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The Voice of North Dundas

Vol 2, No 29

October 6, 2021

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to both the Canadian Dairy Industry and the Winchester community. Sam Ault was a compassionate, community leader who was instrumental in bringing a new High School, Arena, Park and Curling club to Winchester. During the unveiling of the beautiful new mural, Sam’s son, Steven Ault, gave a heart warming speech, commenting particularly on his father’s love of sport and how valuable he felt it was to the community. Mayor Fraser comment-

ed, “‘Today, we are taking steps to recognise Mr Sam Ault and the entire Ault Family, who have given us much and asked for so little”. The speakers, Mark Taylor – CEO of Lactalis Canada, MP Eric Duncan, Deputy Mayor Armstrong, and Murray Sherk – Chair of the Dairy Farmers Ontario, all commented on how the genius and dedication of Mr Sam Ault modernised the dairy industry and paved the way for Lactalis to become the largest cheese processing

plant in Canada today. The unveiling of the stunning mural by local artist, Carrie Keller, was quite spectacular, as the speakers and several members of the Ault Family admired the beautiful tribute. The former Joel Steele arena in Winchester has been oﬃcially renamed the Sam Ault arena. and ceremonial street signage has been installed down Main Street, dubbing the thoroughfare, the Ault Way.

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by Hayley Bedford On September 24, the Ault Family Mural was unveiled and the Winchester Arena renaming ceremony took place at the Lions Pavilion in Winchester park. Although the weather was cool and windy, it didn’t dampen any spirits as Mayor Tony Fraser, acted as MC for the event and welcomed guests and speakers. The event was a partnership between the Township of North Dundas and Lactalis Canada to honour the contributions that Sam Ault made

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Lactalis Canada receives Canadian Grocer Impact Award

Winchester-based Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, has won the ﬁrst-ever 2021 Canadian Grocer Impact Award in the Sustainability category for its Wastewater Modernization Project at its Winchester plant. The multi-million, four-year project completed in 2020 has contributed to odour and noise mitigation, a 35% reduction in electricity consumption and an enhanced wastewater treatment process at the plant, serving as a model

for how Lactalis plans to improve wastewater quality in plants and communities both in Canada and globally. “Our purpose at Lactalis Canada is to ‘Enrich and Nurture the Lives of Canadians’ and integral to this is our responsibility to lay the framework for a sustainable and prosperous future in the communities we operate in,” said Mark Taylor, President & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “Lactalis Canada is honoured to receive the inaugural Canadian Grocer Impact Award for Sustainability which demonstrates our leadership and commitment to building a sustainable future and underscores

South Mountain Park renamed in memory of Rick Cauvier

the importance we, as an industry, must place on responsible and sustainable business practices for our collective success.” This recognition further highlights Lactalis Canada’s corporate responsibility commitment to being a responsible business that has a positive impact on the wellbeing of the communities and the planet through its various activities in three key focus areas: 1) People and Communities, 2) Authentic Products and Heritage, and 3) Land and Resources. The Canadian Grocer Impact Awards recognize initiatives introduced by retailers, suppliers and solution providers that are making a meaningful difference in a range of areas from helping the planet to supporting employees and communities. The award categories include Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Supporting Employees and Community Service.

Sherry and family: Sherry Mowat stands with members of her family under the new Rick Cauvier Memorial Park sign in South Mountain. [Photo by the Township of North Dundas] Rick Cauvier was a humble man with a big heart. The Township of North Dundas, with support from the Mountain Township Agricultural Society (MTAS) and Mountain Township and District Lions Club, has renamed the South Mountain Park in his memory. Rick, who ran Rick’s Gas Bar dating back to the late ‘80s, passed away on June 3, 2020. His wife, Sherry Mowat, says Rick would have been very honoured, and that it means ‘the world’ to his family. “He never wanted recognition,” she notes. “Ev-

erything he did for the community, he never looked for anything in return…he just did it because he had a big heart.” Dermid O’Farrell, MTAS President, knew Rick through the Agricultural Society and Lions. “When it was Rick’s Gas Bar over there, he supported our Fair every year in a big way,” explains Dermid, “and most of it was silent – take this, take that, it’s all good – we never saw a bill for anything. He was very gracious and accommodating to the local clubs.” “Rick’s commitment to the community goes beyond

what many of us know, because it was unspoken” notes Mayor Tony Fraser. “As you can see, we’re beautifying the park and making it more enjoyable for everyone, and I think Rick would’ve appreciated that.” The unveiling of the sign was met with heartfelt applause from Rick’s family and friends. “I appreciate you all being here, and I hope that every time you drive by, you smile, because that’s what he would’ve wanted,” says Sherry.

Infrastructure projects for North Dundas go to tender by David Shanahan The Township of North Dundas has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a number of infrastructure projects in the coming year. Applicants are being asked to provide detailed engineering design, tender document preparation, contract administration and overall project management for various bridge and culvert replacements. These include the replacement of the rigid frame concrete bridge at Cayer Road crossing Annable Cree north of CR3, the replacement of Nation Valley Road Bridge at Barkley Creek west of CR43, and the replacement of the Marionville culvert on McLean Skuce MD. This work has been ﬂagged by the City of OtOctober 6, 2021

tawa, as the exiting culvert is 12m long with 1.5m fill depth, while the replacement will be 0.6m dia. aluminized CSP with 2.8 mm wall thickness. In deciding to undertake these replacements, North Dundas noted that the population of the Township that is connected to municipal water and sewer is anticipated to increase from 4,355 (2019) to 8,399 (20+ years). The 2020 OSIM Bridge and Inspection report has identified the need for infrastructure improvements over the next 10-years. Cayer Road Bridge and Nation Valley Road Bridge are identified as high priority for replacement. It is intended to initiate the design in 2021 and construction in 2022. Replacement of the Marionville Rd Culvert is identified for

replacement by the City of Ottawa, and will require some coordination with the City of Ottawa. The Township plans to award the contracts for the work around November 10 of this year, with work beginning shortly after, and the construction work to be completed by August, 2023.

