ND Times Issue 7 2022 April 6

Chesterville Historical Society book a huge success

sales of most of the copies printed. Late last year, the Times reported the launching of the book called “Bridging the Centuries: The History of Chesterville, 1988-2020,” at the Chesterville Legion on December 5. It was a significant event, with notable guests including SD&G MP and former North Dundas Mayor, Eric Duncan in attendance.

“Bridging the Centuries” was a large project for the Historical Society, chaired by Gail Parker, and overseen

by Society President Caroline Roberts. The pair worked with dozens of locals to be able to include over 200 contributions from local authors and residents. Among others, they had much help with the project from Bruce and Kim Henbest, who acted as the book’s editors, Susan Marriner, the book’s graphic designer, and Verne McMillan, the Society’s Treasurer. The Society also credits Gilmore Printing for making a professional looking book they could be proud of.

Beginning in December, copies were sold for $50 each, including at the Chesterville branch of Scotiabank. In addition to helping to sell the book, Scotiabank Chesterville offered to match the proceeds

of the sales up to $3,000, and on March 28, the Historical Society members were presented with a cheque for the full amount. Gail told the Times that the book had sold approximately 425 copies as of that date, with about 70 copies left. The remaining copies were once again available at the Scotiabank location in what Gail called “an Easter blitz.”

“Bridging the Centuries” is the fourth history book about Chesterville written since 1938, and the first since 1987. Its title is a play on “bridging” the gap between 1988 and 2020, but also alludes to the bridge in Chesterville over the South Nation River which was critical for the Village’s growth.

Present to celebrate on the occasion of the donation were Gail, Caroline, and Verne, who eagerly made casual conversation about various tidbits of Chesterville history. Branch Manager Michael Beaumont and three other Scotiabank employees presented the cheque for $3,000 to the three Society members who were exceedingly grateful for the donation.

“The support from the community has been unbelievable,” Gail said. Copies of the book remained for sale at the Scotiabank as of the time of writing, but with limited copies available, there is no telling how long they will last.

Scotiabank staff present a cheque to members of the Chesterville Historical Society

Once-tiny Winchester continues to grow

sion. The change is still new enough that Winchester’s only water reservoir, now on the stretch of street known as Davidson Lane, still displays a Gypsy Lane address placard. Digging is ongoing in the area as the Davidson Subdivision becomes the latest to add housing in Winchester.

The popularity of small town living appears to be on the rise, likely due to a combination of factors. Housing is typically much less expensive outside of city limits, but increasingly offers much of the same amenities nearby.

increased the demand for quieter communities with lots of outdoor space.

While small communities typically encourage growth and development – with North Dundas being no exception –not everyone is in favour of growth. Many residents who chose small town living fear that their communities will one day grow to feel more like city suburbs. In the case of Winchester and Chesterville, growth has also caused a practical problem – water and sewer capacity is becom-

ing limited, with ongoing searches for new sustainable sources of water. Despite these issues, new housing is always welcome, particularly in the hope that as the supply of new homes increases, the demand for housing, and therefore housing prices, will decrease.

The Times reached out to the Township of North Dundas for comment on the new development, but did not receive a response by deadline.

Winchester locals may have noticed a subtle yet significant change in the name of a side street off St. Lawrence St this past week. Gypsy Lane is known to many locals as an unmaintained Winchester street which, while open to car and truck

traffic, is used mostly as a walking and cycling trail, and as a path for off road vehicles.

The street runs near the southern border of Winchester, stretching from County Rd 31 in the west, through town, past Belanger Rd and ending at Helmer Rd outside of village limits, where it becomes Gray Rd. A trail continues

Ways to help Ukraine

toward Chesterville from there, and a water pipeline runs part of the length of Gypsy Lane, connecting the Winchester and Chesterville water systems.

Now, a small section of the street east of St. Lawrence St. has been officially renamed “Davidson Lane,” after the Davidson Subdivi-

Data from the 2021 Census is not yet fully released, but an analysis of rural population growth released by Statistics Canada on February 9 shows that Canada has one of the few rural populations in the world that is actually growing. The report postulates that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this growth, considering that working from home has made it possible to live in small communities without the burden of commuting, and frequent lockdowns have

In collaboration with the Merrickville-Wolford Chamber of Commerce, the North Dundas Chamber is providing a way to ‘stand with Ukraine’.

Individual businesses can choose recipients supporting a Ukrainian cause dear to them (for example: some are donating to Doctors without Borders or Humane Society International).

Your direct donation also gives you a charitable tax receipt.

Please notify us if you have made a donation, so it can be added to the total amount collected for this initiative. Donations can be made at: www.unitewithukraine.com/donate_today.

With apologies to Gilbert & Sullivan

This ditty was tweeted and permission given for reuse.

I am the very model of a Russian Major General

My standing in the battlefield is growing quite untenable

My forces, though equipped and given orders unequivocal

Did not expect the fight to be remotely this reciprocal

I used to have a tank brigade but now I have lost several

My fresh assaults are faltering with battleplans extemporal

I can't recover vehicles but farmers in a tractor can

It's all becoming rather reminiscent of Afghanistan

My ordnance is the best but only half my missiles make it there

I would have thought by now that we would be controllers of the air

But at the rate the snipers work my time here is ephemeral

I am the very model of a Russian Major General by

@AndrejNkv

by Brandon Mayer

Aesthetic water quality and capacity concerns linger in North Dundas

by Brandon Mayer

During the regularly scheduled Council meeting on March 22, North Dundas Director of Public Works Khurram Tunio reported to Council that there has been a slight rise in the amount of water quality complaints in the past year from residents served by the Township’s municipal water system. Concerns were also raised about the capacity of the system to meet the demand of water users.

In addressing Council, Director Tunio first reported on a slight increase in the number of so-called “aesthetic” water quality complaints, which rose in 2021 compared to 2020. Complaints from users of the Winchester water system remained the same at three complaints for each year, while complaints from Chesterville water customers rose from 10 in 2020 to 20 in 2021. In August, the Times reported that many Chesterville residents

were complaining of brown water, a condition that usually results from iron and other sediment being loosened in water mains during peak-flow situations, such as the use of a fire hydrant.

Brown or rusty coloured water is considered an aesthetic water quality issue – although unpleasant to behold, and causing potential consequences such as the ruining of laundry, brown water is not unsafe. Residents who experience brown water are advised to simply run a cold water faucet until the water clears, but with all of North Dundas’ municipal water users on metered water connections, and with the problem occurring frequently for some users, clearing the water in this manner can be costly. Despite the aesthetic water quality issues, the 2021 report from the Ontario Clean Water Agency, which is contracted to run the North Dundas system, found no non-compliant conditions

Queen's Park Update

MPP Jim McDonell

This week, Ontario families received great news as our Government reached a new deal with the Federal Government that provides $10 per day of childcare by September 2025. Throughout the tough negotiations, the Premier never wavered on his demand to receive the same funding given to Quebec to ensure a fair deal for Ontarians. The new $13.2 billion agreement will be retroactive to April 1. It will save families an average of 25 percent of their child care costs immediately, increasing to 50 percent by December. The plan works out to a savings of roughly $4,000 per child this year and over $12,000 in 2023. It is in stark contrast to the 400 percent increase under the former Government when costs rose to the highest in the country. In addition, this generational investment will enable service providers to create 86,000 more childcare spaces and hire thousands of licensed early childhood educators while simultaneously improving wages for all child care staff. Through the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (CARE), affordable child care options, and continued investment in all-day Kindergarten, Ontario parents are now provided with the largest array of options,

in 2021. This means that at no point was municipal water in the Township deemed unsafe to drink.

