for use and local teams are required to book their time slot through the Municipality.

Teams must also abide by current public health requirements.

Please continue to be patient and kind with business owners and each other.

► The Kemptville Pool will remain closed for the season.

Municipal Updates (as of July 31, 2020):

► The North Grenville Recreational Guidelines can be found on our website at: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

► The North Grenville Municipal Office is open Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, residents are encouraged to make payments online, by mail or locked mailbox, and call ahead to make an appointment for services.

► Check out our online calendar of events at www.northgrenville.ca. ► Remember dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Including parks and trails too! Please pick up after your dog and dispose properly.

► Well water sampling can be dropped off at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm).

► Download our trail maps at: www.NGtrails.ca

Local Business Support #LoveNG

► North Grenville Municipal Centre Arena 2 opened for community rental on August 4th. Arena 1 is expected to open on September 11, 2020. The Municipality has developed internal safety protocols for users of the facility based on provincial and Health Unit directives. Download the Arena Policy and Procedures at www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

► Local businesses make our community great. Now they need our support more than ever! Visit: www.LoveNG.ca

If you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19:

► Playgrounds are open. Play structure and park equipment will not be sanitized and residents are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.

Please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or online at www.healthunit.org.

The Municipality’s priority is the health and safety of our residents.

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

Contact us at: 285 County Road 44, Kemptville ~ Telephone: 613-258-9569 ~ Email: general@northgrenville.on.ca ~ www.northgrenville.ca

Thank you for doing your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19: 2m (6’)

Maintain 2m distance.

August 5, 2020

Masks mandatory indoor public places.

Follow provincial restrictions regarding public gatherings.

14

Continue to wash your hands often.

Stay home whenever possible.

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

In person group and private classes available 6 days/week Retail store open Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 3pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm

much more than a Yoga Studio Serving North Grenville for 13 years

to order online go to

www.tbcconsign.com

Call 613.258.0166

To register for classes go to www.bodhitree.studio or call 613-258-5775

Downtown Digest August – The Big Spend dollar you spend outside our community results in a direct loss for every one of us.

The retail grocery industry did a study and found out that for every dollar you spend at a local business, that dollar can be shared around the community up to six times before it leaves. With that in mind, remember that every dollar spent online at Amazon, or at any another business outside our community, means that money leaves our community immediately, doesn't come back, and we see no benefit from it.

For the record, dollar for dollar, our local small businesses (both franchise & independent) provide better value, more local employment, more convenience, better service, and more local and unique products and services than the multi-national corporations which have raked in billions in profit while our local small businesses have either closed, or suffered heavy financial and job losses. Remember, every time you #buylocal, #shoplocal, or #eatlocal, you are directly investing in your community.

If you went out Saturday July 25 and spent money locally for The Big Spend, there’s no doubt that it was appreciated by our local small business community.

Just make sure you do it again tomorrow and the next day. If you just slip back into a routine of shopping out of town, or ordering online now that you feel good about having shopped locally ONE day out of 365, then consider that you are actually negatively impacting the fabric and well-being of our community. Sound dramatic?

Local businesses directly financially support many aspects of life in our community, including children's activities, recreational programs, community events, and employment. Additionally, they pay taxes to our municipal government, which pays for the municipal services that we use every day (policing, social services, recreational amenities, roads, bridges, trails etc.). They can't do these things when you shop outside North Grenville, or buy things online that get delivered from outside.

Spending locally means that we all see a direct personal benefit. Conversely, every

"Celebrating 60 years in business"

Tourism designation for downtown Kemptville?

By Hilary Thomson Old Town Kemptville BIA Executive Director, Deron Johnston, would like municipal council to designate the downtown area as a tourism destination. Deron believes that a tourism designation would help with economic development in the downtown. The biggest benefit to businesses would be the ability to remain open during statutory holidays, when more people are drawn to the area.

Other than allowing businesses the option to remain open, the designation would be a symbol that the downtown is the place to visit. It is already the focus of many community events, like the Santa Clause Parade and the Canada Day festivities, and August 5, 2020

Deron believes that a tourism designation would make the downtown the official spot for the community to gather and welcome people from out of town. “Why don’t we think of ourselves as a tourism destination, when we have a million people just down the highway?” Deron says.

“We’ve got to tell people there are things worth seeing and doing.”

When he held the round table for Eastern Ontario BIAs in North Grenville last December, Deron gave the group a tour of the downtown.