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Local schools hold annual Terry Fox Run

after running a remarkable 5,373 kilometres. His cancer had returned – this time to his lungs – and on June 28, 1981, Terry passed away, but not before insisting that his Run and the fight against cancer must continue. Each school schedules the annual Terry Fox Run according to what fits its schedule. Although the official Terry Fox Run for 2021 took place on September 19, the official Terry Fox School Run date was September 29. Supervised by the Terry Fox Foundation, the Run has raised over $800 million in Terry’s name to fund cancer research. Events are held both in Canada and internationally, with money being raised in other countries usually being used to fund research in the host country. Those interested in learning more about Terry Fox and his legacy can visit https://terryfox.org/.

Four young runners at WPS on September 29. by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Area schools held their annual Terry Fox Run events last week. North Dundas District High School in Chesterville had its event on October 1, while Winchester Public School held the event on September 29. The Times was on site at Winchester Public School, where students remained in their classroom cohorts to allow them to remove their masks while walking around a designated zone of the yard. Students were optionally invited

to bring a donation for the Terry Fox Foundation, but all students participated in the Run regardless. Students eagerly tallied their laps around their zone using a shoe-shaped cutout which teachers punched a hole through after each lap. The Terry Fox Run is an event named after Terrance Stanley “Terry” Fox, who endeavored to run the entire way across Canada in 1980 to raise awareness about cancer and to raise money for cancer research after a battle with cancer that cost him most of his right leg. Terry was from Port Coquitlam, BC, and he began his journey by dipping his leg in the At-

lantic Ocean on Canada’s East Coast on April 12, 1980, with the goal of running all the way home. Terry’s journey was tragically cut short on September 1, 1980 in Thunder Bay,

Chesterville Fire Station aims to Fill the Boot

Pictured: the boots that the Chesterville firefighters will use to collect donations this week. [Photo Credit: the Township of North Dundas} by Jennifer Westendorp Local firefighters are hitting the street to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Chesterville Fire Station is seeking to ‘Fill the Boot’ on Thursday, October 7. Volunteer firefighters will be at the intersection of Queen Street and County Road 7 from 3:00 to 7:00pm, collecting donations. No cash? No problem! People can donate online and flyers will be handed out with QR codes to make donating simple. The Chesterville Fire Station is hoping to raise $2,000 for the cause which benefits all Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders. The funds go towards programming and services. ‘Fill the Boot’ is a long-standing tradition amongst Canadian firefighters who have been supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada for more than 65 years. For more information about ‘Fill the Boot,’ or to donate, visit www.filltheboot.ca.

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Editorial

Canadian Newspapers – Champions of Truth for Local Communities from NewsMedia Canada Local newspapers play an essential role in keeping communities informed, engaged, and thriving by delivering credible, authentic news and information that cannot be found anywhere else. Newspapers are the glue that keeps communities connected and are crucial players in the local economies where they operate, providing an unparalleled ability to spark meaningful conversations. Why does original, local content matter? It allows Canadians from all walks of life to tell their stories and feel heard, creating a sense of togetherness in communities from coast to coast to coast. Whether reporting on a local charity fundraiser, international conflict, or even a global pandemic, strong local journalism gives readers credible information when they need it. While many of us agree

that the credible, independent reporting newspapers provide an essential public service - something that has and should always be available - many of us forget that this level of reporting requires a significant investment of both time and resources. The last few years have shown us the importance of supporting and investing in local communities. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported that upwards of 200,000 Canadian small businesses would be closing their doors directly due to the pandemic. Newspapers across the country worked tirelessly to provide these businesses with a voice to amplify their message, shining a light on their work and emphasizing the value of “supporting local”. While newspapers continue to play a vital role in sup-

large. The work of newspaper journalists, editors, fact-checkers, and more, provides readers with the tools they need to make informed decisions, empowering them to advocate for what they believe in. Newspapers allow communities to form their local identities by sharing stories and information that make a diﬀerence. That is why each year, the news media industry and its readers are invited to celebrate National Newspaper Week - an ode to the work Canadian newspapers do each and every day to

porting and standing up for small businesses during the pandemic, this is not something new or out of the ordinary. Community news media have always supported local economies by spotlighting local stores and entrepreneurs, supporting community initiatives and providing local advertising options to speak directly to customers. Local newspapers are also champions for democracy, providing Canadians with essential information to spark meaningful conversations about their community and country at

keep Canadians informed and connected. This year, National Newspaper Week takes place from October 3 to October 9, 2021. To celebrate and pay tribute to the industry, Canadian artist Ola Volo has created a limited-edition, signed print titled “Champions.” This custom artwork empowers Canadians to spark meaningful conversations about the critical importance of independent, local journalism. To learn more about National Newspaper Week and purchase an item from

this year’s Champion The Truth collection, visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca. National Newspaper Week is an annual opportunity to recognize the critical role that newspapers play in an active and healthy democracy and is celebrated in North America starting on the first Sunday in October. Local newspapers deliver vital information to Canadians every day, connecting local communities across the country and keeping citizens informed, engaged, and connected.