The water discussion at the March 22 Council meeting did not end with reports of aesthetic water quality complaints. Director Tunio also advised that an estimate of the combined total capacity of the Winchester and Chesterville water systems, provided at the time when the Permits to Take Water were issued, is lower than the actual capacities seen in the last few years. Director Tunio’s report stresses that this “places urgency in finding additional as well as alternate sources of Township water.” To address the capacity issue, the Township is currently undertaking a study which considers options such as adding additional wells, and connecting to the South Dundas water system via an extension.

Councillor John Thompson, who lives in Chesterville,

questioned the fact that Director Tunio’s report indicated zero aesthetic water quality complaints from Chesterville residents so far in 2022, since he himself has received complaints. Council members considered that these complaints may have been made too recently to have been included in the report. While no specific action plan was discussed to address the adverse aesthetic water quality in Chesterville, it is likely that Council and Township officials are relying on more abundant and sustainable sources of water, such as the St. Lawrence River via the Township of South Dundas, to provide water with more aesthetic quality in the future.

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NOTICE OF NOMINATION FOR OFFICE

Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (s. 32)

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR MUNICPAL OFFICE? 2022 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

NOTICE TO MUNCIPAL ELECTORS IN THE UNITED COUNTIES OF STORMONT DUNDAS AND GLENGARRY

Nominations for the offices listed below must be made on the prescribed Nomination Form (Form 1) available at your municipal Clerk’s Office.

benefits, and supports for early years and child care in the country.

During my time in the provincial Government, I met with numerous parents and caregivers of developmentally delayed children and hosted several round tables. As a result, I was pleased to hear about the creation of 22 new SmartStart Hubs across the Province to better connect parents and caregivers with child development services in their communities as early as possible. The new Hubs will be a clear entry point to services for children and families and provide consistent delivery of services. They will bring together local professionals in early intervention and child development services to provide seamless connections to assessments and services, such as speech and language services. Children's Treatment Centres

across the Province will begin implementing the new SmartStart Hubs in April. SmartStart Hubs will serve children and youth from birth until age 19, or up to age 21 if they are in school and living in Ontario.

And finally, with warmer weather around the corner, the Government wants to encourage residents to take a vacation in our beautiful Province. To help our tourism operators recover, we are providing a Staycation Tax Credit that will allow residents to claim 20 percent of eligible accommodation expenses, up to $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family. The tax credit will be returned with the filing of your 2022 income tax return, even if you don't owe any income tax.

Regards,

Jim McDonell, MPP for StormontDundas-South Glengarry

Form 1 must be signed by the candidate and must be filed either in person, virtually or by an agent in the office of the Clerk during regular business hours Monday through Friday beginning on May 2, 2022. Nominations will be accepted from May 2, 2022 to the close of the Nomination period, ending at 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2022 (Nomination Day).

The Completed Form 1 must be accompanied by the prescribed Endorsements of Nominations Form (Form 2) signed by at least 25 persons endorsing the nomination who are eligible to vote in an election for an office within the appropriate municipality and be accompanied by the prescribed filing fee of $200.00 for Head of Council and $100.00 for all other offices. The filing fee is payable by cash, debit, certified cheque or money order along with proof of identity and residence as prescribed in in O. Reg. 304/13, as amended.

The deadline to withdraw from nominations is Friday, August 19, 2022 prior to 2:00 pm. MUNICIPAL OFFICES FOR WHICH PERSONS MAY BE NOMINATED:

North Stormont North Dundas North Glengarry

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR

(1)

(1)

(3)

Returning Officer – Craig Calder Township of North Stormont 15 Rue Union St. PO Box 99 Berwick, ON K0C1G0 (613) 984-2821

www.northstormont.ca

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR (1)

(1)

(3)

Returning Officer – Nancy Johnston Township of North Dundas 636 St. Lawrence St. PO Box 489 Winchester, ON K0C 2K0 (613) 774-2105

www.northdundas.com

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR AT LARGE COUNCILLOR

1 per Ward Alexandria, Kenyon, Lochiel, Maxville

(1) (1) (1)

(4) Returning Officer – Sarah Huskinson Township of North Glengarry 90 Main St. South Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0 (613) 525-1110 www.northglengarry.ca

South Stormont South Dundas South Glengarry

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR (1)

(1)

(3)

Returning Officer – Loriann Harbers Township of South Stormont 2 Mille Roches Road, PO Box 84 Long Sault, ON K0C 1P0 (613) 534-8889 www.southstormont.ca

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR (1) (1)

(3)

Returning Officer – Leslie Drynan Municipality of South Dundas 34 Ottawa St., PO Box 740 Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0 (613) 543-2673

www.southdundas.com

MAYOR DEPUTY MAYOR COUNCILLOR (1)

(1)

(3)

Returning Officer – Kelli Campeau Township of South Glengarry

6 Oak St., PO Box 220 Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0 (613) 347-1166

www.southglengarry.com

SCHOOL BOARD OFFICES FOR WHICH PERSONS MAY BE NOMINATED Forms shall be filed with the designated Clerk’s Office, for:

· Upper Canada District School Board (English Public)

· Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (English Separate)

· Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (French Separate)

· Conseil des ecoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (French Public)

Our house

by David Shanahan

The housing crisis being faced in Ontario today is not unique to this province or country. It seems that, wherever you look, the cost of housing, whether mortgaged or rental, is very quickly getting beyond the means of most people. The results of a recent survey shows that the dream of home ownership is a fading one for far too many people. The stories of young people living with their parents into their thirties are common across the nation. Everybody knows that house prices are incredibly high and rental accommodation, or at least reasonable accommodation, is scarce.

The Ontario government released a report by a housing taskforce set up by Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Steve Clark, and he has, based on its recommendations, introduced what he is calling the “More Homes for Everyone Act” to deal with the many issues preventing citizens from being able to afford decent housing. The

new piece of legislation aims to fight real estate speculation, speed up development processes and bolster the housing supply in Ontario. The report of the task force, and the contents of the Bill have been criticised by both opposition parties in the Ontario legislature, which was to be expected, and by many of the larger municipalities in Ontario.

Opposition parties will always criticise government policies and plans, even the good ones. Government plans either don’t go far enough, or else they’re condemned as being useless and not addressing the real problems. Such is provincial and federal politics. But the opposition by the municipalities in Ontario is based much more on practical complaints. Municipal government is the one that actually affects residents most closely and immediately. And it has been the role of municipal government to deal with the relevant housing issues, such as building permits, height requirements, heritage designations, zoning changes, and all aspects of residential

Letters to the Editor

Dear

Why is it that when a man states his opinion it is a concern, but when a woman states the same opinion, it is a complaint. Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely a concern and it is not a male/ female issue, I have heard many men state the same concerns.

