Issue 1 2018 Jan 3 NG Times by The North Grenville & North Dundas Times

You Don’t Have To Live With It Painful Stiff joints? Nagging Injuries/Back Pain? We Can Help You Decrease Pain and Improve Mobility Experienced Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists providing Results and Solutions You Want

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS Massage Therapist Kimberlee Culbert & Physiotherapist Andrea Ceelen -taking appointments now!

Mike Gaynor/Micheline Dionne

115 Sanders Street, Kemptville backontrackphysio.com

613.258.9400

physiotherapy . massage therapy . acupuncture/dry needling . exercise

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 6 No.1

January 3, 2018

It was 20 years ago today...

Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic

Gift certificates available

by David Shanahan

ALL YOU CAN EAT Lunch Only $ .99

(Tue. to Sat.) 11 am to 3 pm

Fresh & Delicious

Open 7 Days a Week

Societies have always seen natural phenomena as portents, signs of good or ill, marking some major historic event. If that’s the case, then the coming into being of the Township of North Grenville (as it was called until 2003) had a most impressive event to mark its arrival on the scene. The Ice Storm of 1998 began twenty years ago, January 4, 1998, and was one of the most serious natural disasters in Canadian History. The story of how the Townships of Oxford-onRideau and South Gower were amalgamated with the Town of Kemptville on January 1, 1998 is one that will be told in this paper over the coming weeks. But the gathering of the very first meeting of the new Municipal Council of North Grenville was somewhat overshad-

owed by the enormity of the Ice Storm itself. In just one week that January, more than twice as much ice pellets and freezing rain arrived in our area than would normally fall in an entire year. The loss of electricity was felt right across Eastern Ontario and as far east as Montreal. Those of us living in North Grenville at the time were among the one and a half million Canadians who found themselves in the cold and dark at the worst time of the year. Many can remember having to bed down in the W. B. George Centre for at least a few nights. For a brand new Township Council, this was a real baptism of ice, and it was long days and even weeks before people could begin to return to a normal life again. There is to be a special gathering on Sunday, January 14, at St John’s United Church in Kemptville to share memories, mementoes and stories of

those amazing weeks twenty years ago. Beginning at 2.30 pm, there will be a talk by Don Cameron, the first Mayor of the new Township of North Grenville, who was faced with the challenge of dealing with the Ice Storm in his very first days under the new amalgamation scheme. Everyone is invited to come by for an afternoon of chat and memories. It was twenty years ago today, as someone wrote, and it is hard to believe that the years have gone by so quickly. Twenty years of North Grenville. We were part, albeit without being asked, of one of the biggest social and political changes to hit Ontario since Confederation. Between 1996 and 2001, the number of municipalities in the province dropped from 850 to 444. Communities, like South Gower, which had existed since 1799, became absorbed into the new body. The Town Hall in Oxford

Mills, which had been the capital of Oxford-on-Rideau since 1857, was no longer the social centre it had been for 140 years. This year of 2018 is an anniversary one for North Grenville and its people, but it is one that not everybody will celebrate. Perhaps it is to be expected that old loyalties and identities take time to adapt and change to new circumstances, and the manner in which amalgamation was imposed on the people of the three older municipalities did not help to create a strong new identity. But we are still here, and still adapting. The Ice Storm and the creation of North Grenville will be forever intimately connected in the minds of those who were here at the time. The storm of the Century was an impressive portent for the new Township. The effects of both are still with us.

Expires Jan. 31/18 *on selected models BOOK YOUR EYE EXAM NOW!

Kemptville Mall 613.258.2700

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

St. James donates to Family Resource Centre

St. James Anglican Church was pleased to present a cheque to Verna Léger, Executive Director of Naomi’s Family Resource Centre for $750. The money was raised at the 50’s 60’s Dance which was held in November. Pictured are Robert Porter, David Finnie, Verna Léger and Lynda Sharpe.

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

Sens vs. Sabres Ticket Raffle supports Training of Guide Dogs for the Blind

Win tickets to see the Ottawa Senators host the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at C.T.C. in Ottawa. You can win two 100 level tickets and parking,

plus buffet dinner for two in the Alumni Lounge, by purchasing a $10 raffle ticket. The package is valued at $375.00. Raffle tickets are available now by phoning (613)

692-7777 or purchase online at www.guidedogs.ca. A maximum of 187 raffle tickets will be sold. You must be a resident of Ontario and 18 years or older to purchase a raffle ticket, License #758054. The draw will take place on February 7, 2018. Tickets for the game have been kindly donated by a generous supporter so that 100% of the raffle proceeds support Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind was estab-

lished as a registered charity in 1984. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind has provided more than 835 professionally trained guide dogs to Canadians who are visually impaired from coast to coast. To learn more about the organization, visit www. guidedogs.ca or phone (613) 692-7777.

“Helping you with your Canada Savings Bonds.”

General Practice Corporate / Commercial Family Law/ Criminal law Estates Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney tom.tombyrne@jcis.ca 613.258.1277 222 Prescott St., Kemptville

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

Dean McIntosh

Sales representative Myers Kemptville, Chev Buick GMC

613.258.3403 613.797.4282 dmcintosh@myers.ca

104 Elvira St. E., Kemptville

www.myers.ca

Community Choir supports local food banks In early December, the Spencerville Community Choir performed two concerts to capacity audiences in Spencerville at the United Church. Under the direction of Sheila Fawcett, the choir draws its members from a wide area. Proceeds from the concerts made it possible to donate $1,200 to the Edwardsburgh Foodbank and Lazarus House.

We Service all Makes and Models

WINTER tire packages now available

2525 Cty Rd. 43 613-258-5800 www.43autoworks.com

Gerry Seguin

John Gray

Sales Representative

Broker

Affiliates Realty LTD., Brokerage Independantly Owned and Operated

Cell: 613-868-6068

Cell: 613-852-4313

Email: gseguin13@gmail.com Email: johngray567@gmail.com Suite #6, 2878 County Road 43, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Office: 613-258-4900

January 3, 2018

www.ngtimes.ca

Municipality Matters

The North Grenville Times

Statement to Council

Dr. David Shanahan addressed the Committee of the Whole at the council meeting in North Grenville on December 18 in response to a press release issued by the municipality following an article in the Times on November 29. The following is an edited version of his remarks: "One of the issues I want to address is the response to an article we printed in the North Grenville Times late last month. It simply stated that there was a group of businessmen who had made representations to the Province regarding Kemptville College. Five days after that article, the Mayor read a statement here in Council and, immediately after that meeting, issued it as a press release to the media. The press release contained a number of inaccuracies. The obvious one was when it says the article “inferred” that a local firm, representing investors, was involved in discussions with Premier Wynne. There was no inference: the article stated that there was a group that was in communication with the Premier and with Jeff Leal. It did not say that they were negotiating, it simply said they were in communication. I note that the article then quoted one of those letters. And yet the press release went on to state that this “inference” was “unsubstantiated and out of context”. I still don’t know what “out of context” means, but

unsubstantiated it certainly was not. We quoted the letter, it was based on interviews with the people who wrote the letters, who were a group of leading businessmen. The problem in this case is that, when you printed and released and stated things that were not true, you knew that they weren’t true. Because the very letter that we quoted, you had already received two weeks earlier. You knew that this was not an inaccurate or unsubstantiated article. And yet you went to the unprecedented step of not only reading a statement to Council, but then issuing that as a press release to the media. What this comes down to is that you either misrepresented through ignorance, or deliberately repeated something that you knew was not true, based on letters you had already received. Now when you say and print and distribute to the media something which is not true, that is one thing. When you do this knowing it is not true, that is libel. There is a legal issue involved here. That is a serious thing and I find it absolutely despicable, unprofessional, and, to be honest, downright stupid. The article had nothing to do with you, nothing. It was about a business group who were in talks, in communication, in correspondence with the Province, as you well knew. You then responded in the