Truth be told. Our communities are powered by local newspapers. Celebrate how trusted journalism sparks important conversations at nationalnewspaperweek.ca. This artwork was created by Canadian artist Ola Volo in celebration of National Newspaper Week from October 3-9, 2021.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I couldn’t agree more with Shirley Price who states that the comparison between the requirement to prove that you have been vaccinated to the Holocaust is appalling. I recently read a book (nonﬁction), the story of a young Dutch Jewish woman who fought with the resistance, risking her life, and was ﬁnally caught and ended up in a concentration camp in Holland. She said ‘that’ one was not as bad as the ‘next’ one, because they had towels and showers. The next one was in Germany and was the full horror. They were treated as no human being (or animal, event) should ever be treated. Inhumane horror! Also, my belief is that sexual preference is what you are born with. As I have certain physical characteristics, am born female and heterosexual, that is simply what I have been given for this life. I believe that all persons should be free to live their lives as they wish, as long as they do no harm to others in their choices. That is why I think Conversion Therapy

Jim McDonell We all have a lot go- encourages vaccinations is backward and barbaric. I vehicle, 40 feet long with guess I hoped ‘torture’ was overhead red flashing ing on in our daily lives. a thing of the past. Waterboarding anyone? Kath Piché

Dear Editor, Please Stop! PLEASE for the love of God. STOP for the school bus. I have not been a school bus driver for long. Two years to be exact. Up until this point, driving has gone fairly smoothly. Cars on the road respect the red school bus warning lights and stop. I give them a friendly ‘thank you for stopping’ wave, and we are on our way. This year, unfortunately, that has not been the case. I have averaged two drivers a week who have run through my lights while I have children loading/ unloading the bus. To say I am frustrated by this is an understatement. I am only one driver out of many experiencing this on a regular basis in our town. That, in itself, is the most frightening part. So why is a yellow

lights and a stop sign that extends out in front of oncoming traﬃc, being ignored? With the exception of a few deliberate cases, I don’t believe the majority of people are doing this on purpose. I don’t think they wake up and say, “I don’t think I have enough stress in my life, so today I am going to see if I can hit a 6-year-old on my way to work”. A lot of it is due to drivers’ inattention. They are looking at their phone, ﬂipping through papers on the seat beside them, turning around talking to their own kids in the backseat of the car, etc. They don’t seem to see or acknowledge me until I blare the horn. Every time I honk, I startle them. They jump, or curse, or put their hand to their chest like I’ve just given them a heart attack. If they only knew how many mini-heart attacks I have in one day driving that school bus.

I get that. I really do. So take a minute, and clear your head before you get behind the wheel. Focus on the road and your surroundings. As school bus drivers, we have a responsibility to ensure our students arrive safely to their destination. If you are on the road with us, you share in that responsibility (whether you want to or not). All I am asking is for you to PLEASE pay attention and help us do that. Sincerely, Tisha D.

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October 6, 2021

Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, issued the following statement, noting the correlation between the number of cases of COVID and that of unvaccinated residents. “The correlation between a higher number of COVID-19 cases and under-vaccinated people could not be more evident. This fact bears out in the City of Cornwall, where the seven-day rolling average has risen above 200 per 100,000 as the vaccination rate continues to trend below the provincial average. The number of people with one dose in some areas of the city is still below 70 percent, resulting in a positivity rate of over seven, almost four times the Ontario average. “Overall, the Province is faring well, best in Canada with 38 cases per 100,000 thanks to a two-dose vaccination rate of over 80 percent. Vaccines work, prevent hospitalization, and keep our ICU beds open for patients who require them. However, the lower vaccination rate is straining medical services, where all six of the local COVID-19 cases are unvaccinated patients. If you have not gotten your shots, check for our local vaccination clinics and participating pharmacy locations at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit's website at www.EOHU.ca or call 1-800-267-7120. With proof of vaccination and photo ID required to enter many non-essential indoor settings, I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated. You can obtain your proof of vaccination certiﬁcate at a Service Ontario Centre, by calling 1-833-943-3900, or by downloading it at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca. The digital version is undergoing ﬁnal testing and should be available by mid-October.”

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Queen's Park Update – September 2021

by MPP Jim McDonell The Eastern Ontario Health Unit's efforts to vaccinate residents recently eclipsed the 300,000-dose milestone, fully vaccinating more than 80 percent of eligible residents over the age of 12. These impressive results reflect the organizational ability and dedication of Dr. Paul Roumeliotis' vaccination team. Its success, of course, would not have been possible without the cooperation of our residents in rolling up their sleeves. If you haven't received your two doses, you can find local times and locations on the EOHU's website at www.EOHU.ca or by calling 1-800-267-7120. Across the country and around the world, many regions are dealing with the fourth wave of this virus. While our current restrictions have so far helped Ontario to avoid these severe setbacks, we know it is just a matter of time as we move back indoors and deal with the more contagious and deadly Delta variant. Modern science has developed an effective vaccine that provides excellent protection. Data shows that

unvaccinated people are 42 times more likely to end up in our limited ICU beds than those fully vaccinated. To help us limit the spread of this virus, medical experts recommend that we aggressively pursue strategies that leverage its benefits. Therefore, effective September 22, people will be required to provide photo ID and proof of being fully vaccinated to access many higher-risk, non-essential venues. We are asking for your cooperation and patience as these measures are necessary to help avoid the increased spread that overwhelms our health care facilities and results in lockdowns. To quote Premier Ford, "We owe it to our businesses to do everything we can to avoid lockdowns." The necessary vaccination certificate was issued when you were vaccinated, but it can also be obtained at a Service Ontario Centre by calling 1-833-943-3900 or by downloading it at https:// covid19.ontariohealth.ca/. The digital version is undergoing final testing and should be available by mid-October. I am excited to see the

