Issue 7 2025 February 27 NG Times by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

A Hand Up, Not a Handout: The Power of Community Collaboration

by Talia Hreljac

Have you ever wondered how a community comes together to support one another? How organizations make do with the limited funds they have to help those in need? I can tell you how – it’s because there are organizations out there ﬁlled with the most dedicated and compassionate individuals you could ever meet. On Friday, February 20th, many of those people were brought together in hopes of making the world a little brighter.

Friday’s topic was a heavy one, revolving around poverty. Although it may not always be visible, many people in our community are struggling. During a powerful presentation by the House of Lazarus, we participated

in an exercise called “Fork in the Road,” which helped us understand the challenges faced by a gentleman with a disability. He is unable to work but must budget solely with the basic Ontario Disability Support Program he receives—a scary reality many people face, especially as they grow older. We also learned that the House of Lazarus provides at least 40 kids with backpacks full of food every week, in North Grenville and another 250 in surrounding areas, ensuring they don’t go hungry over the weekend. It was an eye-opening presentation that reminded us to show kindness to those around us because we may not always know what someone is going through.

We also heard an inspiring presentation from the

United Way, which highlighted all the programs they oﬀer to help those who, as one speaker beautifully put it, “need a hand up, not a hand out.” In times when we often live in our own bubbles, it was a humbling reminder that many of our neighbours are struggling, and it’s up to us to stand up and do our part.

One moment that really stood out to me was when Janne Ritskes, founder of Shalom Homes, said, “Talking about these problems is all well and good – but what are we going to do about it? Let’s ﬁnd the solutions now that we know the problem.” From that, beautiful collaborations and conversations began. Organizations started offering what they could, saying things like, “We have this, and I think it will help

you,” or “We oﬀer free tax services for those under a certain income level – let me tell you about it.” It blossomed into a powerful moment where you could truly feel the good being done. The conversation is far from over, and the next community forum will continue to focus on how we can alleviate poverty in our community. Everyone is welcome to join the next Community Forum on March 27, further details in the next issue of the NGTimes. Normally these forums run every 2 months or so, but due to the overwhelming enthusiasm at the gathering, everyone agreed to bring the next meeting forward.

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This event was made possible thanks to The Municipality, The NG Times, and Grahame’s Bakery. A special thank you also goes out to Brian McKee for leading the forum, and to Cora Beking and Maggie Boyer for preparing four batches of chili and over 14 pies! When reﬂecting on yesterday’s meeting, one quote came to mind that I believe many will remember: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore. Forums like this remind me that if you’re struggling for any reason, there are many organizations out there willing and eager to help. You simply have to ask.

Pancake Supper

Tuesday March 4th Pancakes,

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday March 4th

Pancakes, Sausages

Real Maple Syrup

Coﬀee/Tea/Juice

Freewill donation

Christ Church - 4:30pm to 6:30pm 4419 Donnelly Dr., Burritt’s Rapids

Holy Trinity Anglican Church 5:00pm to 7:00pm 105 Church Street, Merrickville

Kemptville Seedy Sunday

by the Kemptville Gardeners FB group

Dear green thumbs new and used (used to gardening, that is),

The days are growing longer, Valentine’s has passed, and it’s time for gardeners to dream of vegetables, ﬂowers, and how to make this year’s garden the best one yet! From seed to soil to harvest, seed saving, and everything in between, join your fellow gardeners on Sunday March 2nd at the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse from 10 am to 2 pm for a hoedown packed with growing delights and be inspired.

Seedy Saturdays are a remarkable phenomenon. They have sprung up across the country, encouraging the use of open-pollinated and heritage seeds, enabling a local seed exchange, and educating the public about seed saving and environmentally responsible gardening practices. Seedy Saturdays are fun, inexpensive events where you can swap seeds, get exciting varieties

(as well as the stories that come with them), attend workshops and talks, meet vendors and buy seeds from seed companies. Whether you are a ﬁrst-time or master gardener, seed enthusiast or expert seed saver, there really is something for everyone.

More than just a Seed Swap, this year’s Seedy Sunday features:

Expert Session presentations (see below for details).

Seed and CSA subscription vendors Fair Sun Farm, Gaia Organic Seeds, Ottawa’s Pepper Merchant, Apocalypse Farm (and a soil block demonstration), Connerty Meadows Farm, and Three Forks Seeds.

Local artisan vendors, organizations, and more!

10:10 Nature Journaling, Meredith Luce (Luce Ends)

11:10 Soil Health, Rachel Gill (How Does Your Garden Grow?)

12:10 Seed Starting & Demonstration, Mat Levinson (Slow Roots Farm)

1:10 Growing Dahlias from Tubers, Marnie Clown (Fair Sun Farm) Visit https://seeds.ca/ seedy-saturday/ for more. Kemptville Seedy Sunday, March 2, 10 am to 2 pm at the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse, FREE

Bring your seeds and some cash for the presenters (P.W.Y.C.), for treats by the Crusty Baker, and for gardening-related goods. And have you visited the cactus garden? If you are missing summer, the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse is the next best thing (when visiting cacti, children must be accompanied by an adult). New to a seed swap? Visit our Seedy Sunday Kemptville FB event page for details and looking forward to seeing you there! This year’s Seedy Sunday is brought to you by the Kemptville Gardeners Facebook group and friends. Expert Session presentations:

Beth Donovan Hospice

Grief and Grub

by Sue Walker A Peer Support Group for Men Navigating Loss

Losing someone we love is never easy, and for men, navigating grief can sometimes feel isolating or diﬃcult to express. That’s why we’re excited to invite men who are grieving a loss to join our Grief and Grub Peer Support Group—a place where men can come together to share, support, and heal in a relaxed, down-

to-earth environment.

This group is designed to provide a safe space for men to talk openly about their experiences, emotions, and the challenges they face after a loss, all while enjoying some great food and conversation.

Whether you’ve lost a friend, family member, or someone close to you, our group oﬀers a unique chance to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. The-

re’s no need to go through this alone—come for the comfort of a shared meal, and stay for the healing that comes with mutual support. No judgment, no pressure, just real conversations in a comfortable setting.

The Grief and Grub Peer Support Group will meet on Monday afternoons for four consecutive weeks, beginning March 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The group will be held at The Marlborough Pub in North Gower. For more information or to RSVP, please contact counselling@ bethdonovanhospice.ca, or call 613-258-9611 x4.

Film Screening - on Food and Community

by Sarah Tuck, SNG member

As groceries bills soar and the cost of living rises, food insecurity is become a real, tangible issue for more and more people in our community and beyond. Food banks are struggling to keep up with the demand. This is no longer a problem for the few.

Yukon on the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëkHwëch’in. Add three skeptical teenagers, one reluctant husband, no salt, no caﬀeine, no sugar and -40 temperatures. Ultimately the story becomes a celebration of community and the surprising bounty of food that even a tiny community in the far North can provide.”

From the film’s website: “Putting food sovereignty to the test in the far North of Canada – filmmaker Suzanne Crocker, living just 300 km from the Arctic Circle, removes absolutely all grocery store food from her house.For one year, she feeds her family of five, only food that can be hunted, fished, gathered, grown or raised around Dawson City,

Sustainable North Grenville has organized a movie screening to bring people together to ponder and discuss this topic. “First We Eat” is a humorous, reﬂective documentary that touches on food sovereignty and community resiliency in a town in the far North of Canada. While the North faces different challenges compared to the South, the themes are universal and transferable to any community that wants to strengthen its bonds and become more self-reliant.

While this event is free, monetary donations to the food bank will be gratefully accepted. Join us on Thursday, March 6, at the Municipal Centre - Suite A, 285 County Rd 44, Kemptville. Screening starts at 7:00 with discussion to follow. Viewer discretion: this ﬁlm contains scenes of animals being prepared for consumption.

The Great Irish Sing-Along comes to town

Whilst we are still kneedeep in snow, it might be a little diﬃcult to imagine the lush green swathes of the Emerald Isle, but as March 17 approaches, Tripoly and the Grenville Troubadours invite you to join them in a musical concert showcasing

some of the most cherished Irish melodies, old and new. Tripoly is a folk trio based in North Grenville and, teaming up with the Grenville Troubadours, a collection of the ﬁnest talents in local music and musical theatre, they have

been presenting their very popular sing-along shows for the past three years and earning high praise for the quality of the entertaining performances.

This year's shows in honour of St. Patrick's Day will be held on Saturday, March

8, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Merrickville; Saturday March 15, at St. John's United Church in Kemptville; and Sunday, March 16, at St Clare's Anglican Church in Winchester. All shows are in the afternoon, 2pm in Merrickville and 3pm in Kemptville and Winchester.

There is something wonderful about voices raised together in song, and everyone is heartily encouraged to participate in the performance. Words are provided, as well as a little historical

background of each song. Tickets are $20 and available at each church, or from B&H Grocers in Kemptville. Tickets for Merrickville are also available at the Village Bean, and for Winchester are available at the Planted Arrow and Simply Baked. They are also available online at eventbrite.ca. Please note that young folks under 12 are free, so please encourage your kids and grand-kids to come out and lend their voices and energy!