same way, through a press release, to an article by Ralph Raina in our paper, answering his questions, in which you mentioned, in passing, that the financial details of the deal would not be released to the public until the deal was finalised and signed. I’m not sure of the legality of that. When I tried to approach you for a quiet talk, formal, on the record, you didn’t even bother to acknowledge the e-mail. Which is why I have to be here tonight. You ask us to trust you when it comes to this deal with the Province, and we all hope it’s a good deal. The problem is that it doesn’t matter whether it’s a good deal or a bad deal: you don’t trust us. You’re asking us to buy a house, and then tell us what it’s going to cost, after we sign the deal. That hardly seems the proper and fair way, and, dare I say, the clear, transparent and on the record way of dealing with things. Surely the people of North Grenville have a right to see the deal, discuss the deal, before it’s signed, before they are committed to it? Now, I believe the assurances I have received that this is going to be a good deal, and won’t cost the taxpayers anymore than it already has. But what if it’s a bad deal? We still have to trust you, we still have to wait until the deal is signed, and what options do we have then? Is this transparent? Is this on the record?

Is this clear? I don’t think so. So, to sum up: we printed an article that we had every right to print. It was substantiated, it was footnoted, it was accurate, it was true. You chose, five days later, without contacting us, I might add, to let it be known to the media that we had published something unsubstantiated, out of context, when you knew that was not true. Now, if you do it by mistake, I accept an apology. When you do it deliberately, that’s libel. And, without a formal apology and a retraction in print, it will go further. It doesn’t lay a great groundwork for trusting this place. I thought we’d gone away from this kind of situation a while ago. I hate being back here. Perhaps if you had read the article, you would have noticed that it did not say that anyone was negotiating with the province. It said that they had made representations to the Province. And you knew that was true because you got copies of the letter actually congratulating the municipality on the draft agreement, from that group of business people. Nobody ever said they were negotiating. You already knew that correspondence existed, that group existed, and what we had said was true. Therefore, what you wrote, what you said, was not true - and you knew it. Thank you."

More child care spaces in Kemptville and South Mountain by David Shanahan The Ontario Ministry of Education has announced that the Upper Canada District School Board [UCDSB] will receive over $7 million in capital funding for early years capital construction projects. Two of the schools to receive funding for new child care spaces are Kemptville Public School and Nationview Public School in South Mountain. “We are absolutely thrilled by this news of having five new capital projects (including two additions to be built) supported through this funding from the Ministry of Education,” commented UCDSB Chair Jeff McMillan. “This provincial funding will further our Board’s efforts to create and sustain the child care spaces we need that will support local families January 3, 2018

in the Rockland, Russell, South Mountain, Kemptville, and Brockville communities.” It is believed that one of the two additions mentioned by the Chair will be at the North Grenville District High School. The child and family projects and child care projects support the government’s intention to create additional spaces and access to licensed child care across the Province of Ontario where service and program gaps may exist. The provincial government announced last week that nearly 200 schools would benefit from this funding province-wide. The announcement advised that “helping more families access quality, affordable child care is an essential part of the government's plan for a fairer, better Ontario. It will give more children a safe, caring en-

and 24 preschool at Kemptville Public School, which will receive $1,603,262, with additional funding for an addition to the school intended for this specific purpose, amounting to an additional $1,068,841. Nationview Public School will get 34 total spaces; including 10 infant and 24 preschool, at a cost of $524,337.

vironment in which to learn and grow, and allow more women to go back to work and pursue their careers, which is critical to closing the gender wage gap.” “Our school district is heavily invested in early learning at all levels,” stated UCDSB Director of Education, Stephen Sliwa. “We appreciate the Ministry of Education’s continuing support of these efforts through this recent announcement of capital funding for child care capital projects and for the child and family program projects. I can just imagine how families with young children will value this recent development.” Overall, the UCDSB will receive from the Government of Ontario approximately $7.7 million to undertake projects including 49 total spaces; including 10 infant, 15 toddler,

The Voice of North Grenville

UPDATE UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, January 8 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please visit the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/document-library. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, January 15 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Library Board – Thursday, January 11 at 7:00 pm at the Public Library, 1 Water St.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Winter parking restrictions came into effect on November 15 and last through April 15. While restrictions are in effect, parking on Municipal roads is not allowed between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing or removal operations may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.

2018 BURN PERMITS AVAILABLE ONLINE

In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. The entire application and renewal process is available online at www.northgrenville.ca. The online process also allows you to receive direct notification of special conditions such as fire bans and fire risk level. Burn permits are also still available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 and the fee is $15. Please check conditions prior to burning by calling 613-706-1770.

2018 DOG TAGS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

All dogs in North Grenville require an annual dog license. If purchased before March 31st, the license is $15 and if purchased after March 31st, the cost is $30. The license can now be purchased or renewed and paid for online by visiting the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca and clicking on Online Services. For more information on dog or kennel licenses, please contact By-Law Services.

The Municipality of North Grenville

285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-9569 x206 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

www.NorthGrenville.ca

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

TIMES Peter Peers

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 989 2850 Email: peter@ngtimes.ca

Horizons Painting Residential & Commercial

CLASSIFIEDS: First 10 words free if submitted by email. Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5. Submit to production@ngtimes.ca. Email must include name, address and phone #. Must be related to North Grenville/ Merrickville 3

Professional Local Painter Liability Insurance Interior & Exterior Quality Workmanship Great rates Free estimates Fully Insured

References Supplied

Call 613.276.4583

kutebah1984@gmail.com www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Grenville Times

Another year over... by David Shanahan Well, that was an interesting year, wasn’t it? No matter where you focus, national, international, provincial or municipal, there was always something interesting happening. Of course, interesting is not always a good thing to be, but that’s the way it is. It was Canada’s 150th, and North Grenville celebrated that in a somewhat restrained way. Unlike Kemptville’s 150th in 2007, there was no concerted effort made to make the year one of celebration by the municipality. They put the emphasis on Canada Day itself, which turned out to be an unusually wet one in 2017. But there were plenty of other activities and events to bring out the crowds and get people involved in marking the national birthday. Kemptville Live was, once again, a huge part of the summer, putting North Grenville on the national festival map for the third year. What better way to mark Canada 150 than

to have Gordon Lightfoot, Burton Cummings and Leona Boyd, legends all, on stage in our neighbourhood? The Annual Sweetheart Brunch in February, raised over $25,000 for local charities. Throughout the Summer, fundraising events continued almost every weekend, as our community continued its fantastic tradition of compassionate fun. Kicking the Summer off, as it were, was the Kemptville Youth Centre Breakfast at the Christian Reformed Church, by which the KYC raised their goal of $4,000, the money going towards providing insurance coverage for the Centre and its many programs. There was a BBQ in aid of the Jumpstart program at the Canadian Tire the same day, raising money to help local kids get involved in sports, providing equipment, registration and other costs for those who might otherwise lose out on sporting activities. The BBQ raised $880 plus $333 from Canadian Tire staff, making a total of $1,210. Every Dollar raised

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, And belated seasons greetings to "our" NG Times. A lot of news is being reported about our municipality spending big money on large signs highlighting Kemptvillle. What none of all these mentions is the unique location of our combined municipalities on the planet. If we lived on the North Pole, it would be too cold - at the Equator, it would be too hot. But let everyone just driving