These allocations help to ensure that our local health care heroes continue to have the resources to treat patients. Our region was also included in the recent launch of eight new Ontario Health Teams. This new format is part of our government's strategy to integrate all local health care resources under

return of students to classes last month. The Government has been preparing for successful in-person instructions for many months. We were especially focused on improving air quality. We allocated $600 million to enhance ventilation in all schools by upgrading central systems and placing individual HEPA ﬁlters in kindergarten classes and all learning spaces without mechanical ventilation. It's part of the overall $1.6 billion we have provided to support school boards for COVID-19. We are also addressing learning gaps caused by the pandemic by investing $85.5 million to recover and renew learning. As we progress through the pandemic, the Government continues to support and transform health care. Local hospitals are facing additional fiscal challenges resulting from the pandemic. The Government has responded, providing an additional $2,237,400 for Cornwall Community Hospital, $322,300 for Glengarry Memorial Hospital, and $139,300 for Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

by Brandon Mayer

The villages of Chesterville and Winchester have been impacted by acts of vandalism recently, leaving residents debating on social media regarding potential causes of the destructive behaviour, and how to prevent it from happening again. On September 21, the Township of North Dundas notified the public via its Facebook page that the Chesterville waterfront had been defaced. An accompanying photo appeared to show many patches of grey paint, presumably covering up the graffiti that had been put on the concrete walls of the waterfront seating area. The Township’s statement was worded very strongly, reading in part, “Perhaps the person responsible would like to come forward and offer to repair the damage themselves?” Local Facebook users were quick to point out their disappointment in October 6, 2021

those responsible, with many assuming that youth must be the culprits. “Some people don’t know how to grow up. Spoiled brats,” wrote one commentator. Another commentator was similarly upset, writing, “An act of vandalism like this is not artistic, it is just a sign of disrespect� Not criticizing, but the comments seem to be too forgiving for bad behaviour.” Other people online were much more forgiving, and blamed the problem primarily on youth having very little to do in Chesterville. One commentator lamented the recent closure of the Harmony Drop In, where youth could go to socialize without getting into trouble. Another suggested the creation of a program wherein youth are given the honour of designing an artistic mural to be painted in the space that was vandalized. Just two days after the graﬃti incident in Chesterville, on September 23, a Winchester resident posted that the building she re-

Speech from the Throne. I look forward to ensuring that your concerns are heard at Queen's Park. Please stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of our fall colours. Regards, Jim McDonell MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

Employment Opportunities Public Works

Seasonal Operator/Laborer (Day Shift)

The Township of North Dundas is currently seeking 3 candidates to fill the positions listed above from November 1, 2021 to April 1, 2022 with minimum (40) forty hours per week. Wage rate $22.67 to $24.53/ hr depending on experience. Applicants must possess a valid DZ driver’s license, be able to drive a standard transmission and have a clean driver’s abstract.

Public Works

Seasonal Laborer (Day Shift)

The Township of North Dundas is currently seeking a candidate to fill a position listed above from December 20, 2021 to April 1, 2022 with minimum (40) forty hours per week. Applicants must possess a clean driver’s abstract to drive sidewalk snow machine. Wage rate $21.07 to $22.52/ hr depending on experience.

Public Works

Seasonal Operator/Laborer (Afternoon Shift)

The Township of North Dundas is currently seeking (5) five candidates to fill the positions listed above from December 20, 2021 to April 1, 2022 with minimum (40) forty hours per week. Wage rate $22.67 to $24.53/ hr depending on experience. Applicants must possess a valid DZ driver’s license, be able to drive a standard transmission and have a clean driver’s abstract. To apply to become part of our team, please submit your resume and cover letter by 11:00 am Thursday, October 14, 2021 to: Khurram Tunio, Director of Public Works Township of North Dundas 636 St. Lawrence St., P.O. Box 489 Winchester, ON, K0C 2K0 Fax: 613-774-5699 Email: ktunio@northdundas.com

Two communities impacted by vandalism Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

a regional coordinated team to serve the public's medical needs better. Congratulations to our health care team on their successful proposal to serve the residents of Akwesasne, Cornwall, and the Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry. The Ontario Legislature returns on October 4 with a

sides in had been vandalized. Pictures posted to Facebook showed some illegible words, and what appear to be pictures of genitalia spray-painted onto the stone building. A commentator pointed out that several parts of the Winchester baseball diamond were graﬃtied in the same paint colours. The second incident seemed to cause more anger than forgiveness, with 57 comments on the post at time of writing, all of which criticized the unknown vandals and their parents, and called for strict consequences for the vandalism, such as community service. A post on September 24 by Winchester resident Aaron Dellah who runs recreational programs for North Dundas pointed out an example to highlight the fact that pro-social activities oﬀered to local youth are not always well-attended. In fact, a Township-run recreational ping pong activity only reached 20% capacity on September 23.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Go to www.northdundas.com for a full job description. If you require this document or any other documents in an alternative format, please contact our office at (613) 774-2105. Should you require any special accommodations in order to apply or interview for the position with the Township of North Dundas, we will endeavour to make such accommodations. All applications will be held in strict confidence. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment assessment purposes only.