Anita Milne Iroquois Chantal Tremblay Morrisburg Sheri Primeau Cornwall Rebecca Mcfarlane Spencerville

Back - Doug Hendry, Arthur McGregor, Jame Clugston, John Baldwin; Front - Glenna Hunter, Laura Drover, Elizabeth McNally, Helen MacGregor, Elizabeth McNally photo credit: Dan Springer

Taking care of business

by David Shanahan

I must say, I’m feeling a little cheated. I think, if you only get a provincial election every four years or so, you should be given time to enjoy it. But we only had a few weeks to really get into it, and now it’s over! Johnny, we hardly knew ye. It’s usually a great time to listen to politicians pretend they were always the good guys, never acted against the wishes of “the people”, and always did what was fair and honest and righteous. I always found it good a for a laugh in these depressing times. But not this time, no. Ford and Company rushed us through a campaign when our attention was on other things. How could we enjoy the ramblings and promises of an election when there were so many more attractions demanding our focus. How could Ford, Crombie, Stiles and Schreiner compete with Trump, Musk, Putin and even Trudeau? Give him some credit,

though: Ford certainly tried hard to muscle in on the media exposure the others were getting, just not in Ontario, where he was supposed to be campaigning. No, it was CNN, MSNBC, and other places where he could be found, doing his Captain Canada impression: a stolid, sincere, homely kind of guy who had been pushed to the limit by unreasonable Americans and forced to break out of his patient and decent Canadian image to protest.

As for the other “leaders”, more power to them for trying to raise their game in a rushed election campaign. But there was so little energy there, and a strange lack of fight too. In the television debate (debate?), they kept switching from the official campaign rhetoric and attacks on each other, to laughing and joking with each other. Doug, Mike, Marit and Bonnie chatting away like old friends, which was an insight into the political camaraderie that exists at Queen’s Park, where there is more theatre and choreography than in a perfor-

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I was intrigued with Mr. Creasey’s rant in the Feb 6/25 “letter to the editor”. Premier Ford was castigated for the $200 “bribe money” that was sent out by the Conservative Party to “help families cope with higher costs”. What is more, Doug probably stole it from Health Care and Social Services. This is the same “rant” the Greens invoked when Doug dropped the license sticker fees. Yet Mr. Creasey seems OK with the Carbon Tax Rebate that the Federal Liberals enacted to “oﬀset the cost of the carbon tax” to average Canadians. Is that also a “bribe”, but by the “left”?

As of April 1/24, the Federal carbon tax was 17.61 cents per litre, add the 13% HST that is added to that carbon tax, it means an extra 19.90 cents per litre. By April 1/25, the tax per litre will jump to 20.91 cents. If you had a vehicle with an 80 litre fuel tank, Mr. Trudeau just added $15.92 to every ﬁll up. But business and industry do not receive rebates, and so Canadians pay the higher cost that those entities pass on to the consumer. Mr. Creasey also lamented the increased cost of living for housing, food etc, all Doug’s fault. Apparently, no other province experienced such

mance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf”. Displays of anger, righteous indignation, and outraged principles on stage, followed by cosy chats and asking about how the family is doing, once oﬀ-stage.

But, I suppose, that’s how we really want our politics to be like: better that than the slavish and sickening sycophancy that is on display among Republicans in the Excited States, or the incredibly passive and unresponsive Democrats who seem paralysed by the way Trump and his acolytes have thrown out the usual rule book on how to do politics, nationally and internationally.

Anyway, here we are at the end of the Ontario election cycle. As I write this, it’s still unclear what the results will be, or how much they’ll change anything. Here in North Grenville, there’s always a kind of inevitability about Steve Clark returning to Queen’s Park. It’s how it has always been in his Riding: Conservatives get elected. This has been the

increases! In fact, no other country in the world has experienced such increases, or I wonder if Mr. Creasey blames Doug for all worldwide increases in costs? As for food increases, that could only be Doug’s fault, as our Federal Government again increased the federal deficit by 20 billion more than their planned 42 billion deficit. In the meantime, the Canadian dollar has fallen 8% year on year. Surely that would not increase the cost of food imports? The price increases, and subsequent inflation after the Ukraine war, must be Doug's fault. As it was Doug's fault that interest rates were increased by the Bank of Canada (Federal Level) to cause even more housing unaffordability.

But I was heartened by Mr. Creasey’s righteous stand against such bribery and decided to donate to charity such ill gotten gains. I trust he has been making donations with the license sticker fee savings, carbon tax, and any other rebate that the government may foist upon an unsuspecting public. Perhaps Mr. Creasey will also donate any income tax return that the government may present to him, for that, too, is a “bribe”, for they are returning to him

rule since 1871: every election, there is a Conservative win. The only difference over the years has been the change from Conservative to Progressive Conservative, or, between 1867 and 1871, when a Liberal held the seat. But this was as part of an agreement in the immediate post-Confederation period, when the parties agreed not to contest seats. Ho hum.

I think that Steve Clark may have taken it all for granted a little this time too. He was missing from the all-candidates meeting held here last week. He had appeared at the Sweetheart Brunch, but was not available to answer any questions there. The meeting at the Municipal Centre was the one chance voters had of questioning him on his roller-coaster time since the last election: from Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, to Greenbelt scandal, to exile, and back to House Leader. What a long strange trip, etc.. But, I must say, Steve is a nice guy and has been a good representative, whatever his political aﬃli-

what they took in the ﬁrst place, exactly like the other rebates.

All you voters out there, heed to Mr. Creasey’s call to arms, exercise your right to vote, show what matters to you, and refuse any rebates, tax returns, and other bribes and stop being ruled by the elite rich! Your very lives and integrity are on the line! Willem Van Dam

Dear Editor,

I want to thank the person who handed in my cash withdrawal to the Royal Bank that I left in the ATM machine in a distracted moment.

I was relieved to get the cash from the branch later in the day, but most of all thankful to live in this community of helpful and kind people. Marion Fuller

Dear Editor, I just read Peter Johnson's excellent Op-Ed piece on the current state of aﬀairs between the United States and our country. I feel that Peter has captured exactly what I, and many other Canadians, are feeling. We have been betrayed. It will never be the same between our two countries. The re-

ation may be.

But it could have been fascinating. Both Liberals and Greens put up strong female candidates with Doctorates and real-world experience in health care and housing areas. It would have been fun watching them discuss life with Steve, the life-long politicians. The other parties also put up the usual sacriﬁcial lambs for the slaughter.

So, another election is over, too soon for many, and deprived us of a regular form of entertainment which we have come to expect from such performances. But there’s a bright spot on the horizon: we’re bound to have a federal election within the next couple of months. Let’s hope it gives us more time to get into it, without all these distractions about tariffs, annexation, and alliances between dictators like Trump and Putin. And, don’t forget, there’s a municipal election coming up next year! My cup runneth over!

cent actions taken by Trump and his cronies have shown us that they are our neighbours, not our friends, and we must never forget that. This means a whole new way of dealing with the American government. We

have to take the blinders oﬀ and see America for who they are. As Peter writes, this is a turning point for our country.

Sincerely, Barry Hunter Kemptville, ON.

from News Media Canada

Contact 613-215-0735

ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

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Canadians want federal government to advertise with Canadian news media

Nearly two-thirds of Canadians (65%) want the federal government to commit a percentage of its advertising budget to Canadian news media, according to a new survey conducted by Totum Research.

“The Government of Canada’s decision to resume advertising with Meta is a real kick in the shins to independent publishers across Canada,” said Dave Adsett, publisher of the Wellington Advertiser and chair of News Media Canada. “Disinformation travels faster than the truth, and it sends the wrong signal to local advertisers when the government is rewarding a company that is unwilling to fact check information on its own platforms.”

Almost two thirds (63%) of Canadians trust advertising in newspapers/news sites, while just 28% trust ads they see on Facebook/Instagram.

“News publishers call on the federal government to follow the Government of Ontario’s lead to and support the home team by earmarking 25% of their advertising budget to trusted news sources,” said Paul Deegan, president and CEO of News Media Canada. “Last year, just two per cent of all federal advertising dollars went to all print publications in the country combined.”

When it comes to their preferred medium to receive information about federal government programs and initiatives, more than half (58%) of respondents cited newspapers/news sites, while only 17% chose Facebook/Instagram.

Totum Research conducted an online survey, on behalf of News Media Canada, of 2,418 adult Canadians between December 9-22, 2024 / January 6-20, 2025, with a maximum margin of error of ±2.0% at the 95% conﬁdence level.

News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital news media industry in Canada and represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the beneﬁts of news media across all platforms. For more information, visit www.newsmediacanada.ca.