Many were impressed with everything that Kemptville has in its downtown core, including Riverside Park with all its recreation facilities.

“Everyone who came here

were ooh-ing and ah-ing about our downtown,” Deron says. “It was refreshing to hear about all the wonderful things people see we have as assets.”

The footprint for the tourism designation should reach further than the Old Town Kemptville BIA, he says, and include the Kemptville Campus, which already draws thousands of people to the area for Kemptville Live every year. It should also include Prescott Street from the Campus to Clothier Street, as well as the Rideau-Sanders triangle. He believes that branding the downtown as a tourist destination will not only attract people, but also new businesses.

“If you create a destina-

tion for people, businesses will be more likely to see it as a good investment.”

Council recently received a grant of $20,000 from the provincial government to help fund the creation of a tourism strategy for North Grenville.

Deron thinks this would be the perfect opportunity to put a focus on the downtown, and have it featured as the tourism destination in the municipality.

The Old Town Kemptville BIA Board has asked Deron to bring the idea back to their August meeting. He hopes to be able to make a presentation to council, requesting the tourism designation for downtown, before the end of the Summer.

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Canadian Physician Mothers for a Healthy Recovery from Covid-19

by Hilary Thomson Canadian Physician Mothers across the country are asking Prime Minister Trudeau and his cabinet to invest in a “Healthy Recovery” from COVID-19.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) has created a Health Recovery Plan which includes 25 recommendations to address climate change and protect Canadian lives as the country recovers from COVID-19.

Dr. Sarah Tuck is a local physician and mother who has thrown her support behind CAPE’s recommendations. She believes that as the Canadian government makes plans and spends money to help the country recovery from COVID-19, the focus should be on making sure Canada meets its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. “If we throw money back into the economy the way we were before, we are not going to be on track,” she says.

According to the report prepared by CAPE, the government should be investing money in things like renewable energy, sustainable transportation, sustainable homes and buildings, sustainable healthcare, and connecting to nature. Modelling in the report, prepared by Navius Research, shows that if Canada reaches its climate targets, air quality improvement alone would save an estimated 112,081 lives between 2030 and 2050.

Dr. Tuck says she has always felt that addressing the climate emergency is the most important initiative facing the modern world. With COVID-19, she has been very focused

on her work as a physician, both in North Grenville and Ottawa, and making sure that her young family is safe and cared for.

However, when she found out about CAPE’s Healthy Recovery Plan through a Canadian Physician Mothers Facebook group, she knew she wanted to get involved. “Physicians are community leaders, and I don’t think that leadership has to end with medicine,” she says. “Climate change is a health emergency, and it is important that we do everything we can to keep people healthy.”

Physicians know that climate change affects people’s health in many ways.

Increasing planetary temperature exacerbate natural disasters, which directly affect people’s health and wellbeing. The effects of

climate change also lead to increased rates of heart disease, asthma, stroke and the prevalence of diseases like Lyme Disease, which is directly related to shifts in the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four healthcare facilities globally lack basic water services, something that will only be exacerbated by climate change. “Our healthcare system is stressed due to climate change,” Dr. Tuck says. “We are not prepared to have an efficient and effective response.”

According to Dr. Tuck, addressing climate change will help the healthcare system become more resilient in addressing future challenges. She says that the fact that the government acted quite quickly to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic

shows that they have the ability to take the steps needed to address climate change and reach the country’s 2050 emission targets.

“It has to be a momentous type of change,” she says.

“We know that kind of mobilization is possible, and it will save hundreds of thousands of lives.”

As a mother, Dr. Tuck is passionate about being an advocate for the causes she believes in and setting a good example for her children. “I want my kids to see that I am an activist, and I want them to be activists too,” she says. “I want them to face the future with passion and hope that they can make a difference.”

Dr. Tuck is part of a video created by Canadian Physician Mothers across Canada, asking elected officials to take the recom-

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YouTube under Canadian Physician Mothers for a Health Recovery from COVID-19, or at: https://youtu. be/XPhbKfMc9HQ. “I want to see real change come out of this,” Dr. Tuck says. “This is how the government can incentivize a green future and make sure we come out this better than we were before.”

mendations from CAPE seriously and to throw support and money behind leading Canada into a greener and healthier future. In the video, she is standing with her coMD moms and dads at the West COVID Care Clinic at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, but her hometown of Kemptville is also proudly displayed.

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