The Voice of North Grenville

Legion celebrating 85 years since its charter was issued and the 60th anniversary of their building on Reuben Street; the visit of the Premier to the KYC in August; the renovations to the Armoury Building; not to mention all of the marvellous musical events put on during the year. The Sound of Music, We’ll Meet Again, and all of the Christmas season musical evenings held throughout the region. We also lost irreplaceable parts of our community in 2017, including Terry Butler, who served on Council from 2003 until 2014 and was instrumental in ensuring the survival of the Ferguson Forest Centre. Speaking of which, news came out in November of a threat to the FFC, one which we hope will be countered in 2018. What about 2018: is it likely to be an anticlimax after Canada 150? Definitely not. Not only does North Grenville mark its own birthday - twenty years since amalgamation of Oxfordon-Rideau, South Gower and the Town of Kemptville

is matched by Canadian Tire. That same weekend, the Kemptville Rotary held their annual Family Duck Race, BBQ and Decoy Challenge, and there was the Hike for Hospice at the Ferguson Forest Centre, an Open House at Bayfield Manor, and Community Living North Grenville's 50th Anniversary Gala featuring Bowser & Blue. And that was just a few of the events taking place on the first real weekend of Summer. A great victory was achieved by this community in February, when the Ontario Government reversed its decision to close the Service Ontario office in Kemptville after a tremendous public campaign produced a petition against the closure signed by more than 10,000 residents and neighbours. The hope now is that the equally crazy decision to close Oxford-onRideau Public School can also be reversed. We could fill this issue, and more, with everything that happened locally in 2017: the South Wind Brigade crisis in June, the Kemptville

- and all that has led to, but we will be enjoying not one, but two elections in 2018. In June, we’ll have a provincial election, closely followed in October by our own municipal election. There will be no shortage of things to talk, write and think about in the coming year. The New Year is always a time to reflect on the past, while looking to the future. It’s not just the twenty years of North Grenville that we remember, but also the 227 years since this land was first surveyed for settlement. Lots has happened here, enough to give us a sense of perspective and an awareness that things change, people come and go, no-one and nothing is permanent. But still, we have our part to play in this ongoing saga, our chapter to add to the shared story of what is now called North Grenville, or Merrickville-Wolford, or even Ontario, Canada. May we all play our part in honour and integrity and caring. From everyone at the Times, happy New Year to you all. It should be fun!

Teens and tweens may not want to participate in story time, but there are lots of ways to engage them in fun literacy activities. The key is to pick projects or games that work with their interest! Why not try one of these activities on Family Literacy Day with your older child for a fun way to bond and engage in learning together: 1. Slumber Party Book Club: Choose a book to read as a family, and then watch the movie together in your PJs. Talk about what you liked from the book and the movie (and don't forget, lots of popcorn). 2. Pack Your Bags: Have your teen plan a dream family

through know that the township of Oxford on the Rideau is exactly midway between the Equator and the North Pole. Indeed - the 45th parallel runs from Peltons Corners to where the Actons Corner Road ends on River Road. It absolutely must be the best place on earth - why don’t' any of those new, expensive signs say so - right on the highway 416 ? Karl-F.Hafner, Beckett Lane

Excellence in service dedicated to your success

WE HAVE MOVED!

24 Prescott St., Kemptville WGP@wgpcas.ca www.wgpcas.ca

613.258.3493

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

January 3, 2018

First 10 words free if submitted by email. Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5. Submit to production@ngtimes.ca. Email must include name, address and phone #. Must be related to North Grenville/ Merrickville

Get teens excited with these teen-friendly family literacy activities

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

Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402

CLASSIFIEDS:

Marketing Peter Peers peter@ngtimes.ca 613 989-2850

the north grenville

ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

TIMES Editor David Shanahan david@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

Copy Editor Pat Jessop editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

613-215-0735

Production Manager Marguerite Boyer production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

Mailing Address 10 Water Street Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0 Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

trip. They can plan the whole thing – from hotel, to adventures, to flights. Build research skills while having fun. 3. Favourite Family Food: Write down how to make your favourite family meal. Share the recipe with your friends and family or make a video showing how to make the meal. 4. Text You Later: Encourage older kids to read and write through texting. Send them a link to an article you think they’ll like and ask them what they thought. 5. The Letter Train: Say a word and have your friend say a new word that begins with the last letter of the word you just said (play, yellow, waffles, snow). Visit FamilyLiteracyDay. ca for more activity ideas, free downloadable resources and to check for local Family Literacy Day events. Family Literacy Day was created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 and is celebrated nationally on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacyrelated activities as a family. Staff Reporter Deron Johnston deron@ngtimes.ca Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Good showing for Christmas break

Erick LePors

Control the bounce, get results.....perfect example of how the game was for both teams as they had to manage the rubber and Carleton Place Canadians received better results than Kemptville 73's to win Wednesday night battle by 5 - 1

John Beaton Hometown : Ottawa, Ontario Position: Centre, Left Wing Which person is more inspiring to you: Mom & Dad Favourite TV Show: Sport Centre, NCIS Favourite Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell Favourite Musician: AC/DC Favourite Food: Steak What is it like as a JR “A” Hockey Player: Busy and fun

as the period closed out with Canadians 5 - 1 win. Carleton Place SOG 36, with Kemptville 23 and both squads receiving 7 PP attempts, with Canadians resulting in one PPG. Kemptville 73's would face Carleton Place Canadians Friday night challenge on their ice and held them at bay with another loss of 3 - 0. Opening period remained scoreless, with Nick Bond responding to 8 SOG and Michael Leach 4 SOG as both clubs posted sin-bin visits. The Canadians struck at 2:14 in the second, as Z. Tupker, with Pilotte, found Haydn Hopkins to beat Bond to end with 1 goal lead. Final twenty, with the 73's on PP failure to keep attack focussed, Hopkins sprung Geoff Kitt for SHG at 10:02. At 18:05, Kemptville pulled their stopper for man advantage, but failed in the attempt, as Z. Tupker with Pilotte ahead to Travis Broughman to count for ENG. Nick Bond kept 73's in the game, as he faced 30 SOG to Canadian Leach 19, and Kemptville had 6 PP, with Carleton Place 4 PP without any results. Next home game is Wednesday, January, 10 when we battle the Pembroke Lumber Kings ...Hockey with EDGE.

by the sportsguy Kemptville 73's would have two tough games against the Carleton Place Canadians holding down first place. Wednesday night contest on 73's home ice, the Canadians pounced on a garbage goal as Knoblauch, back to Girduckis and Geoff Kitt, squeeze it by Cooper Lukenda at 3:22. Kemptville responded when Beaton won the draw, directed it to Matthew Titus to blast it over Jeremie Forget’s shoulder at 8:02 for tie and only goal. At 10:38, a controversial goal, as slow whistle Hill banged at stopper’s glove to Haydn Hopkins for tie breaker to open the flood gates. Zachary Tupker, with helpers from B. Tupker and Pilotte at 11:14, for the insurance and two goal lead, as Kitt combination to Knoblauch and Justin Cmunt to pump in the rebound at 18:41. Nick Bond replaced Lukenda for the second goaround to keep it a scoreless affair, with Carleton Place peppering 17 SOG to Kemptville 6, with matching sin-bin time. With man advantage for the Canadians, Pilotte over the line back to Townend, flip it to Ben Kupter for PPG and slide it under Bond’s pads at 11:41. Kemptville tried to get into the play, but just could not settle down the bouncing rubber in the final twenty,

Catering for all occasions Over 25 Years Experience

www.dialachef.ca

STRESS FREE ENTERTAINING 613.860.2539

For Advertising rates please contact Gord at gord@ ngtimes.ca or call 613 258 6402

Book your Winter tune-up today

PHYSIO - SPORTSPhysiotherapy INJURIES - MASSAGE Kemptville 613-258-7661 www.kemptvillephysio.com

jur

You. Us. Travelers. You benefit when we all work together. You can save time and money on insurance by bundling your auto and home coverage with one carrier. As your local insurance broker, we’ll do the leg work for you and help make sure that purchasing multiple products can mean multiple savings.