Time to show Doug the door

by Lynn Kennedy, Oxford Mills

My husband and I watched the second candidates debate Sunday evening. I have to admit I was screaming at the TV whenever Doug Fraud spoke. But in light of the debate, I want to know where these 50 hospitals are that Fraud expounded on every time he had the mic? According to the Ontario Health Coalition website, Ontario funds public hospitals at the lowest rate of all provinces. Our hospitals have less staﬀed beds available. In fact, this Government is sticking (for now) to their plan to add just 3,000 hospital beds over ten years, nowhere near what is needed to address patients stacked in hallways and restore capacity to meet population need. What would have been better would be actually moving forward immediately with funding Community Health Centres to expand their services, and creating more public non-proﬁt teams, Community Health Centres, Nurse Practitioner-led clinics and Aboriginal Health Centres.

And don't forget about the Fraud government taking nurses and other public sector workers to court because of Bill 124. Yet he now touts that he's paying for doctors to get training, etc. under the Ontario Learn and Stay Program. Oh yeah, that expanded funding doesn't kick in until (conveniently) 2026-27. And he made an anti-immigrant crack

about limiting medical school spaces for international students, which is a moot point as we have very few international students attending our medical schools. But from a guy who supports Donald Trump, who was caught on mic stating he would vote for The Orange Terror? Are we at all surprised? Let's stoke up anti-immigrant sentiment for political gain. Because this is "Buck-a-Beer" Doug.

And let's not forget about the LCBO strike. For two weeks, Ford closed all the stores. Ten thousand workers walked the picket line. Those 10,000 have a vote in this election and haven't forgotten what Fraud did in those two weeks. Expanded sales of alcholic products in corner stores, gas bars, grocery stores, and he even had the gall to post a map of where you could buy your booze during the strike. How arrogant! But hey folks, the LCBO has paper bags back!! But I still don't have a family doctor. I'm still waiting to see that map. He lied about the Greenbelt development, got caught, and thought by apologizing it was all okay. The closure of the Ontario Science Centre. Why? We were told it was unsafe and couldn't be salvaged, despite experts stating the roof could be ﬁxed and it wouldn't break the coﬀers. He now wants to develop Ontario Place into a "world class destination" and has al-

ready torn down trees, some 50 years old. He's tied us into 95-year lease with Therme Canada, the Austrian company which is building this water park and "wellbeing destination", plus a 16-acre public park. So let's do the math: $1.96 billion in both rent and maintenance payments from Therme to the government. Sounds great, but that's over the life of the contract: 95 years. We taxpayers will pay $25 million for site readiness obligations and the lease doesn't detail ANYWHERE the total amount the Province has to spend for this eyesore. AND no taxpayer bill amounts, because this is subject to ﬁnalization.

But let me ask you, residents of North Grenville. Are you better oﬀ than you were 7 years ago? Are ER wait times better than they were 7 years ago? How long have you waited in ER at KDH, which is only funded for ONE ER doc and, if they are lucky, up to three nurses per night. How many of the 2.5 million Ontarians do you know who STILL don't have a family doctor in these 7 years? Are there more beds in hospitals? Are there more ER docs and nurses in other hospitals in the province? Are there more Long Term Care beds and facilities? And caregivers? I'd say a

big NOPE to all of these. He's big to repeat ad nauseam that the economy needs to be strong. Yes he's right. But do we want to wonder if the next move from Queen's Park is a lie, is a deal with a big shot CEO, is smoke and mirrors? I don't think any of the other candidates said they would trash the Ontario economy. But we are led to infer that, because Mr. Doug Went to Washington, he's the saviour of our province. P.S. Doug, it's the Feds who will be negotiating with the Orange Menace. And the timing of this ridiculous election couldn't be worse. But Doug Fraud timed it this way. We are all tied in knots over the shenanigans south of the border, the Federal Liberal leadership race and upcoming election, so why not throw another stressor in there and call a "necessary" provincial election? I can see people saying, well, we're in this mess and we should just stick with what we know and push through. But this will resign us to another four years of this Conservative Doug Fraud government. More lies, more backdoor deals, more hospital closures, more sick people and even deaths because of lack of primary care.

I believe it's time to show Doug the door.

Owner, CEO

First they came

– by Pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me

www.northgrenville.ca

What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events

Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings

Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca

Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca

Housing Accelerator Fund launched

The Municipality of North Grenville is excited to announce the launch of its Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Initiative, part of the $5.2 million Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) introduced in March, 2024.

This innovative initiative aims to expand housing options for current and future residents by offering a $10,000 grant and providing shovel-ready architectural blueprints for three customizable ARU designs where local planning rules permit their use. The designs include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and a barrier free option, ensuring there is a choice to meet the needs of all property owners.

“Additional Residential Units can empower property owners to create valuable rental income, oﬀer aﬀordable housing options for young families, and provide opportunities for seniors to age in place,” said Mayor Peckford. “Where they align with residential zoning and

related planning provisions, these thoughtfully designed small homes can enhance our community and provide a solution property owners will be proud to implement.”

The ARU initiative can oﬀer a practical and accessible solution to diversifying housing and meeting the evolving needs of local residents where their construction is permitted by planning rules.

By reducing financial and design barriers that often hinder the construction of secondary units, the program makes it easier for property owners to contribute to the Municipality’s housing goals.

How the ARU Initiative Works

The initiative plans to fund the construction of 10 ARUs each year for three years, totaling 30 ARUs. Additionally, eligible property owners will have access to professionally designed architectural plans, speciﬁcally created to optimize

the functionality of small homes.

Applications for the ARU Initiative opened February 17, 2025, with quarterly intake periods throughout the year.

Each application will be reviewed based on a set of criteria, including proof of ownership of property on residential lands, plans to offer affordable rental options, alignment with local planning rules, and the demonstration of ﬁnancing that will enable the ARU to be built within the timeline outlined in the grant agreement.

The construction of ARUs in North Grenville involves a structured application and approval process, including detailed design plans, building permits, ﬁnancing considerations, and compliance with all zoning by-laws, building codes, and health and safety regu-

lations.

Learn More and Get Involved

The Municipality will host a series of informational open houses for community members to learn more about the ARU Initiative. The ﬁrst of these open houses will be held on February 24 at the Municipal Centre and will include members of the Planning and Building Department who will be on hand to answer questions.

A virtual session designed for builders, realtors, and other stakeholders will also be part of these open houses and will be announced at a future date. Requests for information can be directed to the Housing Accelerator Program Manager at haf@northgrenville.on.ca.

For applications and further information, please visit www.northgrenville. ca/housing.

Rural infrastructure investments a critical priority for farmers

by Clint Cameron, Director, OFA

Ontario’s election campaign comes to an end and candidates across the province heared from voters about the issues that matter to them. In communities and municipalities outside of our urban areas, those issues more often than not focus on the critical need for investments into rural infrastructure. This means roads, bridges, drainage, high speed internet, cellular networks and aﬀordable energy but also schools, hospitals and services that communities need to thrive.

Ontario’s agriculture sector is a major driver of our provincial economy, contributing more than $50 billion in economic

activity every year, and providing jobs for about 11 per cent of the provincial workforce or more than 870,000 people. The future growth potential of our sector is also signiﬁcant, but for us to realize that potential, we need a healthy, stable and growing rural economy that is supported by the critical infrastructure we all depend on.

My family’s farming and agriculture business is based in the Cardinal area of Eastern Ontario, and I represent farmers from the region on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). Last month, I was part of an OFA delegation that participated in the Rural Ontario Municipal Association annual conference – and although I’m familiar

with the needs of the rural communities in my region, it was an eye-opening experience to engage with representatives from other municipalities from across Ontario.

In many of these rural communities, agriculture plays a leading role in the local economy and critical infrastructure gaps are often a major barrier to the growth and competitiveness of farm, food and agriculture businesses –as well as keeping people from choosing to live and work in rural Ontario.

Here are some of the most important rural infrastructure priorities: Roads and bridges: the rural Ontario economy relies on sound roads, bridges and proper drainage to support growth and transport our goods and services. Larger distan-

ces and lower population density are challenges for rural municipalities, and they need adequate funding to carry out these kinds of vital infrastructure projects.

Energy: rural Ontario needs aﬀordable, reliable and sustainable energy to fuel growth and keep businesses economically viable, including a balance of conventional and alternative energy options. Rural energy costs are 30 to 100% higher than urban areas, impacting competitiveness and sustainability.

Broadband internet and cellular coverage: Reliable, aﬀordable internet and cellular access is an everyday essential that is critical to day-to-day operations of businesses and daily lives of rural residents. Without it, rural businesses, residents and schools are disadvantaged to the rest of the province.

Access has been a longstanding issue in Ontario, especially in northern, rural and remote areas, and as expansion of this infrastructure continues, it’s important that public funding be allocated equitably and eﬃciently to those areas that truly need it most.

Schools and health

care: Rural schools and quality health care are essential to attracting and retaining employees by providing quality education, local community hubs and adequate medical services for the next generation of Ontarians.

As Ontario’s population ages, more people than ever in rural Ontario need access to home care supports, retirement living and nursing home spaces, including support for chronic diseases and conditions like dementia. A concurrent investment in physical and social infrastructure like schools and health care will provide opportunities and reasons for families to look to rural Ontario as an aﬀordable and ideal place

to work, live, and invest. Rural Ontario needs infrastructure investments to attract and keep residents and businesses and be competitive. Well-maintained roads and bridges, affordable energy and accessible high speed internet are critical to the rural economy. Schools and healthcare are a backbone of strong rural communities.