In our townships there are many piles of brush in the fields, so much so that I have seen people out taking pictures of them like they are now tourist hot spots, they have become attractions. There was once a letter written about them in the now defunct Winchester Press.

development.

The objections to Steve Clark’s “More Homes for Everyone Act” focus on the loss of control municipalities will face if the Bill becomes law. And Steve Clark has indicated that he is quite prepared to enter into serious conflict over his proposals. In recent press conferences and media interviews, he has come out strongly to attack municipalities for what he sees as attempts to “neutralise” many of the recommendations of his 2019 report, and to fail to implement others. He argues that, considering the large sums of money provided to the municipalities by the provincial government to improve the process of granting building permits and to streamline the system, municipal councils should be cooperating with his Ministry, but have, instead, stonewalled.

It has been the mantra of the Ford government since it was elected that they wanted to “cut through the red tape”, make government and business more efficient and effective. What this means in practice is the removal of

regulations which the government considers to be unnecessarily restrictive. Steve Clark wants to do the same to the development processes, which, he says, are creating roadblocks in increasing the housing supply in Ontario.

No-one would deny that more housing is needed, and quickly. No-one, either, would disagree that housing costs have risen out of control. More housing is needed, particularly more affordable housing and more rental units also. The need is real and great, but what is the solution? The Minister wants municipalities to reduce the time taken to handle things such as building permits and zoning changes, and to be more flexible when setting height limits, density requirements, and other technical considerations.

Municipalities point out that what is involved in the government’s plans is a serious loss of control of local conditions by local councils. The Minister wants to have standards set that would be consistent across all 444 municipalities in Ontario,

because sometimes, he says, it takes years to get the permits through the system and get shovels in the ground. But would such a universal system work, when the conditions in Toronto would be transposed to rural municipalities like ours?

North Grenville, for example, is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province. Residents have seen an amazing growth in the number of homes that have been built around Kemptville. That kind of growth was encouraged by previous councils and the resulting increase in taxes, housing prices, and land values has meant that local builders find it almost impossible to build what anyone with a budget would call “affordable housing”. The same possible problem faces other areas around Eastern Ontario as more and more people seek to escape Ottawa prices for what has traditionally been the cheaper areas outside the capital. The pressure on local councils from Steve Clark’s legislation can mean local communities will no longer be allowed, under

law, to set limits on housing density, the height of apartment buildings, the protection of heritage buildings and districts, or the character of neighbourhoods. Municipal planners, even in large urban areas such as Ottawa, have already raised their concerns over the legislation and its impact on local autonomy in these areas.

Steve Clark has stated that there would be consultation between municipalities and the province over the implementation of his “More Homes for Everyone Act”. There are many who remember what consultation meant when it came to the location of a prison in Kemptville, for example. Communities are in danger of losing control over the character and content of their neighbourhoods. Let’s hope that real consultations take place. It is not encouraging to note that Steve Clark wants those consultations to result in municipalities committing themselves to implementing provincial government demands. Another topic to be discussed in the upcoming election.

My concern, and don’t get me wrong this is definitely a concern not a complaint, is the disposal of these piles of brush. People tend to think that they light a match and the garbage is gone, but what about the wind currents?

What about the person who tends the fire? What about the fireman that is called in when the fire gets out of control? The fire smolders long after the fire is out and the smoke has to go somewhere, it doesn’t just disappear.

We have gone for a drive in the past and saw the smoke, it is hard to miss the smell when you drive through it. We have seen the smoke and

concerned that there was an unreported fire and that someone may be in danger we have followed the smoke only to find out that it was a brush fire.

We have gone through three gazebos because the wind has taken them down and we have talked to other people who have lost buildings due to wind, you may not be able to see it, but it is there.

In school we have learned the importance of trees, how they provide shade, give off oxygen, filter the air, their roots soak up water – was someone not telling the truth?

With the information that we now have on climate change, lung cancer, you can’t smoke in restaurants anymore, you can’t smoke in public places, they do not want you to smoke anywhere that you may expose other people to the damages of smoke. But yet you can burn these piles of brush. We have been exposed to forest fires in other provinces where the wind currents have brought

the smoke here and we have been told to stay inside with our windows closed.

We have had days and nights where our windows are closed yet you can still smell the smoke and it is hard to breathe.

Maybe these facts should be made aware to new residents as a matter of transparency in case they have breathing issues. I am sure that finding a solution for the safe disposal of trees won’t be easy but than I am sure that living with cancer, which they say will kill a lot of people this year, is not easy either.

And how this will affect our climate is also a concern.

They say that when you know better, you do better, it does not seem to apply to this matter.

Pam O’Malley A Concerned Citizen

Dear Editor,

This is with reference to Brandon Mayer's article “Invisible Disabilities Cause A Struggle When Parking”. Is there a by-law against fully able Curbstone Setter dogs parking their vehicles at the curb while they shop?

Handicap parking is in the parking lot which is further from the store than the curb. A handicapped person should not have to travel further to the store than a Curbstone Setter.

Ross Anderson

HELP WANTED

Secretary Needed Part-time Barnhart Law Office Winchester 613-774-2808 barnhart@bellnet.ca

I will buy 500 seedlings of boxwood bush, sempervirens, for planting this spring. 1-613-277-7098

Meet Melissa Ottenhof

ewan, before moving to Kingston and then to Ottawa for University. She graduated from Carleton with double honours in Biology and Psychology.

Melissa is the marketing person for the Times and she’s at work already, meeting clients and helping to make the Times more of a forum for our communities to get to know each other and what we have to offer. Melissa lives in North Grenville, the mother of two girls, but was born in Saskatch-

Melissa likes gardening, sewing, hiking in Limerick, camping, baking, and cooking. She is particularly proud of the fact that she has “finally perfected my ciabatta bun”. As a resident of the area for 17 years, Melissa is well placed to introduce local businesses and organisations to the community through her work with the Times.

Nolan Quinn Nominated as Ontario PC Candidate

The Ontario PC Party is pleased to announce that Nolan Quinn has been nominated as the 2022 Ontario PC candidate for StormontDundas-South Glengarry ahead of the next provincial election. Nolan began his professional career working for Saint Elizabeth Health Care specializing in Human Resource Management. After leaving Saint Elizabeth, he decided to pursue his entrepreneurial goals, returning to the business that gave him his first job, Dairy Queen Cornwall, which he has managed for the last 15 years. “I am honoured to join Doug Ford and the Ontario PC team as your candidate for StormontDundas-South Glengarry,”

said Nolan. “I want to thank Jim McDonell for his support and for the tremendous job he has done to serve our community over the years. I look forward to meeting with everyone in the community and hope to earn your support as your next MPP.” Nolan has been known over the years for having volunteered his time and resources to many community endeavours and charities. Having worked many years with the United Way, the Children’s Treatment Centre, Big Brother’s Big Sister’s and the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, Nolan has seen firsthand the caring nature of our community and what we can accomplish when we

Tid bit musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW

Reminiscing is contingent on your experience! Many times it is at family gatherings, celebratory (life or death) in nature, that we tread back in time recalling various happenings. For me, it is the declining health of my younger brother that has us gathered to reflect on what was. My sister from Guyana, 10 years older than I, would say "my father" versus "your father" as we reflected on the variances. As much as we had the same bio dad, his abilities and aptitude differed. The era changed, the amenities changed, the family structure changed. From a large family, my younger bro and I were like a separate family. Even he and I had different memories. The end story is that we each have our own experiences contingent on the variables. It is what it is!