Call us for a quote today. 613.258.8898 Email: info@kemptvilleinsurance.com

Travelerscanada.ca The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Canada Branch), and Travelers Insurance Company of Canada are the Canadian licensed insurers known as Travelers Canada. © 2017 Travelers Canada. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Companyin the U.S. and other countries. M-18286 New 11-17

January 3, 2018

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

2018 North Grenville Wishlist by Deron Johnston For many people that I know, it seemed that 2017 was very difficult and challenging. Instead of looking at the coming year as a kind of “nowhere to go but up” situation, I look at it from the standpoint that, because of 2017, a lot of people learned difficult lessons, got stronger through overcoming adversity, and did a lot of heavy lifting to set the table for 2018. Keeping all of this in mind, I’m very optimistic for a “bounce-back” year in 2018. The following list is a short compilation of items that would be great to see happen in 2018. The renewal of Kemptville Campus. This was an easy one, right? What won’t be easy is to make this project a sustainable one that will provide direct economic benefit to residents and businesses in both the short-term and long-term. With so little information made available, it has been difficult, at best, to accept the “Trust us, this is gonna be great” position coming from municipal staff and council. What may become the most important decision (that residents may actually get some information

about), is: who will be chosen by council to make up the Board of the non-profit organization that they have decided will guide this project. The project may very well succeed, or not succeed, based on the decisions of this Board (which may be limited by the conditions of the deal that they are given to work with by the municipality). An overwhelming change in the composition of our municipal council in the next municipal election in October. We are in serious need of a culture change at the Municipal Centre. Municipal staff are often put in the unfortunate position of providing information and recommendations, and sometimes must make decisions (council must still vote on everything to make it official) because of a lack of leadership, strategic vision, and understanding of what is happening in their own community on the part of council. The current political culture of “if you don’t do anything, nothing can go wrong and you’ll get re-elected” is limiting, both our economic and social potential. The quick completion of the Mental Health Hub at the Kemptville District Hospital. This past year

École élémentaire et secondaire Rivière-Rideau holds food drive for HOL

Pictured, HOL Food Bank assistant Marianne Villemaire and HOL manager of client services Kim Merkley. Submitted photo. The students and staff at École élémentaire et secondaire Rivière-Rideau in Kemptville recently held a food drive for the House of Lazarus (HOL) in Mountain. The food items were dropped off at the HOL on December 19. Thanks go out to the students and staff for their generous donation. Each month, the HOL Food Bank serves over 100 local families. Approximately 40 per cent of the food bank clients are children and 10 per cent are seniors. January 3, 2018

saw the hospital searching for a Project Manager on a full-time temporary contract for the creation of a Mental Health Hub. There is a dire need for additional mental health services across Canada. As it stands, many North Grenville residents must either go to Brockville or Ottawa for their mental health care needs. This type of resource would be essential to the many people in need in the area. The realization that agriculture, tourism, and local food represent significant opportunities as economic drivers for North Grenville, and that they need to be fostered and encouraged. There are existing people and businesses that can contribute to this, they should be brought together and consulted with to accomplish this. Creating a committee dedicated to this initiative would be a good start. The acknowledgement that our young people are a wonderful asset, and that finding ways to cultivate them to become future leaders is not only a good idea, but essential for the long-term health of the community. Watching many of them leave North Grenville for post-secondary education and for better employment opportunities is like watching our future slowly evaporate in front of our eyes. Some must learn to put aside personal grievances, pettiness, and selfish behaviours to work together to build a stronger community for everyone. There are still too many tiny castles and kings/queens that sometimes make it difficult to move forward with things that would benefit all of us. This simply must stop. Smaller municipalities are having enough difficulty dealing with external pressures and problems. When opportunities are missed or blocked because of these selfish people, we all lose. All of these things are possible for us in 2018. In North Grenville, we are blessed with a strong volunteer base, a treasure chest full of human assets, and a spirit of generosity that other communities can only dream about. Simply put, when we work together, we can literally accomplish anything. Let’s make this the year that, while other communities around us may falter, we become what we’ve been hoping for.

SPECIAL 2018 Coupons

Hear in the New Year! Don’t delay – take advantage of these limited-time, 2018 coupon offers! Difficulty hearing over the holidays? Start off your 2018 with the resolution of better hearing. The first step is to Book your FREE hearing test! As an added bonus, we are offering these special new year coupons. Combine and redeem them at more than 200 participating locations in Canada!

THESE COUPONS CAN BE COMBINED Receive a FREE ear wax removal kit when you complete your first hearing test.

FREE

EAR WAX REMOVAL KIT

Ear Wax Removal Kit

While quantities last. Kit may not be exactly as shown. This offer is valid for one Ear Wax Removal kit upon completion of your first hearing test. No substitutes. Expires 01/31/18. New customers only, limited to one-time use.

Receive a 3 month supply of batteries and a FREE clean & check of your hearing aids.

FREE

BATTERIES & CHECK-UP

Offer is valid regardless of make, model, or where you bought your hearing aids. Get a 3 month supply of batteries (12 cells per hearing aid) when you join our battery club. No purchase required. See clinic for details. Expires 01/31/18. New customers only, limited to one-time use.

1000

AIR MILES® REWARD MILES

Earn up to 1,000 AIR MILES® reward miles with your purchase of select hearing aids.

Reward mile value is non-transferable and depends on select models purchased. Please allow up to 45 days for the reward miles to appear in your collector account. ®†™†Trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc. and HearingLife Canada Ltd. Expires 01/31/18. Limit one offer per customer.

10% OR MORE off HEARING AIDS FOR MEMBERS

Members of our trusted partners SAVE 10% or more on everyday or promotional pricing!

Please see clinic for the full list of member discounts. See below for the trusted partners we offer this discount to. Present membership card at time of purchase. Expires 01/31/18. Limit one use per customer per year.

Referred by Physicians more than 65,000 times!

TRUSTED PARTNER OF

NIHB, VAC and Worker’s Compensation Provider

Promo Code NSP-NWYR-NGTM

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

A bigger better BIA in 2018 ? When I accepted the position of Executive Director in January of 2016, I was quite frank about how I saw my primary function working with the Old Town Kemptville BIA. I was going to either help “build it or blow it up”. The jury is still out on how successful we've been. “We” because the current BIA Board of Management is committed to creating much more value to BIA Members and Associate Members than

we currently offer. The alternative scenario remains - the status quo is simply untenable; we can't continue in our current form. The BIA comprises a tiny physical footprint representing no more than 70 to 80 businesses and tries to provide value to all of Downtown Kemptville on a budget of less than $25,000 a year. As we approach our tenyear anniversary on January 1st, 2018, the question of expanding the Old Town

Happy New Year! We will be on holiday's the first two weeks of January and will re-open on January 16th

Thank you for your patronage

*Gifts *Home Decor *Accent Furniture 207 Prescott Street (Old Kemptville Library)

613.713.3333

Community Christmas dinner

by David Shanahan The third annual Community Christmas Dinner was served up between noon and 2 pm on Christmas Day at St. John’s United Church Hall. Once again, and in spite of the really bad road conditions on Christmas January 3, 2018