As the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers, OFA will work with all levels of government to identify ways and means to build critical infrastructure that is needed in our communities.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOP LOCAL

-Support neighbourhood character

-Keep Money in Your Community

-Keep Small Communities Intact -Help the Environment

Farmers are encouraged to prioritize #FarmSafetyEveryday

(COMMUNITYWIRE)

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week takes place March 16-22 and this year farmers, farm families, farm workers, and farming communities are encouraged to prioritize #FarmSafetyEveryday.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual national initiative delivered by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) that raises awareness about the importance of safe agriculture and showcases how safety directly contributes to the success and sustainability of farming operations.

This year, CASW will feature daily themes to address essential agricultural health and safety topics aﬀecting those who live and work on Canadian farms. The daily themes will cover health hazards on the farm, emergency preparedness, grain safety, mental health, road and rail safety, and women in agriculture.

“Every year, far too many lives are lost or irreparably changed due to preventable farming accidents,” says Sandy Miller, CASA’s Executive Director. “That’s why CASA is committed to providing Canadian producers with the information and resources they need to protect the well-being of everyone on their farms and ranches. Safer farms beneﬁt everyone and Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is a reminder for all of us to do our part to prioritize farm safety every day.”

CASA highlights the importance of safety on Canadian farms and encourages conversations about farm health and safety annually through CASW, which takes place during the third week of March. CASW’s sponsors for 2025 are CN, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, and Syngenta Canada.

Additional information about CASW, including the media kit and resources, is available at agsafetyweek.ca. The media kit contains feature stories, safety advice articles, public service announcements, graphics, and more.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-proﬁt organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca, ﬁnd us on Facebook or LinkedIn, or follow us on X @planfarmsafety.

The playdate pressure: Are we ruining friendships?

by Talia Hreljac

Are we ruining our children’s friendships?

What a way to start an article, I know, but it’s something that’s been weighing heavily on my mind all weekend. When I was a kid, my best friend (of 32 years!) was at my house all the time, and if she wasn’t at my house, I was at hers. It wasn’t a scheduled playdate; it was literally us playing Barbies, then house, then N64, then The Sims, and so on. Our friendship progressed over the years, but one thing remained—it was eﬀortless, especially on my parents’ side. It wasn’t a playdate; it was just me calling her house. It’s funny, I can’t remember many people’s phone numbers, but I can still recall my best friend’s home number from when she was nine.

It wasn’t my mom arranging with her mom three months in advance to have her over, and then having a perfectly planned craft ready. It was literally my mom inviting a friend over so that I would leave her alone for a bit.

I feel like, now, there’s so much pressure on having friends over that parents don’t want to do it. They’re also exhausted from working all week and don’t want to add to the chaos by inviting another kid. Coordinating one more thing feels overwhelming because, let’s be real, our entire lives are

devoted to schedules. And speaking of schedules— when did our kids’ lives get so busy? When did we decide that they had to be in every activity, and that they had to be competitive in it and be the best? But that’s a diﬀerent story for another time.

So, this weekend, I decided to make a change. When my daughter’s little bestie stopped by with her mom after playing outside, we asked her friend to sleep over. It wasn’t a big deal with perfectly curated snacks to match the movie theme. It wasn’t a big production. It was just two friends giggling in the basement while watching a movie, playing some Smash Bros., and staying up way past their bedtime, telling secrets and pretending to sleep when I went to check in on them—and it was awesome. Oh, did I mention that it was also complete with my daughter coming out with new bangs after they cut her hair? Honestly, I wasn’t even mad, because I feel like she just made a core memory with a friend and hit an important milestone in her life. Now, she just has to throw on some bright blue eyeshadow and terrible pink lipstick, and she’ll have checked oﬀ some key moments in her journey to becoming a full-fledged woman.

There’s a reason I’m so passionate about this; because, when I’m asked

Baldwin’s Birds

what I want for my kids, I always have the same answer. I want them to have a good group of friends. I don’t care if they’re the smartest in the class, I don’t care if they don’t bring home a Gold at the Olympics. I just want them to have a group of friends they can laugh with, who can carry them through tough times, stop them from making terrible decisions, but support them when they do, and help them make the best memories. I am fortunate enough to have the absolute best friends in the world, and that’s all I want for my kids—well, that and joy. And if they’re going to get a tattoo on their 18th birthday, I hope they’re surrounded by their best friends, just like their Mama was.

What I’m taking away from this is that, honestly, it wasn’t any extra work to have a friend over; but my kiddo was so happy. She stayed oﬀ her tablet all weekend, and her love cup was so full. So, I’m making a vow: I’m going to start messaging parents of my kiddo’s friends and telling them to send their kid over to play with mine. And while they’re here, I won’t have any special activities planned, but I will have the best chocolate chip cookies ready. And just maybe, they’ll form friendships that last the test of time.

Welcome to what might be described as a “real” wintry day by all the weather watching pundits and the birds that have to survive in it, no matter what shape or form it takes! The ﬁrst shape that came to mind was that of a hunting predator, a Coopers Hawk that very rapidly became the sole bird in the garden, having just swooped

down unsuccessfully into the soft piles of snow! It was standing upright when I spotted it and didn’t look like it had got a “kill”. It hopped up and down on the same spot disgruntedly a couple of times and then took oﬀ. Of course, by this time I had got my camera in my hand, but no pictures of the haw, were captured there within!

Not long afterwards, when “normality” had returned, the Rock Pigeons came back down in an eﬀort to try and feed, and one of them, in particular, was doing a very impressive job of it too! With the snow being so light, it actually hunkered down in it, and then started ﬂapping its wings to clear a patch where there might be some seed to feed on. It put on quite a display and, at times, almost disappeared in the ever deepening snowfall.

I must say that its eﬀorts were not entirely recognized by its buddies, who didn’t leap to the cause and help in any way, but were glad to pitch in when any food was sighted! Ah! What are friends for anyway!

I hope that you are now dug out successfully and your pathways are once again safe to negotiate. Take care and stay safe and well Cheers, John Baldwin

Heading oﬀ on vacation? Make sure your home is ready

Take Precautions To Help Prevent Thieves From Paying A Visit

Are you heading south for a sunny vacation, or oﬀ to a ski resort? Take steps to ensure your home is safe and secure while you're gone. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) members across East Region have these suggestions:

Do not announce your vacation plans on social media.

Don't advertising your absence by posting pics while you are away.

Arrange for someone to look after your home so it appears occupied - this includes shovelling the walkways and driveway, picking up mail, ﬂyers and newspapers and putting out garbage and recycling for normal pickup.

Ask trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your home while you are away and leave your vacation contact info with them in case of an emergency.

Use timers for lights and have exterior lights with motion detectors.

Make sure all windows and doors, including garage doors, are locked.

Leave shades and blinds in a position that you normally would have them.

If possible, ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.

Make sure smoke and burglary alarms are functioning properly and armed.

If you have them, make sure surveillance or doorbell cameras are working.

Catalogue your valuables and consider a safety deposit box.

Review your home insurance policy.

Your vacation should be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Taking these steps can help to ensure your return home isn't a nightmare.

Eating for Heart Health

by Dana Douglas, MScFN, RD, South East Health Unit

A heart healthy diet is one that includes foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium, and is high in unsaturated fat, plant-based proteins, vegetables, fruit, whole grains and ﬁber.

Some heart healthy tips include:

• Add more heart healthy fats by including fatty ﬁsh like salmon, nuts and seeds and their butters, and cooking with oils like olive oil.

• Choose lower fat dairy products, remove skin from poultry and drain fat from ground meat to reduce saturated fats.

• Choose plant-based proteins like tofu, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds more often.

• Reduce sodium by cooking your own meals from scratch and ﬂavouring with sodiumfree herbs and spices.

• Opt for whole foods over processed foods more often, and choose low or no sodium options. Rinse canned vegetables and legumes under cold water to reduce sodium.

• Include more whole grains, like whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice to increase ﬁbre.

• Add frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables to soups, stews and sauces.

For more information, visit the Health Unit’s website at healthunit.org, connect with us on Facebook or X @LGLHealthUnit, or call 1-800-660-5853.

Making Angel’s Wings or just another Pigeon in a Flap!?

A Rock Pigeon in a ﬂap

Tapping into tradition: A ceremony to celebrate maple syrup season

group enjoying a bright tree-tapping day

by Talia Hreljac

On Wednesday, February 19, the Kemptville Campus, in partnership with North Grenville’s Indigenous Advisory Circle and On the Bend Sugar Shack, welcomed the community for a ceremonial ﬁrst tapping of the maples. This beautiful event took place right in our community at the Peter Wensink Maple Forest, where over 1,100 maple trees have been tapped for this season.