Driving down roads we haven't toured for a while opens the floodgate of memories and widens the sense of awe in registering change. Stability is often based on steadfastness while excitement abounds from change. No matter how varied the interpretation is, the fundamentals are still there. Even the gospels tell the same historical events from the various viewpoints of the disciples.

Never discredit your experience and your own interpretation of the events for that makes you YOU. You can be always be open to hearing the interpretation of others and process that with your own recollections. This spring, bring new life to your worthiness by accepting your interpretations and broadening your experiences. Today is all you have, yesterday is gone and tomorrow never arrives!

work together for the good of all. "Nolan Quinn has my full support as our new local PC candidate,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for StormontDundas-South Glengarry. “Both Andrew Guindon and Nolan worked hard and were true class acts throughout the nomination campaign. My family and I are proud to

help Nolan become our next MPP as part of a Doug Ford PC government. His strong record of volunteer work and business experience in our community will ensure we can send a strong, experienced voice to Queen's Park this June."

Nolan with his family, alongside retiring MPP Jim McDonell and his wife Margie

Carefor joins Annual March for Meals Campaign

Local not-for-profit organization Carefor participated in the annual March for Meals Week event from March 21-25, helping to mark the event’s 20th year. The event is run by the Ontario Community Support Association to increase awareness and community engagement about meal programs.

This year’s event was particularly important because of the recent increased need for meal delivery as food insecurity has increased, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many seniors already struggle to access food due to medical conditions and other factors, the pandemic caused isolation for many which made the problem worse, particularly those living in rural communities.

This explains why Carefor experienced a surge in demand for meals at the beginning of the pandemic, which led to the organization doubling its meal production with the help of one-time funding and generous donations. However, this funding was temporary, while the demand for meals was not, and continues to grow.

For this reason, this year’s March for Meals campaign focused not only on increasing awareness but also on raising funds to contribute to the overall goal of maintaining and even expanding the Meal Delivery program

in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Funds will support rising food costs associated with the program, as well as equipment upgrades to ensure maximum efficiency in meal production. Though the fee for clients is $7.00, the associated costs with producing, packaging, and delivering the meal are substantially more. The program currently delivers 510 meals per week, though 160 seniors remain on the waiting list.

March for Meals helps to spread awareness about these ongoing issues, and during this week, local public figures joined the effort by speaking out about the program, with some delivering meals themselves. Supporters have included Winchester Firefighter Terry Wagner, OPP Constable Shaver, OPP Constable MacPherson, and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser. “The Meal Delivery program is a very important program in the rural communities. It’s a great way to get affordable nutritional meals to individuals who do not

necessarily have access to those meals otherwise,” said OPP Constable Shaver.

Manager of the Carefor Meal Delivery program for the Eastern Counties, Dianne Kuipers, also weighed in, saying “The pandemic shone a spotlight on access barriers to food and the nutritional needs of older adults. The March for Meals campaign provides an opportunity on an annual basis to increase awareness about this situation. The meal program is so much more than just a meal. It provides a safety check and a friendly visit to many who live alone, and it provides a volunteer opportunity to many who want to give back to their community. The need is evident. Because of the continued demand, Carefor aspires to grow the program equitably across SD&G. Government funding and donations will help to achieve that goal.“

Anyone seeking more information on the Carefor Meal Delivery program offered in North Dundas can call (613) 774-6109.

Const. McPherson, Carefor client Harold, and Const. Shaver

by Brandon Mayer

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Applications for 2023 Nuffield Canada Agricultural Scholarships are now open and the deadline to apply is June 30, 2022.

The Nuffield Scholarship is a prestigious rural leadership program available to Canadian citizens who are involved in any aspect of agriculture. Its goal is to attract mid-career scholars with a passion for agriculture who are ready to challenge themselves in a program of self-directed international travel and study. The experience results in personal and professional benefits, while adding value to Canadian agriculture as scholars assume positions of greater influence

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This $15,000 scholarship provides individuals with a unique opportunity to access the world’s most extensive network in food and farming, achieve personal development through travel and study, and deliver long-term benefits to Canadian farmers and growers and to the industry as a whole.

“Nuffield Canada is part of a global network of Nuffield alumni who support each other in their travel studies to learn more about various aspects of agriculture,“ explains Blake Vince, Nuffield Canada Chair and 2013 Scholar. “This unique scholarship opportunity develops new influenc-

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ers that go on to reshape our Canadian agricultural sector with revitalized innovation, global perspectives, and leadership.”

Recipients can come from any capacity of primary production, industry, or governance of agriculture and must do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research an agriculturally relevant issue. They then write a report on their self-directed research findings and make a presentation at Nuffield Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

“The opportunity to become a part of a global network of leaders in agriculture and the chance to explore new

by Nuffield Canada Alumni. Scholarships are open to livestock, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, organic and Indigenous production, or any other relevant sector of modern agriculture. For anyone interested in learning more about Nuffield Canada and the application process, please visit www.nuffield.ca. Nuffield Canada was established in Canada in 1950 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1986. It currently has more than 130 alumni. As part of a larger international community, Nuffield Canada has affiliate organizations in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Zimbabwe. Scholar recipients become members of the global Nuffield alumni network, more than 1,800 strong, who in return host and help current traveling scholars.

ideas abroad compelled me to apply for the Nuffield scholarship,” said 2019 Canadian Nuffield Scholar Ryan Boyd from Forrest, Manitoba. “The scholars that I have met over the years have been impressive individuals and all can’t say enough positive things about their Nuffield experience.”

The 2022 named scholarship sponsors are Canadian Canola Growers Association, Alberta Wheat Commission, Farm Credit Canada, and the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land. However not all sponsorships are crop-related as additional sponsorships are coming online and there are also sponsorships

Melissa Ottenhof Marketing Consultant

Phone: 613.329.0209

Email: melissa@ndtimes.ca

The 2022 Scholars for Nuffield Canada are L-R: Odette Menard (QC), Lauren Park (NS), Ingrid Johnston (BC), Ken Coles (AB), Shawn Moan (SK), and Mark Phillips (PE). [Photo by Theresa Whalen]

Tips to stay Budget Conscious in 2022

Financial Planning: It all starts with great advice

by Cyndy Batchelor, Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning | Assante Capital Management Ltd.

versus wants and eliminating expensive vices).

except you.