In his post, Aaron pleaded with social media users for help, asking “Where is the disconnect? How can we do better?” Despite the assumptions of many, it is not known whether the culprits responsible for the Chesterville and Winchester vandalism incidents were in fact youth. The motivation for the acts is also unknown, and it is not known whether one incident inspired the other in a so called “copycat” fashion, as some Facebook commenters suggested. Anyone with any information about either act of vandalism should contact the OPP’s non-emergency phone line or call the Township directly at 613774-2105. 5

Leaf and Yard Waste Collection Fall collection for leaf and yard waste will be happening in the following areas: October 18th, 2021: Morewood, South Mountain, Mountain, Hallville, Inkerman, Ormond, Forestwood Heights subdivision October 25th, 2021: Villages of Winchester and Chesterville, Thompson subdivision All leaf and yard waste must be placed in a compositable bag and placed at the curb by 7:30am on the above dates. Any questions concerning pickup, please contact Landfill at 613-774-5157.

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New initiative brings North Dundas stories to life

Meet Your Neighbour: Aaron Dellah

A local farmer stands in his ﬁeld at sunset. [Photo: the Township of North Dundas]

Aaron Dellah sits in the Old Town Hall theatre, silently contemplating adjustments needed to achieve perfection with the audio visual equipment.

by Jenn Westendorp, Township of North Dundas Every story shapes a community. The Township of North Dundas is launching a new initiative called Meet Your Neighbour. It consists of weekly stories about people in the community, published every Friday. These stories will be featured on the Township’s website, Facebook page, and through local media outlets. “This is a unique project and it’s an important one,” says Mayor Tony Fraser. “It allows us to become better acquainted with our neighbours - people who we’ve seen on the streets, but never met due to circumstances.”

He explained that the goal is to bind the community together and capture what makes North Dundas such a great place to live. “Maybe someone walking down the street will recognize one of the people from Meet Your Neighbour and introduce themselves,” notes Mayor Fraser. “Creating those community connections is what we’re aiming for.” Meet Your Neighbour was brought to life in recognition of the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. North Dundas Council feels strongly that people are missing out on basic interactions and community events, so this project is designed to ﬁll that

gap. Meet Your Neighbour will run for as many weeks as people continue sharing their stories. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Jenn Westendorp, Communications Officer, by calling 613-774-2105, or emailing jwestendorp@ northdundas.com. People can also put forward names of people who they feel would be good candidates for Meet Your Neighbour. “No one is better suited to tell the story of North Dundas than the people who call this community home,” says Mayor Fraser.

Tech savvy, community volunteer extraordinaire If you like fun, you’ll like Aaron Dellah. The self proclaimed ‘professional father’ moonlights as a ‘professional volunteer.’ Aaron runs Moovie (not a typo) Night at the Old Town Hall Theatre, and Friday Night Roller Skate at the Chesterville Arena. In his spare time, he helps out anyone who asks, and is always ready to swoop in and save the day with his tech skills. Aaron moved to Winchester 20 years ago and instantly fell in love with the community. He is a mechanical engineer by trade and stay-at-home dad at heart. “In 2001 - the year my first son was born - I took off one year for parental leave,” Aaron explains. “While on leave, the company I worked for closed up shop, and I’ve been a stay-at-home dad ever since. That’s how I ended up unemployed in Winchester,” he jokes. Aaron met his future wife at summer camp when they were teenagers - sometime in the early ‘90s (he was a tad fuzzy on the exact year). He is married to Dr. Patricia Moussette, head of anesthesia at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, and together they have three children. Once the kids - who are now 19, 17, and 14-yearsold respectively - headed off to school, Dellah went on the hunt for local volunteer gigs. He ended up at Community Food Share in Winchester, and also pitched in with the Dundas County Players, offering

Tid Bit Musings by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW Congruent messages seem to be further and further obsolete in our so called advanced communications world. Have you ever shook your head when a person says one thing and does another? Perhaps a person gripes about the workload and, when alternatives are implemented, they are offended. This is most common in the political ﬁeld, where a person complains about government expenditures, then votes the same party back in. What do you do to make sure your verbal messages and actions are congruent? Communication is 80% non-verbal and 20% verbal. Saying you love someone, then being abusive or intolerant, sends the deeper message. Playing mind games is psychologically damaging to all. Children not able to trust October 6, 2021

their feelings as a result of adults who diminish the validation through non-verbal, or even verbal negation, are conﬂicted in their interpretations. Textbooks do not teach you to go with your gut feeling, but I, through professional and personal experience, declare it is the best measurement of action. A great experiment is when someone says “how are you”, respond with “I'm doing terrible”. Most folks motor on by with no regard to the response you just gave. Congruency would be not to ask how they are, but simply say :good to see you”, IF you are not genuinely inquiring. Again, ‘fine’ has an applicable acronym- F-frigged up, I- irrational, N- neurotic and E- emotional. So I ask, how ﬁne are you? Each day is a new day to strive to keep your words and actions congruent. You will

notice when you are giving mixed signals. Use that as a learning block to improve. The past is the past, and we only have this moment. Make it count!