After listening to beautiful Indigenous music, Mayor Peckford and Lorraine Rekmans thanked the maple tree for everything it provides us, in a mark of respect for nature and Indigenous traditions, before oﬃcially tapping a tree that had never been tapped before. It was a calming and beautiful ceremony that allowed us to connect with our stunning surroundings, right outside our Downtown Core. Did you know this beautiful location is also accessible by the trails? It’s a perfect place to explore when you’re looking for a breath of fresh air.

Afterwards, community members were treated to warm beverages and apples drizzled in delicious local maple syrup—a fantastic treat for a chilly day.

If you're interested in learning how maple syrup is made, experiencing the beauty of Mother Nature, or simply enjoying some maple treats, keep an eye out for Maple Fest, which will take place during the weekend of April 5 and 6.

Where’s Waldo, Steve?

I know you’re out there somewhere.

Notes from the North Grenville Men's Shed

by Stuart Leyenaar

As we celebrate the ﬁrst anniversary of the North Grenville Men's Shed, we are pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement with the Kemptville Salvation Army to use their former church building at 2 Oxford Street, Kemptville as our workshop and regular meeting location. The primary use of the basement of this building will be as a workshop for the assembly of things made of wood; for example, garden boxes or bird feeders that will be oﬀered for sale in the coming months. The components will be cut to size at the members' home workshops, minimizing the sawdust in our clubhouse.

Other projects that we would enjoy building include benches, ﬂower boxes, wooden mailboxes, and bird houses. What would you like us to build for your home or garden? We are open for custom orders or "commissions" with the cost based primarily on the materials required plus a modest mark-up for the beneﬁt of the Men's Shed.

We are also pleased to inform you that the North Grenville Men's Shed was selected as a recipient under the North Grenville Community Grant Program. The funds were provided by the Municipality of North Grenville to help us cover the costs of establishing a website and printing brochures to help us promote the organization to prospective members.

If you are a man with some ﬂexible time and would enjoy meeting with other men to build things for the beneﬁt of our community, we invite you to join us at the North Grenville Men's Shed. Our initial agreement with the Salvation Army gives us access on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with activities starting at 8:30 am. and wrapping up by noon.

Our objective as an organization is to provide opportunities for men to build friendships, community, and camaraderie for our mutual health and welfare. For more information about our group, contact any member of the NGMS executive: Peter Ivay, President , Dan Callaghan, Vice President, Tony Camillone, Secretary or Stuart Leyenaar, Treasurer. Visit our website: www.ngmensshed.com, or send us an email: NorthGrenvilleMen'sShed@gmail.com.

ARU Open House

The

David Shanahan Photo by Larry Belzac

Photo by Nick Brooks, eQ

RECURRING EVENTS

Monthly Suppers prepared by Knights of Columbus at Holy Cross Church Hall at 503 Clothier St W. Suppers will be held on the last Thursday of the month. Cost $10 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families. NO MONTHLY SUPPER THIS MONTH. The ﬁrst supper of 2025 will be on Thursday 23 January.

PROBUS: Fellowship, Fun and inFormed presenters are part of the PROBUS gathering on the third Wednesday of each month at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall at 9:30AM. For more information contact at n.g.probus97@ gmail.com

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome BINGO, Kemptville Legion, Bingos run from the beginning of September until the end of June on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.

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

Friendship Lunches are oﬀered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will oﬀering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.

St. John’s Drawing Circle is every Friday at 4 pm (jan 10 - mar 28). This is a 3 hour drawing studio with life drawing models (clothed) for artists of all ages and abilities. Cost is $120 for 12 weeks or $15.00 for drop ins. RSVP please Jennifer at gowjb5@gmail.com At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St.

Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St.

Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"

Saturday Art Social every Saturday morning at the NG Public Library! 10 am - 11:30 am at the NG Public Library. Free with basic materials provided NG Pride will be hosting an 2SLGBTQI+ and allies Seniors Meeting up on the ﬁrst and third Sunday of each month between 2 - 4pm. Join us for games, cards, snacks and conversation at the NG Public Library.

KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given.

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, March 4, 18, April 1, 15, 29, May 13 and 27. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners at 3048 Pierce Road on Tuesday, March 11, 25, April 8, 22, May 6 and 20. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debi at debiar@ymail.com

North Grenville Men’s Shed

A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/or do projects.

Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information.

Malala Women’s Choir

Invites you to explore uplifting music for treble voices. Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00 pm, March 5– May 28, 2025. At St. Andrew’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 23 Bennett St., Spencerville. To register: contact Sheila at 613-658-5290 or sheilafawcett92@gmail.com

No previous choral experience required.

Membership fee: $35

KSK Euchre Night. 3rd Wednesday of every month. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7 pm, $5 to play.

Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, 1505 O'Neil Rd

Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 2

Seedy Sunday. Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Seed swap, seed vendor market, learning experience and social gathering

Kemptvile greenhouse 75 Campus Drive

March 3

Genealogical Society Presentation. Time: 7:00 pm

Join us on Monday, March 3, at 7:00 pm via Zoom for a presentation on A History of Brockville Photography Studios by Alice McMurtry from the Brockville Museum. To register for this presentation, visit our Branch website leedsandgrenville.ogs. on.ca for more details.

March 4

Job Fair. Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

JOB FAIR & TRAINING EXPO 2025 613-258-6576 tracy@cseconsulting.com 285 County Road 44

Shrove Tuesday Dinner Time: 6:00 pm

1 Seating at 6:00 pm OR Take Out. Fundraiser for Bishops Oxford United Church, Bishops Mills Advance Tickets ONLY - $15.00 each Order tickets before February 26, 2025 by calling 613-258-4695

March 5

Budget 2025 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Public Budget Consultation #2 - virtual Email clerk@northgrenville.on.ca to register and receive link.

March 8

Art & Craft Supplies Sale Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Yard sale-style event for crafters, by crafters No ﬁnished products will be sold, only supplies (overstock, unused materials, equipment, etc.)

NG Municipal Centre 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

March 9

WIZARD CARD GAME TOURNAMENT

Time: 12:30 pm Registration starts at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00 p.m. $5 per player. For information contact debiar@ymail.com. Pierce's Corners, also known as the Marlborough Community Centre, 3048 Pierce Road.

March 20

MAYOR'S ADDRESS. Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The annual Mayor’s Address. Admission is free for this event, but registration is required. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/2025-mayors-address-tickets-1218009843229?aﬀ=oddtdtcreator North Grenville Municipal Centre 285 County Rd #44 Kemptville

Investing in Infrastructure: The Backbone of North Grenville’s Future

by Mayor Nancy Peckford

As Mayor, I can easily say that the most common questions I get are about infrastructure, even if they’re not quite put that way. Whether it’s roads, hydro, water, drainage, parks, or affordable housing, the underlying concern is about the systems that keep North Grenville running, and the actions we take to ensure everyone in our community can enjoy a high quality of life.

When we hear the word “infrastructure,” we often think about pipes, sewage systems, roads. But it’s much bigger than that. Infrastructure is what makes our daily lives possible - it’s how we move, how we grow, and how we ensure North Grenville remains a great place to live.

Right now, our community is growing quickly, our recent Long-term Population, Housing and Employment Study projects our growth in the next ﬁve years between 9 and 25%, notably above the current provincial average. Well before, but especially since the pandemic, our community is an increasingly attractive location for families, seniors, young professionals and builders. Should we be surprised?

But, as we all know, growth comes with opportunities and challenges. Many more semi-detached and town houses are being built in newer subdivisions, which can be less expensive, but the market is still pricing them out of reach for many families and seniors. This means the Municipality must ﬁnd ways (where reasonable) to go beyond what the private market is providing, in partnership with groups like Habitat for Humanity and Shalom Homes, as we have done. Another challenge is

how we can ensure better connections from these new neigbourhoods to the rest of our community with not just roads, but multi-use pathways, trails and sidewalks.

Some worry that North Grenville isn't prepared for the level of growth we are seeing. However, the Municipality has been planning ahead for decades, and has several key tools at its disposal, including for things such as the expansion of North Grenville's 30 year old Water Pollution Control facility (Sewage treatment plant) now underway. The cost of this expansion is being oﬀset, in small part, by reserves that have been created over time in anticipation of this need. North Grenville is also fortunate to have secured a $21 million dollars investment from Infrastructure Ontario earlier this year, and is pursuing several other grants opportunities. Many do not realize that it is prohibited to use property tax dollars for a facility that only benefits those on serviced land. This means rural land owners are not subsidizing, in any way, the costs of the sewage treatment facility. Consequently, North Grenville also relies heavily on another key tool - Development Charges (DCs). When new homes or businesses are built, North Grenville collects an initial fee to help cover the costs of related infrastructure and services that will be impacted in the greater community such as roads, sewer and water pipes, parks, and recreational facilities. This is in addition to the subdivision developer having to assume 100% of the costs of building the infrastructure within the subdivision itself. DCs are calculated using a precise methodology to estimate

the impact in the long term on the community's overall infrastructure, so that the costs are shared fairly and don’t fall solely on existing residents.