A financial plan is about more than just saving and investing. It's a plan that helps you navigate your short, medium, and long-term financial goals towards a vision of your future. Understanding all of the elements that go into your plan will help you stay on track.

The right advice at the right time can help you:

- Credit Cards – if you use them then pay them off each month. The high interest rates will eat up a significant portion of your monthly budget.

- make better decisions,

- make the most of your money,

- financially protect yourself and your loved ones,

- reduce money-related stress and anxiety, and,

- reach your financial goals.

emergency is not dinner out or regular bills – it is losing your job, a roof collapsing, or someone in your family getting sick. It is important to be strict with yourself. If you cannot afford dinner out – don’t dine out.

When it comes to money, is your energy focused mostly on your day-to-day finances?

A New Year brings new goals and plans that we hope to accomplish. Having been through two hard years of living in a Pandemic with many of us experiencing cutbacks at work, we are all feeling the pain of rising prices at the grocery store and at the gas pumps. Here are a few tips to help you stay financially on track in 2022.

North Dundas’ Financial Services Professionals

- Coffee and Tea. $4 a day adds up to $20 a week adds up to over $1000 a year. If you save this instead of spending it, you are already ahead. Invest in a good travel mug and bring your own instead of making the stop at Tim’s or Starbucks.

- Ensure you treat yourself occasionally. Life should not be all about being frugal. Make sure to set aside something in your budget for fun or splurging occasionally. It is always good to have some fun too.

That’s fine. But it helps if you can also build a customized plan that can take you further and help you save for today and the future, reach your short-term goals, and achieve your long-term goals.

Why is it important to build a customized plan?

- The “Don’t pay until 2023” trap– don’t do it, there are immediate fees and interest payments that start accumulating if you don’t pay - if you can’t afford it today, you probably can’t afford it in the future. Try local marketplace sites for gently used items. You would be surprised what you can acquire for a much lower cost (or even for free).

Speak with a financial advisor about wealth planning and budgeting tools that are available to you today. We welcome questions so please reach out!

Sarah Chisholm Financial Advisor

- First and foremost, make a budget. This means writing out your incomes and expenses and knowing exactly what you spend where. If you are overspending, determine what can be cut out of your budget (needs

Indigenous matters

Building a customized plan starts simply by making a list of the things that are important to you now and the things you want to work towards. It’s also an opportunity to outline how you’re going to use your money to achieve your goals.

An advisor can look at your specific needs to help you develop a solid and customized plan. They’ll work with you to understand your goals and needs.

- Set aside money for emergencies. Take $100/pay and set it aside in a savings account you don’t touch except for real emergencies. A real

Robert S. Walker, CPA, CA

Bradley Mehlman CPA

Dinah Boal

Crystal Lang

Clare Deans

Remember, a financial plan can help you:

- Involve your family – if you have kids who compete in sports or activities involve them in your budget planning. Maybe they want to stop for takeout after a game. If they are more involved, they can make better choices when asking for phone upgrades, new shoes, and those pit stops on the way home from a game.

• save to meet your short- and long-term goals, manage and reduce your debt

This is part of a series of articles on Indigenous issues and history to promote awareness of our shared history among the general population.

fateful sailors arrived on these shores.

• protect yourself and your loved ones,plan for retirement,

• maximize your estate, and leave a legacy for your family.

- Savings first. 10-20% of your income should be set aside for your future. The future isn’t next week or next year, this is your retirement. If you have a government pension then this is being done for you automatically – otherwise, no one else is saving up for your retirement

Having these goals in place and a plan for how to get there will ultimately help you worry less and save more.

Kemptville Office: 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, South Gower Business Park

T: 613.258.3282

Prescott Office: 304-235 Water St. W.

T: 613.925.3535

FINDERS

KEEPERS –THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY

by David Shanahan

Imagine a typical Canadian family packing up and heading off to the cottage for a few days. Naturally, it’s beside a lake, very rough and ready, no hydro or running water – just how they like it. Imagine, also, their shock on arriving at the isolated spot to find a U.S. flag flying outside their cottage, which is occupied by Americans. On challenging the trespassers, the Canadians are told that the Americans have every right to occupy the cabin, since it was not properly maintained, developed, or otherwise made use of. A rather unlikely scenario, perhaps? And yet that is precisely what happened when Europeans “discovered” Canada. The few sailors who came ashore in a small boat immediately claimed the land on behalf of their King. Completely ignoring the fact that there were people already settled in the newly discovered lands, people with a long history and sophisticated culture, the Europeans rationalised their claim by pointing out that the inhabitants had not “properly” used the land they roamed, and that the highest authorities had granted to Europeans the right to claim such territory. On the face of it, the arrogance (not to mention ignorance) of the Europeans is astounding. It was like the old nursery rhyme: “Finders keepers, losers weepers”. But this was no nursery rhyme: this is Canadian history, and the daily life of many thousands of indigenous people in this country ever since those

Behind it all is what is known as the “Doctrine of Discovery”, a claim that goes back to the time of the first exploration of North America by Europeans. Shortly after the first voyage of Columbus in 1492, it was recognised that there were territories to the west and south, in the Americas, Asia, and Africa that could be exploited by Europeans: lands which promised great wealth to those who could get their hands on them.

So, on May 4, 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued a Papal Decree entitled Inter Caetera, “Among other things”, which granted his gracious permission to European monarchs to lay claim to any territory their subjects might discover, as long as it was more than 100 leagues to the west or south of European lands. He did this, he claimed, “out of the fullness of our apostolic power, by the authority of Almighty God conferred upon us in blessed Peter and of the vicarship of Jesus Christ, which we hold on earth”. So it was, that, on landing on this huge landmass on the other side of the Atlantic, this handful of Europeans, in their ignorance and arrogance, laid claim to everything in the name of a European monarch.

When the British Crown conquered the French Crown in Canada in 1760, the British King simply assumed title to what had been the “property” of the French King, by right of conquest. However, he had not conquered the native people at any time, nor did any subsequent monarch in Canada. In 1763, in issuing a Royal Proclamation detailing how the newly acquired territories would be administered, the British King drew a line on the map, running roughly from Lake Nipissing to Cornwall, beyond which was

“Indian Territory”. But even that vast and still relatively unknown land was nevertheless claimed by the King, who graciously allowed the indigenous people to remain there under his jurisdiction.

“And We do further declare it to be Our Royal Will and Pleasure, for the present as aforesaid, to reserve under our Sovereignty, Protection, and Dominion, for the use of the said Indians…all the Lands and Territories lying to the Westward.”

From the moment the Pope issued his Bull in 1497, up to the present day, monarchs of Europe, and in particular Great Britain, have laid claim to the lands that now comprise the Dominion of Canada. The rights and freedoms of the indigenous peoples of the territory were restricted and confined to whatever that monarch and their governments chose to allow them. Although most Christian denominations have repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery and called for its repudiation by governments, it has been used in court cases to buttress government control over indigenous people. Pope Francis has been officially requested by indigenous groups around the world to formally repudiate the Doctrine, so far with no effect. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [UNDRIP], accepted by the Canadian Government, refutes the Doctrine of Discovery.