Day, the Hall was filled with members of our community getting together to celebrate the festive season. More than 100 people were served in the hall itself and another 40 meals were delivered to residents who couldn’t get out to the event. Another 50 or so meals were packed to go for people’s neighbours, or meals

donated, prepared and served without cost to anyone. Considering the weather, and the new location of the Dinner, it was a great turn-out this year. Having lost Leslie Hall, the venue for the previous two Community Christmas Dinners, it was a a generous offer on the part of St. John’s to host the dinner this year. It may become repetitive to comment on the generosity and community spirit that characterises North Grenville, but events like the Community Christmas Dinner is another wonderful network of volunteers and caring businesses we have the privilege to have as neighbours. Many thanks to all involved in making this another Christmas gift to the community.

for later. The food that was left over at the end of the day will not go to waste either. It will be made into meal-sized portions and frozen for distribution to people over the coming weeks. This is a completely volunteer-driven community event, and all of the food was 7

Kemptville Business Improvement Area boundaries to better serve the local business community is attracting not only interest but also support from existing members and potential members alike. A bit of background is necessary at this point In 2015, the BIA received matching funds from the Eastern Ontario Development Program to commission a Business, Marketing and Programming Plan from the consulting firm of McSweeney & Associates. In their final report dated July of that year, they recommended: “In order to successfully support the achievement of the Downtown Vision, and achieve greater resident and visitor attraction to both Downtown and to Kemptville, McSweeney and Associates recommends to the Municipality of North Grenville the consideration of a new BIA to be established for the Urban Service Area of Kemptville that includes the current BIA area”. In July of this year an BIA Expansion Steering Committee was struck to identify the potential new boundaries and set a date for one or more formal public information sessions. The Steering Committee, chaired by our Treasurer, Stephen Bent (Manager,CIBC), recently completed an Expansion Prospectus which was approved by the BIA Board of Management for public distribution and discussion two weeks ago. The Old Town Kemptville BIA has a two-fold aim in proposing boundary expansion: to continue our work reasserting the importance of smart growth for Kemptville and to expand our programs into adjacent areas, where they will add value to property owners and businesses alike. Next steps include meeting with

Council and Municipal staff and quickly holding public meetings to determine the degree of interest in proceeding with the proposed boundary changes. The Expansion Prospectus focuses on lowering the levy per $1,000 of current assessed value from $2.30 to $1.00 while presenting a range of itemized budget items to prospective members. A new Kemptville BIA would see its budget increase from $25,000 to $131,000 based on a lower levy and a larger footprint. It would provide for such things as a regional marketing campaign as well as local advertorials highlighting at least 24 businesses a year; an office with full time staff and a detailed Economic Survey every three years. Put out to tender, this professionally conducted detailed survey would provide members with detailed information about the trading area and customer preferences within it - beyond what is available through Statistics Canada - including people-on-thestreet interviews. All businesses in Kemptville share some common interests. A Kemptville BIA would be a better advocate for economic development within our community, with the goal that employment growth in Kemptville is realized through the retention and expansion of local small business. The boundaries of the Old Town Kemptville BIA were created over ten years ago. Since then there has been significant growth in North Grenville and we will see even more commercial growth over the next 5 years. A new more effective Kemptville Business Improvement Area should be in in place to meet this challenge.

Lights Out! Where were you in January, 1998, during what is commonly called the Ice Storm of the Century? Mark your calendars for January 14 for an afternoon of reminiscing followed by a pot luck supper. St. John’s United Church, 444 Prescott Street, Kemptville is the place, with details to follow as we get closer to the date. St. John's is a fully accessible facility. A warm welcome is extended to all. For details www: Kemptvilleunitedchurch.org or contact 613258-4526 for this event.

www.ngtimes.ca

Merrickville/Wolford Times The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Merrickville-Wolford: A Year in Review by Hilary Thomson As I look through the articles I have written for the Merrickville-Wolford Times in 2017, it is clear that it was quite a busy and exciting year for the Municipality, and not just because of Canada’s 150th birthday. The beginning of the year saw the adoption of the Municipality’s new Strategic Plan, meant to govern all decisions being made by council until 2025. Its creation was a highly collaborative process, with several public meetings, and could not have been done without the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, council and staff. The community also welcomed a very successful series of Village Chef dinners at the Mainstreet Restaurant, which raised money for many local charities. One evening in February stands out, when the dinner turned into a fundraiser for not one, but two causes, the second being the Roulston family, who lost their home to a devastating fire. In a matter of minutes, they raised $700 to help get the family back on their feet. Another successful community fundraising effort came to fruition over the summer, with the building of Merrickville Public School’s (MPS) new play structure. It took three years of hard work and a lot of community support to raise the $45,000 needed to build the new playground which now stands in the MPS yard, ready for climbing, swinging and sliding. It’s yet another example of how incredible the MerrickvilleWolford community is at coming together to support a cause. Many people also rallied around Wolford Public

January 3, 2018

School, as it fought to stay open during the UCDSB Accommodation Review Process in February and March. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of parents, politicians and community members, the school remained on the closure list and will be closed as of September, 2018. Public washrooms were also a hot topic last year, when the Lions Club offered to spearhead the building of a public washroom and visitor centre in Merrickville to service the thousands of tourists who visit every year. Although that project never came to fruition, it did lead to the opening and/or signage of washrooms at the rink house and Community Centre for public use, and there are plans to make the necessary upgrades to these washrooms in order to make them accessible and pleasant to use. On another note, Merrickville became a little more multicultural in May, when they welcomed a Syrian refugee family to the town. The family of six now lives in a house in Merrickville and the children attend North Grenville District High School and Merrickville Public School. Le Boat officially announced the opening of their North American headquarters in Smiths Falls in May and committed to having self-drive luxury cruise boats on the Rideau Canal by Spring, 2018. This was met with a lot of enthusiasm by local dignitaries and business owners, who see this as a great way to promote the Village on the world stage. The beautification of the community became extremely important in May as well, in preparation for

the Communities in Bloom judges who visited the Village this spring. Although Merrickville-Wolford did not get the top prize, they received the highest honour of five blooms with bronze standing and were just a few points behind the winner. The Village also received an honourable mention for their multigenerational committee. The summer was full of the typical festivals and celebrations, including Canal Fest, Canada Day, the Merrickville Fair, and the Car Show, all of which brought many visitors to the Village. Merrickville also hosted the Teeny Tiny Summit, with guest speaker Peter Kenyon all the way from Australia. The first ever Harvest Goat Festival came to the

Dear Editor, I have read your article, “Time to Talk”, in the 29 November 2017 edition of the Merrickville-Wolford Times and I do thank you for covering matters of importance in Merrickville-Wolford. I do believe however, there are a number of statements in your article that require clarification. First, you make a broad claim that there is confusion in Council about a number of issues, without enlightening us, your readers, on the substance of those issues. Without knowing what these issues are, this claim comes across as unsubstantiated and biased. Second, you follow this by saying your meeting with Mayor Nash and Karl Feige was a press “Interview”, not a press “Conference”. There is little, if any, distinction between the stated goals of a press “Interview” and a press “Conference”. Third, you emphasize that neither Mayor Nash, nor the members of Council need permission to speak on any topic. I agree. Councillors are completely autonomous. Unless there is an issue relating to confidentiality, each member of council can and should make their own decisions about communicating with constituents and media. Further to that, no one on council stated the mayor needed permission to meet

fairgrounds and locavores enjoyed the inaugural midweek farmers market on Wednesdays throughout the growing season. In the Fall, local teens Peyton and Taylor Horning were honoured for their volunteerism, with Gord Brown and Steve Clark’s Canada 150 medal. The girls were presented the medal at a special ceremony, where they were introduced by Mayor David Nash. The Village also welcomed some special guests from the South Korean Embassy to the Municipality in November. The Embassy chose Merrickville-Wolford as their small town of choice to visit in 2017 and came to Merrickville to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Then, later in

the month, they returned to make presentations about South Korea to the school children and local business community. Everyone involved felt it was a wonderful day of networking and getting to know one of Canada’s allies to the east. Finally, in December, representatives from Tree Canada came to the municipal building to present a cheque to the municipality to fund planting trees and shrubs in Eastons Corners. The grant was part of a Canada 150 program partially funded by the Canadian Government, and the money was used to plant 50 trees and shrubs in the hamlet to replace some that had to be taken out. It was a nice last hurrah to celebrate the end of Canada’s 150th year.