The amount of DCs depends on the location and type of development. A semi or single detached dwelling has a DC of approximately $25,000 in urban areas, and $11,000 in rural areas. DC charges are reviewed every five years to ensure they remain in line with the real cost of building and maintaining infrastructure. Fees can be selectively waived to create incentives to encourage downtown revitalization and affordable housing, as we have done in recent years. There is no doubt that Development Charges are a crucial part of how North Grenville will grow sustainably, and I commend the Municipality for its forethought in implementing them nearly 20 years ago. Thankfully, our investments aren't just in sewage treatment plants, as valuable as they may be! As we can see, the long overdue rehabilitation and expansion of County Road 43 will create a far safer and better flowing boulevard with multi-use pathways, lighting and trees, and a new bridge by 2026. The United Counties is responsible for most of the construction costs, with the Municipality assuming a smaller proportion. But we must go beyond core infrastructure.

This is why the Municipality has also recently applied for approximately $25 million from CHMC's Affordable Housing fund to repurpose Bell Hall, an old college dormitory on Kemptville Campus, into 60 mostly senior's aﬀordable apartments. If successful, this would be a game changer.

In addition, North Grenville is seeking $8 million from the Government of Ontario's Recreation Fund to build a state of the art, four-season Sports Dome with HVAC on Kemptville Campus to better address North Grenville's recreational needs, which are growing exponentially. If successful, it would house 125,000 square feet of turf and hard courts year round, including a regulation size FIFA soccer field. Feasibility studies for other recreational amenities (like an indoor pool and another outdoor park) are being undertaken so we have a full picture.

Council also approved strategic, long-term funding to oﬀset the costs of the new CT Scanner at our local hospital. We are exploring external funding to rehabilitate the former historic Township Hall in Oxford Mills into a public/ cultural space, and recently announced the launch of a modest grant program for an Additional Residential Unit (i.e. Tiny Homes) pilot.

As our community grows, we must be dogged in our commitment to fostering a vibrant North Grenville that can serve all residents and businesses, whether you have been here for just a little while, or a lifetime. By investing

wisely, we’re not just ﬁxing pipes and paving roads— we’re strengthening our community, supporting our economy, and ensuring that North Grenville remains a place where people want to live, work, play… and stay.

Bishop’s Mills takes measures

by Tom Graham

Members of the Bishop’s Mills Community Association and Women Involved took to the streets following last weekend’s massive snowfall. Inspired by a suggestion from resident Fred Schueler, the group was recreating a scene from the same location on Main Street in the Village following a rather large snow dump in the mid-1950s. Fred measured the snowpack, and on 10 February, before the recent storms, the snow was 35 cm deep, of which the top 15 cm was new, and a core melted down to 55 mm of water. After the ﬁrst of the recent storms, on 14 February, there was 41 cm of snow, of which 32 cm was new, the total melted to 72.2 mm. After the second storm, on 17 February, the depth was 66 cm, 25 cm deeper, though this doesn't allow for subsidence, melted to 83.5 mm of water. After another day of subsidence, at another site in their yard, 47 cm of snow melted to 89 mm of water. Depending on how much rain falls on the melting snow, this will lead to some degree of high water in coming weeks. Previous years when they have had about half a metre of snow in February were 2003, 2014, and 2019.

Keep our power in Canada – expand the east-west grid

by Angela Bischoﬀ, Director, Ontario Clean Air Alliance

To most Ontarians, this probably doesn’t seem like a good time to be spending billions of dollars on expanding our ability to send power to the United States. Yet that is exactly what the Government of Ontario wants us to do. They want to spend billions of dollars to build new nuclear reactors and north-south transmission lines to export more power to the United States.

Even without tariﬀs and the economic damage the Trump administration seems determined to do to Ontario, these projects make little economic sense. First, power from these new reactors is going to be far from cheap and nowhere near competitive with power from wind and solar.

Ironically, to execute this plan, Ontario is planning to buy GE-Hitachi reactors and enriched uranium from the Americans who are trying to torpedo our economy. Instead of spending billions of dollars to buy nuclear technology and enriched uranium from the United States, and then praying that they will buy our high-priced nuclear electricity, we could instead expand our eastwest electricity grid.

Ontario is sandwiched between two renewable energy powerhouses: Quebec and Manitoba. And it’s not by chance that power rates in these provinces are much lower than in Ontario as a result. Montreal’s residential electricity rate is almost 50% lower than Toronto’s; Winnipeg’s is 30% lower.

By investing in renewable energy and expanding our east-west grid, we can create jobs, reduce our dependency on the US, and lower our electricity bills. For example, we know, thanks to a study done by the Independent Electricity System Operator, that we could expand our transmission links with Quebec by 7,500 MW using existing Hydro One transmission corridors at a tiny fraction of the cost of building new reactors. Those links would immediately allow us to increase our electricity trade with Quebec. And in the future they would also allow us to tap into on- and oﬀshore wind power from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

When election candidates come knocking on your door, ask them if they support keeping our power in Canada by expanding our east-west electricity grid. Their answer will tell you a lot about who really has Ontario’s interests at heart.

Please send a message to Ontario's 4 major party leaders asking them if they support a clean, made-in-Canada electricity solution. Check out the email links at: www.cleanairalliance.org/east-west

Today and yesterday: BM residents in 2025 and the 1950's. Photo by Tom Graham

613-215-0735

FOR SALE

Sigma telephoto lens

Nikon D Mount. Doug

613 258-4573. $190.00

HELP WANTED

The Rideau Glen Golf Club is looking for club house staﬀ & outside workers for the 2025 season. Smart Serve required for club house staﬀ and experience with equipment preferred for outside workers .

Students considered with right qualiﬁcations Send resume to therideauglen@gmail.com

Corner lot, Kemptville, 83.5 ft by 84.5 ft, natural gas, water and sewer on site. Contact Kemptvillelot@outlook. com.

Futon bed/couch, blue & white, very good condition. 100$. call 613-258=6108 MISCELANEOUS

The many ways you can VOLUNTEER in North Grenville

KD Hospital andrerancourt16@gmail.com

SKBP Venturers skbp.venturers@gmail.com

Girl Guides membergrowth@girlguides.ca

NG Art Challenge jayne.couch@yahoo.com

NG Art Guild northgrenvilleartsguild@gmail.com

Beth Donovan Hospice amy.tibben@bethdonovanhospice.ca Oxford Mills Community Association susannelarner@gmail.com Kemptville Youth Centre brucewehlau@hotmail.com Friend of the NG Library blrousseau26@gmail.com NG Historical Society karenrepta@gmail.com Rotary corabeking54@gmail.com Christian Reformed Church sidypma@gmail.com United Church gowjb5@gmail.com

House of Lazarus cashby@houseoﬂazarus.com

Youth Alliance: ng.rainbowyouth@gmail.com

Seniors' Community Services jill.woodley@seniorscs.ca

Shalom Small Homes shalomsmallhomeskemptville.org

The NG Library sjones@ngpl.ca Friends of the Forestry Centre ldpaibomesai@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

ACROSS

1. Lieu

6. Agitated state

10. Capable

14. A tall mechanical lifting device

15. Pertaining to ﬂight

16. Body fat

17. Ear-related

18. Weaving machine

19. Mexican sandwich

20. Deadly nightshade

22. Biblical garden

23. 2000 pounds

24. Rabbits

26. Female sibling

30. Suns

32. Guided visits

Kemptville & District Community Assn. wdembleton@gmail.com

BIA

shelleybmitchell@gmail.com

Pride chair@ngpride.ca

Lions Club mikeamirault@hotmail.com

Knights of Columbus, Council 5333

Leeds Grenville Big Brothers Big Sisters Vanessa.martin@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Canadian Guide Dog Assoc Info@guidedogs.ca Jags

kemptvillejags@gmail.com

Pentacostal Church kohls.s.m@gmail.com United way Ed@uwlg.org

North Grenville Giving Garden michelleroussellemcevoy@gmail. com

Kemptville Farmers' Market kfmmanager1@gmail.com

Kemptville Restore kemptvillerestore@habitat1000islands.org

The Salvation Army kemptville.oﬃce@salvationarmy.ca

North Grenville Community Theatre info@ngct.ca

H eartbeat

33. A diagram of the sequence

37. Europe's highest volcano

38. Walk stealthily

39. Margarine

40. Relative size

42. Large body of water

43. Landslide detritus

44. Bread makers

45. Embankment

47. Except

48. 10 cent coin

49. Undaunted

56. 365 days

57. Sow

58. Run oﬀ to wed

59. Auspices

60. Coastal raptor

61. Acquiesce

62. Expunge

63. Misplaced

64. Bodies of water

DOWN

1. Sign of healing

2. Not false

3. Noble

4. Nitpicky to a fault

5. Denounces (archaic)

6. Beauty parlor

7. Used in advertising signs

8. Component of steel

9. Light axe

10. Tremor

11. Sword

12. Shoestrings

13. Black

21. Dung beetle

25. Circle fragment

26. Flower stalk

27. Inﬁnitesimal amount

28. Made a melodic sound

29. Crosswise

30. Playground chute

31. Pitch

33. Chimney channel

34. Away from the wind

35. Backside

36. Units of 2000 pounds

38. Crumbly cake topping

41. Frozen water

42. Rolled oats

44. Public transit vehicle

45. Feudal lord

46. Electronic letter

47. Basin for washing anal area

48. Not the original color

50. Adopted son of Claudius

51. Lairs

52. Seaweed

53. English royal house

54. Type of sword

55. D D D

Sudoku

John Brooks' 2025 Snow Sculpture

Well this winter got oﬀ to a slow start with very little snow in January; then came late February with 70 cm of snow in four days! I was quite elated to see such volume of snow but my enthusiasm was dampened with a bad downhill skiing fall that left me with a fractured bone near my ankle! As I was not able to put weight on my injured leg, it was looking like there would be no sculpture this year -- and then I discovered the iWalk crutch which holds my leg up oﬀ the ground. So I was working with one hand - rather, one legtied behind my back! I named the sculpture "I've got you; You've got me!" with a nod to Sonny & Cher.