up his services to do the sound and lighting for the theatre group. Aaron says volunteering is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and get to know people around town. “If you ever need help, you can ﬁnd it,” he notes. “People in North Dundas are there for each other. When I grew up in the suburbs of Montreal, I didn’t know my neighbours. Now I know them all by name, and their kids.” He’s seen a lot of changes in Winchester over the past two decades, including the loss of some staple businesses downtown. “We had a general store and a video rental place,” he explains. “I think it’s important to revitalize the downtown.” He would also like to see Dairyfest revived in the near future. He knows there are many hidden gems in North Dundas, including the Old Town Hall. “It’s a beautiful, very well-maintained, theatre space that can be used for anything. Movies, conferences, birthday parties...I’ve run sporting events on the big screen. When the Tragically Hip did their last concert in Kingston, I put that up on

the big screen. It’s a wonderful community resource that really isn’t used very often.” Another local facility that may not get the usage it deserves, he believes, is the disc golf course in South Mountain. “It’s been there for 10 years or so, and people just don’t know about it.” There are all kinds of things to discover in North Dundas, and Aaron encourages people to get out there and experience all the community has to offer. When it comes to the future of North Dundas, Aaron says change is good, but it’s important to keep the community-feel that the township is known for. “Everybody is friendly...everybody is helpful. If your kids do something wrong on the other side of town, you know about it before they get home. Just wonderful people in general. Much better than living in a big city.”

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Registered Education Savings Plans: Part 2 Q & A with Cyndy & Sarah

by Cyndy Batchelor, Bcom, Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Financial Services With kids heading back to school, let us now look at the withdrawal stage of the RESP. Again, we are referring to Self-Directed Plans held at banks or investment firms. One question that often comes up is does the withdrawal amount need to equal the cost of the school tuition, books etc. The answer is NO. No one is auditing what the money that is withdrawn is spent on. It can be used for rent, transportation, utilities, tuition, books, or food. Q: How do I get money out of the RESP? A: Once your child has enrolled in post-secondary school (university, college, trade school), your child is entitled to withdraw up to $5000 in EAP (Education Assistance Payments) from the RESP in his/her first semester of full-time school. This portion of the payment is from the grant and growth inside the plan and is taxable to the beneficiary (child). Your child can also withdraw any amount of PSE (Post Secondary Education Withdrawals) from the plan. This portion of the payment is part of your capital and is not taxable. After the first semester, there are no restrictions on withdrawals for full time studies. Part time studies (specialty courses/programs) are restricted to $2500 per program/semester. Q: What constitutes proof of enrollment? A: A letter from the Registrar of the school, a copy of your child’s timetable with your child’s name, student number, and school name. Q: What if a beneficiary does not pursue post-secondary education? A: There are several options: - You can wait – the plan can remain open for 36 years - You can choose a new beneficiary – in an individual plan, this can be anyone, but if it is not a sibling under 21, the grants must be repaid. In a family plan, the CESG can be allocated to other family plan members; if over $7200, then excess grant money needs to be repaid. - You can roll the RESP to your RRSP – the grants will be returned, the capital can be withdrawn, and the income can be rolled into your RRSP – so long as you have the room to a maximum of $50,000 per contributor. - You can withdraw contributions anytime from the plan – however when you do so, the grants will be repaid to the government. - You can withdraw earnings and growth – an Accumulated Income Payment. If all beneficiaries have reached the age of 21 and are not attending post-secondary education, and the RESP has been in existence for at least 10 years, you can make an AIP payment – it is taxable at your marginal tax rate plus a 20% penalty tax. - You can roll the RESP to an RDSP – if the beneficiary has become disabled, you are able to move the Accumulated income to an RDSP on a tax deferred basis with no 20% penalty. Have more questions? Connect with us! See our ad this week and follow our Facebook @OFarrellFinancialServicesInc.

Lots of Spirit at ND to start oﬀ the year

team’s jersey; the two days were to support our group of students who participate in Special Olympics Ontario! Friday, September 24th North Dundas wore white and green to celebrate Franco – Ontarian-Day and the Allophone students in our building! On September 30th North Dundas staﬀ and students wore orange for National Truth and Reconciliation Day; we showed our support and understanding towards the tragic losses. Student Council meetings are happening every Tuesday to plan and discuss new ideas for our students and staﬀ. The Terry Fox Run will be held on October 1st with online fundraising if you wish to do so, and the Student vs Staff baseball game will be held on October 7th . Both are still in the works and information will be spread among our school Facebook and Instagram pages. There are so many fun and important days, events, and activities that are to happen at our school. Stay tuned!

by Savannah Coleman, Minister of Communications We made it through the first few weeks of school here at North Dundas. Everyone looks so happy to be back in person, enjoying their days at the school. So far, there are more rooms that have been opened to follow COVID precautions to make sure everyone is safe. The gym is open daily at lunch with supervision for students to spend their extra time at lunch. Volleyball and basketball are an everyday hit at North Dundas! North Dundas has already had multiple spirit days! Friday, September 17 was our ﬁrst fun and funky spirit day – Dress as Your Favourite Holiday. This day gave students and staﬀ a wide variety of options; we had a ton of spirit and lots of different outfits; it was awesome! Monday, September 20, ND dressed in our school colours, and Wednesday, September 22, we wore our favourite sports

by David Shanahan Winchester District Memorial Hospital is receiving a grant of $311,589 from the provincial government to support critical health care infrastructure upgrades, repairs and maintenance. The funding comes from the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund, a $182.6 million fund to help local health care facilities deal with the ongoing implications of the pandemic. $175 million of the funding comes through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, and the remaining $7.6 million through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund. According to government sources, a total of $50 million from the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund will be used by hospitals for urgent projects, including those that support the health system’s response to COVID-19, such as upgrading HVAC systems to enhance patient and staﬀ safety, and improving infection prevention and control

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If you are keen to let readers know what you are up to, The North Dundas Times welcomes submissions of your articles and photographs. Please send your submissions to: editor@ndtimes.ca Articles are accepted at anytime, however there is a Friday deadline for the following week.