In Senate hearings in May of last year, government officials declared that UNDRIP would not alter Canadian laws. It seems that a fifteenth century papal bull will continue to over-ride Canadian and international rights for indigenous people.

"Hope for Today and Freedom for Tomorrow"

Urinary Incontinence in Women What would we do without you!

I’m proud to work at Dundas Manor.”

Some women say, “You only know a place well if you know where the restrooms are located.” They’re suffering from urinary incontinence (UI). They know if they delay too long, there’ll be an accident. But there are ways to correct this nerveracking problem.

A report from the University of California claims that only one in four women with this trouble seeks help. This is due to embarrassment and the common but illogical notion that it is part of aging.

Another account from the Journal of the American Medical Association is hard to believe. It says that 17 percent of women aged 20 and older have moderate or severe UI. This number doubles for women over 60 years of age!

There are two main types of UI. Urge incontinence is an overwhelming desire to urinate immediately. As goes the old saying, “If you don’t go when you’ve got to go, by the time you go, you’ve already gone!” The other type, stress incontinence, occurs due to increased abdominal pressure from lifting a heavy object, coughing or exercising. The muscles of the urethra, the small tube that carries urine to the outside, are too weak to stop the flow of urine.

So how can women with

UI prevent this embarrassment? One prime treatment has stood the test of time. In 2019, a study reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed 84 clinical trials on both urge and stress incontinence. It found that changing lifestyle and behaviour was more effective for these disorders than medication.

An exercise known as the Kegel exercise builds up muscles surrounding the urethra. Patients are advised to squeeze their muscles as if they want to stop the flow of urine for 10 seconds, and to do it ten times, three times a day. How long it takes to get results depends on the degree of damage to the muscles. If made part of the daily routine, results should be seen in two months.

But Kegel exercises must go along with timed voiding. This means that during the day, trips to the bathroom to void must be made every two or three hours. It’s also necessary to keep drinking water. Cutting back on alcohol and caffeinated drinks is helpful.

Losing excess weight is good advice as well. A report in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that this pays dividends. Obese women who enrolled in a weight-loss program enjoyed a 47 percent improvement in UI compared to 27 percent in the control group.

And stop smoking. Good sense tells us that coughing can’t be helpful for fighting UI. Plus, studies show that smokers lose 20 years of life!

If all fails, your doctor will suggest drugs that can help to reduce bladder spasms. But some of these drugs cause constipation, in which case use of high-dose vitamin C can ease it. The use of a vaginal pessary that repositions the urethra may also be an option.

Many women with UI suffer from thinning of the vaginal lining due to a lack of estrogen. So ask your doctor if he or she would consider adding a vaginal estrogen gel for a few months.

Surgery is the last resort. Bulking agents can be injected around the urethra to thicken the area and help to control the leakage. Several different operations can be done. Some require an abdominal incision or a small incision in the vagina to insert synthetic material underneath the urethra to change its angle.

Remember, Rome was not built in a day. Nor will weak bladder muscles be rebuilt without consistent daily efforts.

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by Jane Adams

Lorilea Erratt has had many careers in her life, from a pharmacy clerk to the owner of a costume shop. Over the past few months, she has tried something different –as a COVID-19 screener at Dundas Manor. Lorilea is one of four screeners who greet each person who comes to the home, asking a series of screening questions to help keep everyone safe.

“I love the morning shifts, greeting everyone and I love the evening shifts where I can say good night and thank you,” explains Lorilea. “Dundas Manor is a happy place and there are strong bonds between the staff and

residents. I love to visit and listen to stories from our residents who find their way to our window to chat.”

Fellow screener David Fawcett has been a dairy farmer for 40 years and says he was looking for a parttime job close to home that involved interaction with others. The screening role was a perfect fit. “My favourite part of the job is the people I work with. Everyone is so friendly.”

Marg Stephenson agrees. She is a former nurse and says she loves being in a health care setting helping others. “It is marvelous working at a home that is so proactive and protective of their residents.

Recently retired teacher Heather Churchill says she had planned to do some volunteer work when the pandemic arrived, but decided to find other ways to help her community fight COVID-19. “This job has evolved over the past two years and with that comes a big learning curve. Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding with all the changes we have incurred as we have tried to navigate COVID-19. I love all the people I meet and the opportunity to interact with residents, their families and friends, and the amazing, hard-working and dedicated staff.”

Administrator Susan Poirier says the screeners have been amazing: “Throughout the pandemic, our local communities have supported Dundas Manor staff and residents in so many ways – and we are very grateful. Our small but mighty team of screeners at the front door is a great example. They are here every day, and they play such an important role in keeping COVID-19 out of our home.” This team will continue with their screening role for the foreseeable future. Please be sure to say hello and to thank them for their important role.

“A big thank you to Dundas Manor for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful team,” sums up Lorilea. “It is a wonderful chapter in my book of life.”

Lorilea Erratt is one of the four screeners providing support at Dundas Manor.

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

The making of the “right” Chili has become an obsession. We have Chili competitions and all those who participate have their own “secret” recipe. Some folks use chunks of beef, others ground chuck. Spices vary widely and if you are interested, you can actually become an expert in Chili taste testing. Personally, I think it’s a lot more fun cooking up your own batch and the advantage of Chili is that you can enjoy it all year round. One thing you have to watch for is the fat content in Chilis. This recipe, Gobbler Chili, cuts down on fat by using a very underrated commodity, ground turkey. A health food, maybe?

Gobbler Chili

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground turkey (this isn’t so common, so keep a sharp eye out for it).

3 good sized onions (to make up about 1½ cups of cut-up onions)

3 tablespoons of chopped Jalapeño peppers

2 good sized green peppers (to make up about 1½ cups of cut-up peppers)

2 tablespoons of crushed garlic

1 X 796 ml can diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 X 540 ml can, pinto beans (undrained) or, to your taste:

a. Black beans for a more intense flavour

b. Kidney beans (red or white) for a lighter flavour

2 tablespoons of Chili powder (more or less, according to your taste buds)

1 teaspoon ground red pepper (same as above)

½ teaspoon of ground cumin

Preparation:

1. Spray an oven-proof mid-sized saucepan with vegetable oil spray.

2. Heat up on medium heat, add onions and green peppers and sauté briefly.

3. Add the Jalapeños and garlic and cook till onion is tender.

4. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring frequently till the meat is browned.

5. Add the tomatoes, the beans of your choice and the spices.

6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for a half hour, uncovered with an occasional stir.

7. Put a lid on and pop in the oven for an hour at 350F (optional and improves flavour). Check your seasoning before serving and add anything your taste buds say is needed. Don’t hesitate to experiment. You too can have a “secret” Chili recipe. For fun and frolic, serve in one-cup bread bowls and top with grated Monterey Jack (the one with the Jalapeño bits in the cheese).

Gobbler Chili goes really well with a good stout beer. Please let me know how this turned out for you at: pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Ontario finally enters into child care agreement with feds

Ontario and Canada have signed a $13.2 billion agreement that will lower fees for families. There will be a reduction of child care fees in four steps to an average of $10 a day per child five years old and younger by September 2025. Parent rebates, retroactive to April 1, will begin in May. The new arrangement between Ontario and Canada will not affect Ontario’s child care tax credit program.