Looking back on the year, it is clear that Merrickville-Wolford is anything but a sleepy rural community. It is busy, vibrant, and full of people making a difference. It is fun to look back on what has happened throughout the year, and to celebrate the successes and acknowledge the difficulties, while looking forward to the year to come. 2018 is Merrickville’s 225th birthday year, and who could forget that the Municipal election is just around the corner? If 2018 is anything like the past year, I think residents can look forward to a fun ride; and I’ll be there along the way, writing about the issues and events that make Merrickville-Wolford a great place to live.

with you. However, you may not be aware that in an email sent out late Thursday, October 26, Mayor Nash directed councillors not to speak publicly about some vague issue involving the MerrickvilleWolford Council and to direct all questions to him. It is not clear in his email what the issue is we were not to discuss, but nonetheless, it is a “gag order” and something the mayor should not be attempting to enforce. Fourth, you state you appreciate both Mayor Nash and Karl Feige’s willingness to talk to the Times so you could inform the community of this important issue. However,

in the article you published the question remains, what important issue? None of you identify an issue in the published article. Further, in your own article published 08 November 2017, you write, “statements and rumours which seem to pit them against each other have been found to be unfounded and much of the bitter feelings were based on nothing solid.” That is a very telling and informative statement even though you failed to inform your readers about who is harbouring the bitter feelings. In the very next sentence you say Council needs to hire a mediator, at the expense of

the residents of MerrickvilleWolford, to solve these issues. But what these issues are, neither you, Mr. Feige nor Mayor Nash have said. It was also intriguing to note you published two “clarifying” articles on behalf of Mayor Nash side by side on the same page, yet nowhere in your paper have I read any attempt by you to interview any member of the Merrickville-Wolford Council on this matter. I believe that if the confusion you state actually exists then fair and balanced journalism would seek to have more voices on these matters. Chuck MacInnis, Councillor Merrickville Ward

www.3point5.ca

Dana Mara Ellis Sales Representative 613.799.0379

Robin Chinkiwsky Broker of Record 613.302.8852

Nancy Belot Sales Representative 613.913.7747

Each office independently owned and operated

Head office: 613.269.2222 818 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

CLASSIFIEDS First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville and Merrickville/Wolford Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word.

SERVICES TOES IN NEED Professional, Sterile Advanced Mobile Foot Care Nurse 613 858 4383 toesinneed@bell.net www.toesinneed.ca

SNOW REMOVAL: walkways, stairs, deck, small driveways 613.295.0300 or 613 258.3847 DogWatch Hidden Fences. BigLeash remote trainers. Xmas gifts 613-290-5559 DRUM LESSONS - All ages/ levels. Free trial lesson! Visit: WWW.DRUMHEAD.CA SEWING: Weddings to alterations, stonehousesewing. com. Call Sharon at 613-2243182, Kemptville.

613-299-8830

2006 Jetta TDI good condition and runs great. 613-290Local Author Barbara Avon. Ed- 5559 iting Services also available. 96 Wine bottle storage rack barb8855@gmail.com $75, floor corker $30, 60 Driveway Sealing Sprayed with bottle drying tree $20. 613quality asphalt oil plus Masonry 769-4995 Services call Keith - 613-258-2135 Highland ground beef for P R O FE S S I O N A L PA I N T E R sale. Locally raised 613 269Commercial & Residential 2439 Stpierrey@rogers.com 613.276.4583 Kemptville area 2 rain barrels $100 215-0665 Complete Home Proper t y Andy kemptville Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up ser- 4 winter tires, used one vices 613.258.3847 613.295.0300 winter, 225/65R16 100T. $425.00 613-713-9374 The Plumb”Mur” Plus Bathroom PLUS more. Murray 613.519.5274 BRAND NEW - Never used. Four 245/65R17 Tires nmmuir@gmail.com Motor Master Total terain Rural Home Care services- on Ford Explorer OEM Rims Affordable, professional & expe- with sensors Balanced/ready rienced care for your loved one. to install $700 firm 613-215613.868.0356 0385

25 yr old Napoleon fireplace 613.258.0964 and 27 ft of insulated chimney. Fireplace needs welding. WANTED TO BUY Ducks-Muscovy $500 obo 6132587425 also Massey Harris Tractor 613301-1747 Stack of newspapers 18261976, 1901 Eatons catalogue Senior needs old car batteries $90.00 613-269-3384 eve- for making weights. Call 613 nings mink stole $85.00 613- 258 6254. 269 -3384 evenings Looking to rent farmland for Indoor RV, boat storage. Rea- 2018 crop year. Call or text sonable rates. Call Jon 613- 613-262-1204 227-3650. Explorer car top carrier $145.00 square pedestal table $55.00M 613 269-3567

Improve bloating, reflux and gut discomfort. Nutrition and gut healthwww.Wholesumapproach.com Carol Pillar RHN 613 258 7133 Housecleaning Every mother/ father needs a housewife phone Sandy 613.219.7277

Furnished room in a shared house for rent, $700/mth in Oxford Mills. Call 613 294 7420

For sale: Craftsman12hp snowblower $250.00. Phone 613-258-4005

Kenmore Fridge, clean,good Firewood: dry softwood(pine) condition, $150 firm, call 59/cord hardwood(ash) $95/cord 613-258-7707 pickup 613 269 3836

FEB 1, 2 BEDROOM, 4 APPLIANCE, APARTMENT, Dry and wrapped round bales Mixed hardwood firewood, $100 DOWNTOWN, WATER- of hay suitable for cattle. Jon a cord delivered. Jon 227-3650 FRONT. $1150 + UTILI- 613-227-3650 TIES. 613-258-0237. FIrewood Hardwood $100/cord Nexen WinGuard SUV225/65R17 delivered. Softwood $75 Call KEMPTVILLE LARGE TWO BED- 4 Winters $95/tire. Joseph Peter 613-913-0810.

Firearms Safety courses. ROOM APARTMENT, $1125.00 343.262.1979 Non restricted and restrict- PLUS UTILITIES 613-220-5014 Antique Massey Harris 13 ed. Kemptville area, cathyirving@outlook.com Young lady looking to share my row, grass and grain seeder home in Kemptville with quiet, for sale. Seeder is in working Snowbirds I'll do home se- mature, clean working profes- order. Call 613-269-4415. curity checks while you're sional female or student. Refer1 yr old Good Year tires away 613-294-0385. ences. 613 857-3381 or text. 185/60 R15 needing a good home for the winter. $150.00 Property clean-up, trees, for set. Please contact RJ at brush, scrap metal anything FOR SALE 613-282-4868 removed. Wayne Scott 613Firewood Hardwood $95/cord 286-9072. Joseph 343.262.1979 1 new Nordic & rim 225/75/15 . $75.00. 613 258 6254 SEAMSTRESS - 30+ years of experience, in Merrickville. kim- 2 rain barrels $100 andy 215berlymcewanclothingdesign.ca 0665 kemptville January 3, 2018

MISSING

Necklace with heart and pendant cubic zirconia, sentimental New Beautiful-tone dry- value. Reward. 613-258-1968 wall primer sealer 18.9 liters $50.00. 613 269-3386