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measures. Other grants provided to health care facilities in Eastern Ontario include $787,863 for Cornwall Community Hospital, $667,108 for Glengarry Memorial Hospital, and $14,688 for Hôpital Général de Hawkesbury & District General Hospital. “Our hospitals need to be kept up to date to ensure we can continue to deliver the highest quality services that patients have a right to expect,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “The government will continue to focus our eﬀorts to improve hospital capacity and end hallway health care.” In the 2021 Budget, the Government commit-

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Agricultural Digest

Farm families to have access to mental health services

Funding supports and opportunities from The Ontario Govern- they need when they need sector and the realities of Canadian Agricultural ment is committing more it.” farming. With the funding than $385,000 to expand The In the Know pro- announced today, CHMA “In the Know”, a mental gram is an important mental Ontario will also train and Partnership Industry Leader in Diesel Performance Truck and Tractor Maintenance & Repair

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health literacy program tailored to support the well-being of the farming community. Expanding In the Know to more communities will improve the quality and access to mental health services available to Ontario’s agricultural sector to ensure that farmers, their families, and their employees have additional places to turn to when help is needed. Farmers work hard to feed the Province and support the economy. However, stigma around mental health and lack of services in rural Ontario are big contributing factors as to why many people in the farming community dealing with a mental illness choose not to seek help. “I know ﬁrst-hand how stressful owning and running a farm can be, and this has been a particularly diﬃcult year and a half for farmers. In addition to normal stressors - including the changing weather, commodity prices, pests and diseases - farmers have had to deal with the added complexities of COVID-19,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our investment to expand the In the Know program will help more people in the Province’s farming community access the support

health literacy program tailored to the needs of the agricultural community, oﬀered at 16 Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) branches in rural and agricultural communities by approximately 30 facilitators. The expansion of the program to more branches will help improve access to mental health supports in rural areas, reduce the stigma around mental health, encourage more open discussion, and help connect the farm community with the resources and support they need. “In a year unlike any other, there has been an increased demand for more mental health services and supports that address the unique needs of Ontario’s farming community”, said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Through the expansion of the In the Know program, more Ontarians in the agricultural sector will have targeted, reliable access to the highest quality mental health care that they expect and deserve.” Farmers have indicated in previous roundtables and conversations that they are more likely to open up about their mental health if they feel their counselor or other mental health support understands the agricultural

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educate more mental health specialists on how they can better support farmers and the unique challenges they face. In the Know was originally developed by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton and her team at the University of Guelph with funding from OMAFRA to help farmers learn more about mental health issues including how to detect them in themselves and others, ways to cope with stress and how to seek support and direct others towards support. The current curriculum and workshop materials were developed by a partnership with the University of Guelph, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Trillium Mutual Insurance. On August 12, 2021, OMAFRA also announced $430,000 in funding for surveys and research to help ensure mental health supports for rural and agricultural communities are able to meet their unique needs.

The Phase 1 application intake for Cost-Share Funding for Processors and Other Businesses (animal health, commercializers and primary agri-food businesses) opened August 5, 2021 and closed September 2, 2021. Phase 2 opened on September 29, 2021 and closes on October 20, 2021. The Partnership's Intake to Support Managed Bee Health began accepting applications on June 21, 2021. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) administers cost-share funding for Honey Bee Health Management. Program details, including how to apply, program guides, and application forms can be found on the OSCIA website. OMAFRA has entered into a Transfer Payment Agreement with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) to provide agri-food businesses, organizations and associations with educational resources, tools and consulting services to help them implement COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Additional details about businesses that may qualify can be found online on the WSPS website or by calling: 1-877-494-WSPS (9777).

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OFA striving to secure long-term labour strategy for agriculture

by Jennifer Doelman, Director, OFA Labour has been a longstanding critical issue impacting the agriculture and food value chain - including planting, production, quality control, processing, distribution and research. It is not only diﬃcult to attract, but also to retain employees in the various sectors of agriculture. The “Feeding Your Future” initiative was developed with the primary objective of addressing chronic labour shortages. Funding from both the Ontario Government and Canadian government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) created the opportunity to introduce

more than just a labour initiative, but a long-term strategy to live beyond the immediate impacts of COVID-19. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) appreciates the government support to empower the agricultural community to address an ongoing challenge that has hindered growth of the sector. Job vacancies have cost farmers an estimated total of $1.5 billion. As an essential industry and signiﬁcant economic contributor, the agri-food sector is part of the solution for economic recovery in this province. Filling vacant roles along the food value chain will create investment opportunities, job growth and help to secure a sustainable food production system. Feeding Your Future has built momentum over the past year, connecting employees with employers, and helping to address immediate labour gaps. Services have uniquely been tailored to serve Ontario farmers in a virtual format due to the lack of personal

process. Crafting job descriptions, enhancing workplace culture and diversifying the workplace are a few of the topics that have provided an opportunity for employers to learn from experts and engage in Q & A sessions to follow. It’s no secret that as farmers, we prefer to focus our energy on growing our crops or raising our livestock, rather than trying to teach ourselves how to become a human resources department. It is important to recognize however, that workplace culture is everything when it comes to retaining employees on the farm. These webinars provide the tips and strategies for the hiring process as well as how to improve communication and enhance workplace culture – which means that we can use these tools and then get back to doing what we love. For hiring on our farm this year, we utilized the job matching concierge service of this project. We were able to work with an AgCareers.com