Ontario is the last province to enter such an arrangement with the federal government, and the deal has its own Ontario-specific details. It allows the province the flexibility to allocate federal funding in a way that will allow the province to deliver an average of $10 a day child care, by spending the initial $10.2 billion over four years instead of five. It contains enhanced protection against funding shortfalls through a mandated financial review process in year three –the first of its kind in any provincial child care deal –to reconcile the actual costs of the new national child care plan with funding.

The announcement of the new cooperative deal noted that there is “Protection of all for-profit and non-profit child care spaces, helping to support predominantly female entrepreneurs across the province who provide high-quality child care services.”

This deal will result in the

CROSSWORD

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

creation of approximately 86,000 new child care spaces for children five years old and younger, and the hiring of new early childhood educators and support improved compensation for all Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) working in licensed child care.

The Province, under the plan, will work with municipalities to enrol 5,000 licensed child care centres and home child care agencies into the program between now and September 1.

“From day one, I said our government wouldn’t sign a deal that didn’t work for Ontario parents and I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with our federal partners to land an agreement that will lower costs for families across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Given how complex Ontario’s child care system is, we wanted to get this right. Today, we’re delivering a deal that will keep money in the pockets of hard-working parents.”

As a first step, all Ontario families with children five years old and younger participating in licensed child care centres will see their fees reduced, up to 25%, to a minimum of $12 per day, retroactive to April 1, 2022. In December, 2022, parents will see another reduction. In total, fees for families will be reduced in 2022, on average, by 50%, relieving parents of $1.1 billion in child care costs. Families will see

further fee reductions in September 2024, culminating in a final reduction to an average of $10-aday child care by September 2025.

“We have secured a deal for Ontario families that will significantly reduce child care costs for working moms and dads, and that starts today”, said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “We were able to deliver a deal for Ontario families that includes billions in additional funding and a longer agreement that respects parents and provides financial support for families.”

In order to guarantee the efficient working of the plan, the Canada-Ontario agreement also ensures that the cost of implementing the agreement will continue to be monitored by Canada and Ontario with automatic review in year three of the agreement (2024-25). This automatic review mechanism is the first of its kind in any child care agreement in Canada.

Over the course of the agreement, Ontario will be investing $21.6 billion in full-day kindergarten. Together, through the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (CARE), affordable child care options, and all-day kindergarten, Ontario parents are provided with a full array of options, benefits and supports for early years and child care.

Medium Easy Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

THE CUP COMES HOME

by: Savannah Coleman, Minister of Communications North Dundas District High School has had some exciting events happen over the last couple of weeks! We have had Special Olympics, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, maple syrup boiling, and the long overdue, Dundas Cup. Needless to say, it

has been eventful!

Our special needs students participated in a ball hockey event for Special Olympics through Scotiabank. Jordan Heuff and Savannah Coleman helped out with leading these activities. Each day students had a different skill to practice, and on the last day, it was all put together

to show off their ball hockey skills. Congratulations to Ian, Kaitlin, Emma, Sasha, and Preston for representing ND!

Many sports were scheduled over the past few weeks including boys basketball, junior girls volleyball, and tryouts for badminton. The Senior boys travelled to St. Joe’s for a playoff game

NDMHA U11 Rep team wins league championship

against Heritage, but with a few injuries and players missing, they unfortunately lost. Junior girls volleyball played against Charlan in the playoff championship game. They played 2 close sets, but unfortunately lost the battle. The girls had a wonderful season! Finally, badminton tryouts have officially started,

and the team is being coached by Mrs. Williams.

Mrs. Hall’s leadership class and AG SHSM students have started tapping trees to make maple syrup! There are 40 buckets around the school property that have been filling up. With starting late into the season, there wasn’t a lot of hope that it would be as successful as it has been! There has been over 100 gallons of sap collected and maple syrup has already filled multiple jars! Mr. Deighton and Mr. Daye have been boiling the sap down into maple syrup. Classes have been around to tour the sugar shack that was built by Mr. Bougie’s construction class in the last quadmester, and have also been taught about the process and some history of tapping trees. The leadership class has been busy giving tours this past week; it is an exciting journey to start here at North Dundas.

Lastly, a very exciting

hockey game happened on Thursday, March 31. North Dundas went against our rivalry, Seaway, to play for the Dundas Cup. Intermediates played first and won by a whopping 10 goals; the score was 11-1!! They had an amazing game.

Following this match, our senior team played. It was a very tight game, ending in ND winning in overtime; the score was 5-4! The Devils were crazy excited to finally get the Cup back after two years of not being able to have the Dundas Cup. It is an event that is loved by many, including the audience; everyone was excited to finally cheer on and participate in a big, local event. It was a great afternoon had by all! Congratulations to everybody; our special needs students, basketball players, volleyball players, and hockey players! Have a wonderful April!

More than just take-out

by Brandon Mayer

by Brandon Mayer Players from the North Dundas Minor Hockey Association’s U11 Rep B team smiled for a photograph shortly after playing their way to a victory last week. The Upper Canada Minor Hockey League champions and their parents and coaches were undoubtedly proud of themselves after such a win. Mayor Tony Fraser posted a social media update, congratulating the team. “You’ve made all of us in North Dundas proud!” he wrote. Comments on social media were also overwhelmingly positive, expressing excitement and pride in the team’s victory. The team’s manager could not be reached for comment by deadline. Way to go, team!

YMCA Summer Day Camp Registration - NOW OPEN!

by Pamela Elliott

Hello Campers. Summer is right around the corner; do you know what that means? Registration for the YMCA Recreational Summer Day Camps is now open!

Don't miss your chance for another summer adventure with the Y exploring the scenic Kingston views from your bike in Pedalheads Bike Camp, or learning new sports skills as a beginner player, or upping your game if you are a seasoned athlete in our Y-Athlete Sports Camp, or building your strength and exploring the benefits of functional movement training through our obstacle course inspired Tactile Training Fitness Camp.

Bring the Beat Dance Camp offers those who are interested in learning new dance moves a place to showcase their creativity flow through dance. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, join our Urban Pathfinders Outdoors Camp where campers will discover the outdoors, having fun and learning while developing their love for the natural world. Do you have a creative side? The Artisan Club Crafty Camp will allow campers to explore a buffet of arts & crafts and stretch the imagination of what each camper can make with their own two hands.

View the 2022 Recreational Summer Day Camp Guide: eo.ymca.ca/photos/custom/ What%20We%20Offer/SummerCampGuide_2022-0324-1.pdf.

Many North Dundas and North Grenville residents are familiar with the work of the local notfor-profit organization, House of Lazarus. The South Mountain based charity runs food banks, thrift stores, and countless community outreach programs, with a focus on helping those in need and bringing the community together.