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca

Lions donate to Seniors

The Lions Club of Kemptville has generously donated $1200 to Seniors Community Services. Pictured from left to right are Dawn Rodger (Executive Director, Seniors’ Community Services) and Kathy McCoy, Gail Osborne, Robert Stevenson, Mike Amirault, and Wayne Vachon (Lions Club.)

Our heartfelt thanks to the Lions for their compassionate contribution, which enables us to continue providing essential services to our senior community.

73’s secure ﬁve points during grueling schedule

by G.J. the sportsguy Monday's Family Day free admission matinee meeting with the Navan Grads and opportunity to skate with the local troops had not the results Kemptville anticipated, as they fell short 3 to 1 witnessed by just shy of 900 exuberant fans. First frame with end to end action closed out scoreless. Navan drew ﬁrst blood to open the second at 3:05. Kemptville answered when Sweetapple transitioned to Trotier to Carter Graves on the dot to drive it home past Kian Hoggins at 6:40. Navan’s game winner from Wake Purdy was assisted by Kussman and Carpenter at 11:27.

Both teams came on strong in the last twenty with their stoppers keeping them honest until Kemptville pulled Trenten Bennett at 19:15 and Sebbie Johnson ENG for empty netter insurance for Navan at 19:19 to award the 3 to 1 result. Navan outshot Kemptville 41 to 39, with both squads 0/4 PP. 73’s coach felt they had a good ﬁrst frame, but couldn't keep pace with Navan for sixty minutes, and their top players were better than ours. Looking to regroup quickly for Wednesday's encounter with Carleton Place Canadians.

Kemptville certainly did that as they handed the Canadians a 4 to 3 loss with a sweet walkaround to cement the win on Wednesday night in their barn. Kemptville came out hot, lighting the lamp first combined from Shaw to Fehr with Carter Graves shoveling a rebound under Charlie Larocque at 2:05. Redmond tic-tac-toe to O’Doherty and Dylan McDougall buried the garbage top shelf at 4:31. Henry Doucet swarmed the blue paint with Derbyshire from Nell to spoil Rylan Donovan’s SO just before the buzzer at 19:54.

Stubbings with Bennett found Alexis Beaulieu waiting in the weeds to lift it aloft in the second salvo to give the 73’s a two point

lead. Carleton Place counted one to move them within one at 6:18. Truan Conrad assisted from Small and Allaby knotted it at three at 17:43.

Fast and furious frenzy for both sides into the final frame. Alexis Beaulieu dipsy doodle edge work behind the cage with a sweet wrap-around caught Ian Vandeberg on a one way street after Bennett cycled high with Sweetapple for his second of the night and Kemptville’s game winner at 19:50. Carleton Place relieved their stopper for a ﬁnal push at 19:56 without avail, as 73’s shut them down for the 4 to 3 win. Kemptville was outgunned 37 to 25 with both teams having 0/2 PP.

Pembroke Lumber Kings in town for Friday evening that needed a shoot-out for a 3 to 2 squeaky win for the visitors. Jamfa Jr with Alegria set up Eric Barnard top shelf by Rylan Donovan at 19:37 of the initial frame to put Pembroke on the sheet. Dylan McDougall PPG with an extra attacker ignited a rocket over the pillow of Michael Medeski to tie it in the second. McDougall partnered with Matthew Montoni to squeeze the trigger for the tie breaker at 10:57 to give Kemptville the lead. Lumber Kings evened it up at 12:56 to force OT, without any decision after the extra five. Adan Dres for game winner and Eric Barnard

capped it off for the Lumber Kings as the 73’s couldn’t find their target. Kemptville recorded one point for the tie and Pembroke picked up the extra one for 3 to 2 victory. Pembroke outshot Kemptville 33 to 32 with 0/6 PP to 1/5 PP. On the bus to meet the league champions Rockland Nationals to end a five game win streak with a 4 to 2 victory. Rockland had an advantage in the first from Hall with LeHouillier to Jacob Charron PPG in the slot to put it past Trenten Bennett at 12:06.Kemptville was on track with Henderson and Trottier to Nicholas Bennett in the lane to beat Sean Hogan for 1 all tie to begin the second sequence at 3:57. Trottier with Graves cycling back to Eric Sweetapple PPG on the point to take advantage of extra man for tie breaker at 7:31. Nationals down a man when Jacob Charron SHG on his horse from the trenches blew by his opposition to even the odds at 9:07 for his second. Emile Trottier returned the favour with a lone effort for Kemptville’s game winner at 18:45.

Final twenty Rockland retired their stopper for extra man at 18:38 for a ﬁnal push. Aidan Stubbings ENG in the right place at the right time found open space to launch an empty netter for the 73’s insurance at 19:27. Kemptville outgunned their opponents 26 to 23.

Kemptville over to battle the Smiths Falls Bears on Friday and then up the valley to face the Wolves in Renfrew on Saturday. Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall.

Nickname: FEHRSY

Born: Ottawa

Position: Right Wing

Previous Team: Renfrew Wolves

Hockey Hero: Sydney Crosby

Most Inspiring Person : Emile Trottier

Favourite Movie : The Pursuit of Happiness

Favourite Musician: Tame Impala

Favourite Actor: Matt Demon

Favourite Sport (beside hockey): Football A wild ride

One Word that Describes Me: Frenglish

John Brooks

# 17

Mathieu Fehr

Tight squeeze up, over and in...Dylan McDougall ﬂips the rubber over Michael Modeski after Matthew O'Dorherty with Aiden Stubbings sets him up during Friday evening confrontation with Pembroke Lumber Kings

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Beth and Liane are always ﬁnding great buys on food. They bought some hams on sale and we had them stored in our freezer. So, we decided that even though we didn’t have a special event to celebrate, it might be nice to have ham as a treat. Today’s recipe has ham as a main ingredient and it’s a savory Ham and Broccoli Pie.

Ham and Broccoli Pie

Ingredients

1 smallish bunch of broccoli, partially cooked

2 cups of ham cut into cubes

2 teaspoons of margarine

2 sticks of celery, thinly sliced

1 onion, ﬁnely chopped

2 tablespoons of corn starch

1 teaspoon of dry mustard

A pinch each of marjoram and lemon pepper (if you have them)

2 cups of milk

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 single crust pie pastry

Preparation

Pre-heat your oven to 375F

Melt the margarine and sweat the celery and onion in a saucepan

Mix the cornstarch, mustard, marjoram and pepper together separately

Gradually stir in the milk, then and add to the celery and onion

Bring to a slow boil, then remove and add the lemon juice, broccoli and ham

Pour into a casserole, top with the pie pastry and bake for 35 minutes

Just spoon into bowls for a great lunch or dinner. If you have a few moments, mail me to let me know how you are doing with the recipes from The Food Corner at: pcormier@ ranaprocess.com.

FoodCoreLGL Update of Local Food Directory

FoodCore

Leeds-Grenville, Lanark is updating and expanding the Lanark Local Flavours directory, originally created by EcoPerth. The directory connects local producers and consumers to promote sustainable agriculture, fresh and local food products, and community-based food systems. This directory will oﬀer an opportunity for local farmers to showcase their products and for consumers to enjoy the abundance of high-quality, locally grown food available right in their own backyard. The previous database is in need of updating, and plans include expanding it to include Leeds-Grenville producers, to cover FoodCoreLGL’s full area of activity. With the trade war with the U.S., increased

Eleanor Lillian Dickinson

Passed away peacefully on Sunday February 16, 2025 at 103 years young.

In the words of her great grandson, she was “a gentle great grandmother, elderly but strong, a smiling happy woman with cheery red rose cheeks, pale skin and white curly hair.”

She will be missed by her son Sidney Dickinson (Kathie) and his children Cindy MacCulloch (husband Ian, children Zoe, James and Charlie), Kelly Cameron (husband Michael, children Jack, Max and Henry) and Matthew Dickinson and by her daughter Elaine James and her children Michael James (Allie) and Shelley James.

Eleanor was born on December 10, 1921, to Robert (Fred) and Mary Sherrard (nee Keegan) in Kemptville, Ontario. She grew up on her family’s homestead, a farm in Bishop Mills, where she would drive her horse drawn sleigh to her small schoolhouse in the winter (no ‘snow days’ then!). And she would spend summers playing in the ﬁelds with the girl next door, Alfreda, who was her best friend for 95 years.