Household furniture by apHANDY MAN specializing in reno- FORD EXPLORER REAR pointment, dealers welcome, vations & house staging. We do it LIFTGATE window Fits 2002 call 613 269 4759 - 2006 Models Complete with all CALL 613.294.2416 parts & harness No rust/like 2014 Yamaha ATV excelSEW BE IT clothing repairs condition $9,000 alterations zippers hems Goodnight Bed Company new $110 (firm) 613-215- lent 613.258.4867 258-0108 Supporting your well-being 0385 with genuine sleep solutions. For Sale: Great Unique Christ- Firewood: hardwood. $90 a face Looking for Avon products, 613 258 2902. mas Gift. Italian - Made cord, delivered. 613-258-4416 or please call Joan at 613-2587644 You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call White Pearl Accordion.Abco 613-913-8480(cell). Master. In good condition. Rhonda at 258-5248 Needs strap replaced. 16 Filter, UV, 58mm, new 5.00 ve3mSmall backhoe, bush hog and "Keyboard. Down from $500 hm@sympatico.ca yard work. Call Dan 229-4520. Rock My House music lessons in to $300. Call: 613 558-3399 Infant Car seat Used once $50 or CFSC & CRFSC Courses & fiddle, piano, drums and more. SNOWBLOWER Yardworks best offer 613.258.8820 Exams Steve Hoy 1894steve@ 613 258 5656. 10.5 hp 29” $700.00 Call gmail.com 613-258-6162 613-258-2119 Mixed hardwood firewood. $100 Natural way to deal with Pain FOR RENT per cord delivered. Charlie 989Call1-800-361-1351 SNOWBLOWER yardworks 2768. House cleaner available. Call or text for quote. 613-2822397

Email to production@ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

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

TIMES Peter Peers

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 989 2850 Email: peter@ngtimes.ca

MEDIA/SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED The North Grenville Times is looking for a Media/Sales Person Experience preferred Please contact Marguerite at production@ngtimes.ca or call 613.215.0735

Dry seasoned firewood. Split and delivered. Call: Wayne Scott 613-286-9072

WANTED Co-pilot with pilots licence. phone 613-258-2958 Looking to harvest cedar trees from 3 ft high and + off acreage. (613)799-0958 Wanted 2 or 3 bedroom apartment on one floor, Kemptville 9

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Break 5. Mystic 10. Fellow 14. Curdled soybean milk 15. Moon of Saturn 16. Debauchee 17. Egg-shaped 18. Ask an unreasonable price 20. Hawkish 22. Wash 23. Mineral rock 24. Clairvoyants 25. Aberrant sexual practices 32. Double-reed instruments 33. Emissary 34. Bar bill 37. Not sweet 38. Heroism

39. Mongolian desert 40. Explosive 41. Dromedary 42. Possessing a weapon 43. Unbeatable 45. Change 49. Directed 50. Mail pouch 53. Intercede 57. Unchallenged 59. Dash 60. Sow 61. Jargon 62. An aromatic ointment 63. Being 64. Avoid 65. 10 10 10 10 DOWN 1. Put away 2. Exploded star

COMMUNITY EVENTS

3. At a distance 4. Type of sweater 5. Writer of "Dracula" 6. Marry 7. Consumed food 8. A crumbling earthy deposit 9. Ancient Peruvian 10. Large long-necked wading bird 11. Mob 12. Type of drill 13. Equals 19. Impudent girl 21. Angers 25. Publicize 26. Black, in poetry 27. Defeat decisively 28. Creases 29. Arm of the sea 30. Convex molding 31. Neither ___ 34. Grave 35. Cain's brother 36. Remain 38. Delivery vehicle 39. Slope 41. Reins in 42. Copied 44. Promise 45. Entertain 46. Paths 47. High, low and neap 48. Leave out 51. Church alcove 52. White aquatic bird 53. Fix 54. Wings 55. Mountain pool 56. Terminates 58. Letter after sigma

Weekly and recurring events Mon

Kemptville Quilters Guild, 2nd Mon./mth at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Road 43, 7 pm. New members welcome. Kemptville Cancer Support Group, 3rd Mon/mth, St. John’s United Church, Prescott St., 2 pm. All welcome. For info call Ellen Vibert-Miller at 613-258-7778. Modern square dance club, Grenville Gremlins,7:30-10 pm, NG Municipal Centre. Newcomer Bridge-St John's United Church 12:15pm. Cost $5.00. All levels welcome. No partner needed. Info 613-915-1464 or 613-806-4495. Tues BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Dr, 7- 8:30 am. Info: 613-918-0430. Euchre at Kemptville Snowmobile Clubhouse, 1505 O'Neill Road. 7:30 pm start. $5.00 each. 3rd Tues/mth. Bridge St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. Info, call 613-915-1464 or 613-806-4495. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tue/mth, 7 pm. New members welcomed! Wed NG Photography Club - 1st Wed./mth, 7-9 pm, at the Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive. See ngphotoclub.ca for info. Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd & 4th Wed/mth, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church. Everyone welcome $5.00. Bingo- 1st & 3rd Wed/mth., Kemptville Legion, 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. New Horizon Club: Meetings held at the Burritt`s Rapids Community Hall.. All adults 55 plus welcome to join. For info re programs and membership call Janet 613-269-2737. Probus Club of North Grenville, 3rd Wed./mth. Everyone is welcome to join us at 9:30 am at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall for fellowship. Holy Cross Church monthly suppers, 1st Wed/mth. Adults $8, Children $5. All are welcomed. Thurs Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:15 pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. For more info, call 613-915-1464 or 613-896-4495 North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs/mth., 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. NGPL Science and Technology Group meetings are held the 1st/Thurs/mth, 7-9 pm in the program room at the Library. Fri Friendship Lunch held at St. John's United Church. Lunch is served at 11:30, donations accepted but not expected. Everyone welcome. Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) Game Night, 2nd and 4th Fri/mth, 6-10 pm. Bring your favourite game or borrow one from their library. Sat Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am 3rd Sat/mth, 100 Reuben Crescent. Adults $5. Children under 12 $3. All welcome. Euchre Tournament, 3rd Sat/mth. Registration 12-12:30pm. Cost $10.00 Games start 12:30 pm at the Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben Crescent, Refreshments available. Everyone Welcome. Sun Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) “Organized Play” and "Learn to Play" events, 1-4 pm . No experience needed. M,W,F Kemptville and Area Walking Group meet at Municipal Centre at 8 am. All welcome.

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

January 3, 2018

The Voice of North Grenville

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

KDH smoke-free as of January 1

As of January 1, 2018, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is entirely smokefree – both inside the hospital and on its grounds – in compliance with provincial legislation. This means that patients, visitors and staff will have to leave hospital property if they want to smoke. “For the past two years, we’ve been permitted under the legislation to have one outdoor designated smoking area,” said Lana LeClair, the hospital’s Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “We selected that option in order to ease the transition for patients and families who smoke, as well as for our staff. However, as an organization committed to building healthier communities, we support the smoke-free legislation as it fosters a healthy and safe environment for everyone at KDH.” The legislation in question is the provincial government’s Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which prohibits smoking tobacco in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places, as well as other designated places in Ontario, to protect workers and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke. As Lana mentioned, hospitals and psychiatric facilities were permitted to create outdoor designated smoking areas for a limited time only; this provision of the legislation is revoked as of January 1, 2018, and the grounds of all Ontario hospitals and psychiatric facilities must be completely smoke-free by the first of the New Year. This includes any vehicles parking on hospital property. “Our top priorities in complying with the legislation are supporting our patients and families and our staff through this change,” said Lana. “We are aware that for people who smoke, this is going to be really tough.” To help patients, KDH will continue to offer the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation to all inpatients who smoke. The program, offered in partnership with the Ottawa Heart Institute, includes counselling, personalized support, and medication to help patients deal with nicotine withdrawal. Since 2006, the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation has helped approximately 400,000 smokers across Canada. For families, visitors, and KDH staff who may be ready January 3, 2018