One program that speaks to the organization’s generosity is its “Take Out on the House” program. This program off ers free take-out dinners every Wednesday to anyone who wants them. A different prepared meal is offered each week, with options such as pastas and casserole dishes, complete with extras such as buns, salads, and dessert. Given the rising cost of food, and the fact that many people struggle to feed their families, the Times reached out to the House of Lazarus for clarification on what drives this initiative.

A spokesperson told the Times that the initia-

tive began as a free sit down meal event, geared toward providing outreach and conversation, particularly for those who live alone and are therefore accustomed to eating alone. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, such in-person gatherings were prohibited under pandemic rules. Several months later, the take-out meals started as a way to continue the outreach in a different way, and they have continued ever since. The plan is to return to a “sit down meal” model in the near future, though a definitive date has not yet been set.

The “Take Out on the House” meals are not just for people with financial need – anyone is welcome to order a free meal. Some people choose to make a donation to the House of Lazarus for their meal, but there is no obligation to do so, and in fact, those who order the meals can rest assured that the subject of donations will not be brought up at any point, unless they bring it up themselves. An estimated average of about 70 people use the service weekly.

It is important to note that those wishing to order a meal must do so by 4pm on the Monday before the Wednesday meal they wish to order. Pick ups are done by appointment, beginning at 3:30pm on each Wednesday in 10-minute time slots. The House of Lazarus is encouraging anyone who wants to skip the cooking on Wednesdays to participate in this outreach initiative. Orders can be placed by calling the House of Lazarus at 613-989-3830. Pick up of the meals is at 10619 Main Street in South Mountain (the current House of Lazarus food bank at the old Scotiabank location).

The North Dundas High Seniors hockey team alongside their Seaway rivals

Baldwin's Birds

Garden and Water Birds

This week has seen a few different Spring arrivals, despite the changeable and quite cold weather!

Previously, I had a fleeting glimpse of a Bluebird but we have also had some Cedar

Waxwings in the garden over the past week and a flock of Redwing Blackbirds. However, the birds that I have seen are not just confined to the domestic garden variety in our neighbourhood, but some are of the Water Fowl

type. One morning I stopped at the end of our road to watch some of the migratory Canada Geese come in to the creek for a brief respite on their way to the North. On another morning, whilst venturing out for breakfast at a restaurant by the St Lawrence, I made sure that I had my camera with me and wasn't wrong in my decision. Whilst eating, I spotted movement out beyond the shore ice, which turned out to be two varieties of Mergansers,Common and Hooded. Most of my pictures were taken at a distance, but once we had finished breakfast, I ventured out along a jetty to get some better views of them. A pair of Hooded

Mergansers very obligingly landed on the water by an adjacent jetty which allowed me to get some really good views and pictures of them both before they flew off. Prior to seeing them. I got a view of one of the Common Mergansers just after she dived and surfaced with a fish in her beak. What a treat, both for her and me! Hopefully this cold weather will disappear very soon and we can start to enjoy some sort of Spring and Summer.

Stay safe and well Cheers,

John Baldwin

The cottage lifestyle has soared in popularity over the past two years, with a real estate boom linked to the newly-established remote work model that emerged as a result of pandemic, coupled with the desire to escape the rising costs of city living. The demand for a cottage escape has caused record-breaking property sales, extreme low inventory and an increased demand for cottage rentals this summer.

Offering a tranquil escape featuring stunning waterside views, the cottage vacation is expected to remain a popular trend for 2022, but rising prices and a scarcity of listings on the market could mean greater competition for available properties.

With the May 24 long weekend kick-off to cottage season just around the corner, prospective cottagers will need to act early to enjoy a cottage rental or ownership. To help those seeking a cottage escape this summer, Cottage Life magazine editor, Michelle Kelly, and the Cottage Life Show are sharing some tips and strategies to navigate the ever-popular market.

Cottage Sharing: Pooling resources with family or friends can help turn a cottage dream into a reality. More and more people are opting for sharing as a way to get into the market. It may seem obvious, but you must consider who it is you’re joining forces with. Before even beginning to look for a cottage with another party, first explore all the issues that may come up between co-owners. That’s where a sharing agreement comes

into play. It’s in everyone’s best interests to agree beforehand on how to use the cottage, on dividing up duties and responsibilities, and on general practices. Be as detailed as possible with the agreement, and remember to ask all the “what if” questions (“what if someone dies?”, “what if one of us remarries?”, “what if one of us wishes to sell?”).

Build a Bunkie: For those with some basic building skills or who know a great handyman, a bunkie – a small, cabin-like structure that comes in a DIY kit – can offer a more affordable solution. Consider buying a plot of land to build on. It’s important to note that research is essential to ensure that the land is suitable for a cottage escape – consider zoning, local bylaws, floodplains and more with the help of an experienced local realtor.

Bunkies can also serve as an expansion, offering space for the next generation at the family cottage. However, because they aren’t a part of the main building, these structures aren’t automatically covered in some basic cottage insurance packages, and when they are, that coverage is limited. Be sure to speak with an insurance provider to understand the options.

Buy a Fractional: Here’s how fractional ownership works: a development company or resort builds the cottage and the ownership is divided into shares, most commonly 10, which includes a deed to the property. Each of the 10 shares is entitled to five weeks: one fixed week in the summer, and the other four

spread throughout the year. The other owners also get five weeks and the leftover two weeks are for property maintenance. An annual maintenance fee covers cleaning and upkeep, utilities, property taxes, insurance, and the services of a property manager.

Look Beyond the Popular Cottage Regions: Canada has no shortage of lakes and rivers. While listings are scarce and current prices might be too high for many in some of the most popular cottage regions, those with the ability to work remotely should consider looking further afield. If working remotely is the plan, be sure to check for a suitable internet connection before making an offer.

Province Hop: A faraway place may be an alternative solution, but be sure to factor in travel costs and the time commitment. When it comes to buying out of province, realtors are noticing the trend: some are buying traditional homes to use as recreational properties while others are purchasing actual cottages.

Rent in Different Regions: With limited listings, getting into the market this year might be tough. Renting may prove to be a more accessible option for those looking to break into the cottage lifestyle. Plus, it’s a great way to research different areas and discover which ones you love the most before taking the plunge into ownership.

To learn more about the cottage industry, including more information on getting into the market, best practices for investment rentals, succession planning, realtors, builders and contractors, small structures and

eco-friendly solutions as well as to discover the latest in watercraft, docks, water toys, outdoor furniture, and décor, visit the Cottage Life Show. The Ottawa Cottage Life and Backyard Show will take place April 22-24 at EY Centre. Tickets are on sale at cottagelife.com/shows.

VALLEY AIRWAY MECHANICAL 613- 915- 5820 Valleyairwaymechanical @gmail.com

• HVAC • CUSTOM SHEET METAL• VENTILATION Jack Lalonde, RSE, President, Operator Serving The Ottawa, Dundas and Cornwall Areas Residential, Commercial

This photo of a Merlin was taken in Merrickville on March 27 by Andrew McKay after the dove crashed into my front window during the pursuit. Kel McGreavy

Two varieties of Mergansers - Common and Hooded

The Cottage lifestyle in Canada is more popular than ever