In 1943 Eleanor married Arthur Dickinson and they had 3 children, Sid, Elaine and Joan. Eleanor raised her children and then eventually became a Social Worker, working for the Ontario Government for many years.

Over her 103 years Eleanor saw many changes. As a young girl Eleanor would take a ferry from Prescott to Ogdensburg New York to go shopping because you couldn’t get mayo and nylon stockings in Canada! She golfed most Wednesdays with Kathie’s Mom and drove her beloved Lincoln until she was well into her 90’s. She loved her golf, she cooked and gardened, listened to music, played video games and stayed up late at 99. She will be missed, but it was deﬁnitely a “life well lived”!

Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral HomeCollingwood. www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com

Christine Dunlop

(née Foley)

Nov 9th, 1956 – Feb 20th, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Christine Dunlop (née Foley) on Thursday February 20th, 2025. Beloved wife, loving mother and special gramma, passed away peacefully at home in Kemptville, Ontario, with her loving family by her side. Deeply missed by her loving husband and best friend, Steven Dunlop for 41 years and her beloved son Scott and daughter in law Chelsey. Christine was the much loved and extremely proud Gramma of Harrison, Hayden and Madison, who will miss her very much. Predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Violet (née Gannon) Foley and her precious infant daughter Shelley. Cherished sister of the late Ellen Maisonneuve (late Roger), Mabel Malette (late Gilles), Joe Foley (Cathy) and Herb Foley (Mimi). Fondly remembered and truly loved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. Special thank you goes out to Nurse Lisa, Dr. Zakhem, the nurses from Saint Elizabeth, the entire team at the Rideau Palliative Group, Dr Kaethler, and everyone who has supported Christine and her family throughout this journey. Cremation at her request, has taken place under the direction and care of Munro & Morris Funeral Home Ltd. in Alexandria, Ontario. Please join us for a casual drop-in Celebration of Life to honor the memory of Christine, on March 8th, 2025, from 1:00-4:00pm, at Beth Donovan Hospice, 1107 French Settlement Road, Kemptville, Ontario. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations to the Beth Donovan Hospice would be appreciated by the family. “In our hearts, you will always stay, loved and remembered every day”.

interest in buying Canadian and in buying local, the updated and expanded directory will help people learn about their options for buying local food.

Calling All Local Farmers and Producers!

FoodCoreLGL invites local farmers and producers in Leeds-Grenville and Lanark Counties to join the Local Flavours directory. Whether you're growing fresh fruit and vegetables, raising livestock, oﬀering honey and maple syrup or other local foods, FoodCoreLGL wants you to be a part of this eﬀort to expand access to local food and strengthen our regional food systems.

Consumers, Are you ready to Get Fresh in Leeds Grenville Lanark?

Local Flavours isn’t just for farmers – it's an opportunity for consu-

mers to support their LGL community and buy local products! LGL Local Flavours will help connect consumers with the best local food offerings in the region, ensuring the freshest choices available.

Producers and Consumers can join the Local Flavours project by signing up with FoodCoreLGL. Consumers just need to give us their contact information while producers can provide details about their products and sales outlets.

LGL Local Flavours Form https://forms.gle/ WvhpvesN43q2aLhH8

Producers or consumers can also contact the project coordinator Lauren Larmon directly: at localflavours@thetablecfc.org.

FoodCoreLGL will also be posting updates on social media so a like and follow on Facebook and Instagram will keep people informed. Watch for the directory launch later this year!

Foodcore LGL, a coalition of food activists and organizations who work to take practical steps to realize the vision of the LGL Food Charter. Our Stewardship Group includes members from farming, food production, community health, and community food programs, working to support sustainable local food systems in the Leeds-Grenville, and Lanark regions.

Leeds Grenville Lanark Local Flavours is supported with funding from Lanark County’s Community Grants Program.

How I got to 101

My life has been marked by good fortune. Yes, I inherited good genes and followed a sound lifestyle. But I’ve also had the luck of the Irish. I often think about those people who lead a sound lifestyle, but who get terribly unlucky. These are people, sometimes in the prime of life, and through no fault of their own, die from accidents, infections, cancer, or dozens of other common and rare diseases.

My life nearly ended when I had a severe heart attack at 74 years of age. I was advised by several cardiologists in Toronto and others I knew internationally of bad news. They said I would be dead in a few years or less if I did not take cholesterol-lowering drugs (CLDs). But I had witnessed severe complications among those taking CLDs. I knew, for instance, 25 percent of those on long-term treatment developed type 2 diabetes, not a good di-

sease, as well as muscle pain and neurological problems. My cardiologists were not amused when I said no to CLDs.

I had interviewed Dr. Linus Pauling, a two-time Noble Prize winner. He was convinced that the societal increase in heart attacks and cardiovascular disease was due to a deﬁciency of vitamin C.

None of my esteemed professors at the Harvard Medical School had told me that humans, due to a genetic mishap eons ago, had lost the ability to produce vitamin C. But all other animals, except the guinea pig, make their own vitamin C.

I made the decision to take large amounts of vitamin C. Pauling had told me that he took 20,000 milligrams (mg) of C daily. I decided to take 10,000 mg of C daily and have done so for 28 years. My cardiologists are now dead, and I am still on this planet.

I now live in a retirement residence, and I oﬀer a summary of my advice in a new book called Healthy Retirement Residence Living: What Does the Doctor Say? It’s available for purchase at www.docgiﬀ.com. Seniors in any circumstances, but especially in retire-

ment residences, need to hear this message. Pauling was right that we can fight the effects of aging and poor health with high amounts of vitamin C. It’s not feasible to get the high doses needed through diet; you must supplement. And when you take high doses of vitamin C, it circulates to all organs of the body, generating positive effects for cardiovascular health and much more. So for 28 years, I have been taking tons of C, and I believe it has kept me alive.

When will medical schools start to train physicians to consider natural remedies before leaping to pharmaceutical treatments that involve risky complications and great expense? When will doctors ever learn to read history and uphold the Hippocratic oath? “First, do no harm.” I’ve been lucky that I became a medical journalist. It was the necessity of investigating new topics to write about each week that made me an inquisitive physician.

At 101, I am no less insistent on my quest to help people lead healthier lives. I do this by promoting Giﬀ’s Own CardioVibe, my own “forever formula” that is a combination of vitamin C, lysine, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, quercetin, and proline, in a powdered form that allows ease in taking high amounts, in divided doses, over the course of the day. It’s available at giﬀsown.ca.

I wish everyone the best of luck – but also advise not to count on it. Longevity means hard work in making healthy lifestyle choices, starting at a young age, and never wavering.

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

My Cancer Experience Part 3 – The Process of Radiation Therapy

by Paul H. J. Cormier

In Part 2 of this article, I described the preparation for receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer at the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital. Part 3 walks you through what I experienced during The Process of Radiation Therapy.

For the ﬁrst part of my therapy, I drove myself to and from the Greenberg Centre. On my opening day of treatment, I was once again greeted at the front door by the volunteers, who actually walked me to the elevator heading to therapy area on the ground ﬂoor. The reception area there features a comfortable and casual living room area. I was greeted by a staff member who took down my particulars, then gave me a card with a scanning code. She showed me how to scan my card, which gave me the information I needed for that day and the week to come. I was then directed to my therapy room. I walked down a fairly lengthy hallway overlooking a magnificent inner courtyard lined with comfortable chairs for family members.

At the therapy room and after a very short wait (most times, non at all), a therapist came out to greet me and accompany me into the session room. There were two therapists in attendance and they had been thoroughly brie-

fed on my “case”; they knew about my Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV: I get dizzy lying down in certain positions), made me totally comfortable, checked on my readiness and departed with a “see you in a few minutes.” I shouldn’t forget to mention that I had to lower my pants to below my thighs; I was draped with a cloth for modesty.

The therapy itself consisted of no more of ten minutes of a robot whirring around my body. After the first session, I simply closed my eyes and rested. I didn’t feel a thing during the treatment but something was clearly happening. I had very few symptoms for the first half of the treatment period. Then, side effects started to take place: a severely upset stomach, a burning pain on urination and general fatigue and depression. The last few days saw me fairly ill with the side effects: I needed transportation by my family since I couldn’t cope with the drive. I spent a lot of time just resting and since resting isn’t part of my lifestyle in general, I found myself worrying about all that I

wasn’t getting done. During the last half of my therapy, I had to call on the nursing staﬀ on three separate occasions to get help and advice on dealing with my side eﬀects. Each of the nurses were helpful and very empathetic: the kind support and the treatment I received gave me the extra courage to push through to the end of the therapy. My last day was “graduation” day. I got to ring a “victory” bell in the reception area and sign out. I had the opportunity to thank everyone who were in attendance that day. I thought that my ordeal had ended, however I didn’t account for the fairly lengthy recovery time.

Part 4 in this series of articles, entitled Recovery from Radiation Therapy describes the healing process from radiation therapy.