to cut back or quit smoking, KDH is providing information on smoking cessation supports that are available, both through the public health unit, through the Ottawabased MyQuit program, and a wealth of other sources. Programs such as MyQuit (www.myquit.ca) that include support from trained smoking-cessation counsellors are proven to be significantly more effective than trying to quit on your own. KDH’s Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services, Cathy Burke, emphasized the benefits of quitting smoking, not only for the smoker, but for his or her family members, and the community as a whole. “There is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke,” she said. “Cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke put people at risk for many health problems, including cancer, and lung and heart disease. The Smoke-Free Ontario

legislation helps us support and protect the health of our patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, and visitors by reducing everyone’s exposure to second-hand smoke and encouraging smokers to quit.” To ensure that all staff, patients and visitors are aware of the complete smoking ban, KDH is installing signs at all entrances and exits as well as other high traffic locations. The legislation will be enforced by the local public health unit, the Leeds Lanark and Grenville Health Unit. A person found to be smoking on hospital grounds, including in his or her vehicle, could be ticketed for smoking in a prohibited place and issued a fine of $305. In addition, KDH has the responsibility as an employer to ensure that people comply with the provincial smoking regulations. Should it fail to fulfill this responsibility, the hospital itself could be ticketed and fined.

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. - 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6

Boneless Pork Loin Centre Cut Roasts or Value Pack Chops 8.80/kg

Strawberries

Licensed

Product of USA, 1 Lb. Pkg.

Red Florida Grapefruit

Russet Potatoes Product of Canada, Canada No. 1 Grade 5 Lb. Bag

Product of USA

Snack Pack

Puddings or Gels 4’s

Cuddy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast or Classic Chicken 100g

Compliments Black Forest Ham100g

613.258.3014

Prices effective:

Friday, Jan. 5 to Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018

“We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements”

www.ngtimes.ca

Fundamentals:

The North Grenville Times

Reason to believe by David Shanahan I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist. I mean, look around you: everywhere in the entire universe there are signs of design, elements fitting together perfectly, a mathematically exact set-up, from the cosmos to the DNA strand. For centuries, mathematicians and scientists and artists, all have pointed to what they call the Golden Ratio, the incredibly constant ratio which exists in nature, in cosmology, anatomy, everywhere you look. Even the most determined atheists have to use words like “design” when they talk about the world around us, within us, and above us. “Mother Nature”, they say, “has designed this and that to work this way”. Intelligent people have devoted their lives and careers to explaining how everything became so wonderfully designed without an actual designer (assuming they don’t believe in an actual Mother Nature, that is). There is simply too much evidence of a pattern, a design, in what I have to call creation; so why is there such a resistance to the fact? Very strange theories have been put forward by very oth-

erwise intelligent people to explain how it all started, how it got to where it is now, and where it’s going in the future. Some of these theories are just too unbelievable to take seriously. The universe, some say, just started. One second there was nothing there, the next second, poof! Except that seconds couldn’t exist before time, etc., so that’s another issue. Was that first “something” alive, organic, inorganic? Why did it suddenly come into being all on its own? I think it takes far, far more faith to believe that, than to believe in a Creator. Honestly. The thing is, creation by a Creator fits the facts far better than any alternative. Otherwise, you have to believe in something out of nothing, without cause or reason. Then you have to believe that everything that exists today came from that very first popping into existence (unless you believe it happened over and over again, which just adds to the conundrum). Then, in another amazing oncein-a-trillion-billion event, somewhere on the planet (once the planet had actually formed, of course) a single cell of life appeared somehow. Of course, at some point there had to be another identical appearance of life, and somehow those two ran-

dom and unbelievably rare cells, or whatever they were, had to meet up and procreate others of their kind. These, then, having found each other in the vast distances of the universe, had to survive long enough to produce future generations. This is, perhaps, a somewhat simplistic account of the theory, but, even in its simple state (or perhaps because of its simple state), it is very hard to believe. I mean, even looking at the human race today, can we honestly think we were the “fittest to survive”, naked, without technology or strength to overcome the natural predators and environment of the planet. This takes far more faith than I can muster, I admit. But, it may be said, this is what science tells us actually happened. Is it, really? I am a believer in science, as well as God. I resent those who abuse science by making it seem to claim more than it does. Assumptions are not science. Neither are theories that are yet unproven and untested, not to mention those theories that, by their nature, cannot be tested and proved. No matter if the universe is hundreds of thousands, or hundreds of billions years old, most of what we base our ideas on in relation to the natural world come from

The Voice of North Grenville

scientific observations and statistics that come from no more than a moment in that long story. We are letting the philosophies of recent decades influence the work we do in observing and recording what we see. This is not clever, nor is it good science. Observation can equally tell us that there is a definite pattern to the universe, that things happen rather too smoothly for it to be just a random collection of accidental and meaningless phenomena. It is also obvious that there is something wrong also, especially in the humans of Earth. They do not do what is in their best interests: they are slowly killing the very world upon which they depend, all in the name of greed, selfishness and narrow sectional prejudices. And yet, there is something else, something inside each of us that knows that this is wrong. There is more to us than just a collection of physical and electrical impulses: we have

a soul. We have the facility to recognise and appreciate beauty: in nature, in art, in music, in physical form. We know that there is good and evil in the world, and we can generally tell the difference. There is more to you and I than meets the eye. This, whatever it is, is beyond the remit of science, because it cannot be measured, it cannot be recreated in a lab. But that does not mean it does not exist. Science cannot speak to what

is outside its proper sphere of activity: but that does not mean that it is not real. I am not talking about religion here: I’m simply pointing out certain facts and experiences which the majority of human kind has witnessed and understood to be true for as long as we have been. That kind of evidence and the testimony of what is around us in the universe, makes faith easy and rational. Denying it is neither.

Priority Pump Service &

Water Conditioning 613.882.7867 Sales, Service, Installations

FOR ALL YOUR PUMP NEEDS Well Pumps - Submersible & Jet Pressure Tanks Water Conditioning Sump/ Effluent / Sewage Pumps Heated Water Lines Pump & Electrical Motor Repair Well Extensions and Conversions www.prioritypumpservice.ca prioritypumps@gmail.com

Sleep Your Solutions That Supporting Well-Being

Its Our 1st Anniversary SALE!! Come Help Us Celebrate!

Work

Mattress Mania

613-258-2902

Sale n (Euro-Top, Foam Encased, Ends o h t 0 3 Zone Pocket Coil Mattresses) 2 Jan 8 $ 95 1 0 2 Starting at 299. !! While Quantities Last! www.goodnightbedcompany.com 15 Precision Drive, Unit 3 Kemptville

Feature Home

2802 Cty Rd #21, Spencerville $218,000 – MLS 1087148

Rita Harper

Broker/Manager

Judith Farrell*

Anita Maloney*

January 3, 2018

Judy Littau

Office Administrator

Heather Gagnon*

John Carkner*

Kelly Baillie**

Brian Hill*

Francine Menard*

Sue Barnes**

Stacey Broniszeski*

Antonella Holmes*

Ron Littau**

Winnie Singer*

Sheila Pratt**

Lisa Deschambault*

Chris Drozda**

Heather MacKay**

Linda McKee*

Gary Durie*

Bruce McKee*

Liz Wardhaugh*