interactions occurring over the last 18 months. This initiative has been an excellent opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with stakeholders in the industry and welcome diverse backgrounds and skillsets. As the largest general farm organization in the Province, OFA provides a vehicle to connect our members and job seekers, but we cannot succeed independently. The project has opened opportunities for further collaboration, allowing OFA to pull groups and individuals together to expand beyond our network. Offering regional and province-wide virtual career fairs with AgCareers.com and CareersInFood.com has provided the opportunity for employers to connect directly with job seekers despite the barrier of no in-person job fairs. Webinars hosted by AgCareers.com, have covered relevant topics for employers to learn strategies to implement on their farm during and after the hiring

staff member who helped us create a job description for the vacant position we were looking to fill and connected us with applicants. It was a very easy, hands-off process that was also free. This was a great low-risk opportunity for us to try this service because we didn’t need to budget for a job ad that we weren’t sure would be filled. Ontario farmers are receiving the benefit of personalized services for hiring in agriculture which helps fill a short-term void. While this initiative has had a short-term focus, it aims to have a long-term vision. Educational resources have been established including the Agriculture Worker Safety and Awareness Certificate, developed with the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus. This certificate program addresses both challenges of labour attraction and retention. As an introductory program, it welcomes those who may have limited to no knowledge in the agriculture field and provides

basic farm awareness to build confidence. This confidence becomes part of the retention strategy as this technical knowledge is applied to an agriculture workplace. To grow exposure of the various education and career opportunities in agriculture, a new certificate program is currently being developed with an accredited post-secondary institution. OFA appreciates that the Canadian and Ontario governments have responded to this longstanding challenge, and we hope to gain continued support in the future. Collaboration welcomes positive change, and it is important to provide our members with resources that offer a longterm gain. With a lack of sufficient labour, burn out and exhaustion can happen easily, which further emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy to ensure the agri-food value chain remains strong, reliable and profitable.

Largest increase in farmland values in Ontario by David Shanahan Everybody knows that land is getting more and more expensive, whether for farming or housing projects, and the statistics back up that perception. The Farm Credit Canada’s [FCC] latest midyear report shows that, across the country, farmland has increased in value by an average of 3.8% in the ﬁrst six months of 2021. Taking the full year, from July, 2020 until June of this year, the rate of increase across Canada was 6.1%. And Ontario saw the largest increase of any province, with farmland values growing by 11.5% in the ﬁrst half of this year, and a total increase

of 15.4% in the year since July, 2020. Other provinces doing almost as well as Ontario in the period since July of last year were British Columbia at 13.6%, and Quebec at 13.7%. No other province saw increases of more than 7%. The FCC report shows that a number of factors came into play in btinging about these increased values. Rising commodity prices in the second half of 2020, it states, “lifted farm cash receipts and provided an optimistic outlook for farm operations looking towards 2021. Receipts for grain, oilseed and pulse producers in the last

of major urban centers is experiencing strong competition between agricultural producers wanting to expand their land base and hobby farmers wanting to move to the countryside, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia”. And it is in the southeast part of the province that the rate of increase in farmland values has been highest. There is no doubt that demand for land in Eastern Ontario will continue to grow, as more farmland is taken for housing developments, and any expansion in agricultural development faces stiﬀ competition, which will continue to drive up land prices.

six months of 2020 were 28.0% higher than for the same period in 2019. This trend continued in the ﬁrst six months of 2021, with receipts being 22.6% higher than a year ago.” Further incentives were provided by low interest rates and borrowing costs, which increased demand for farmland. A phenomenon well understood in Eastern Ontario was another factor in increasing demand for land. This is the growing number of urban dwellers moving to rural areas near the cities, not just to ﬁnd housing, but to set up hobby farms. The FCC noted that “Farmland on the outskirts

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In today’s hot market, showcasing your home is still important – you want to attract the greatest number of potential buyers – and as a result, the most offers and the most money for your home – it has become more important than ever to have your home as close to possible to what buyer’s expectations are.

With summer in the rearview, it’s easy to take the focus off the outside of your home. If you’re looking to make the most of what shouts “Welcome home!” to potential buyers searching for a new home of their own, here are some ideas.

Power up. It’s the perfect time to professionally pressure wash the outside of your home to rid it of dirt, fallen leaves, cobwebs and more. If you encounter paint that peels in the process, apply a fresh coat for a clean, new look. Make an entrance. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint, and polish or replace the hardware. Take a look at your light fixtures, and replace anything that’s dated, weathered or worn with one of today’s beautiful new designs. Then add an attractive welcome mat and shiny new door knocker or seasonal wreath. Bring in the fall colours. Plant fall flowers and foliage that complement your shutters and front door -not just in your flowerbeds, but in pots as well. Choose pots of varying heights and sizes for contrast and interest, and place them in groups of three on your porch. Add outdoor lights. As the days get shorter, it becomes increasingly important to provide potential homebuyers with a safe path to your front door. Use decorative lights to illuminate walkways, and install floodlights or lanterns to brighten up entrance areas.

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The Food Corner

The North Dundas Times

CROSSWORD

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville This past week I had the opportunity to visit with David Coburn in New Brunswick who has a large farm operation with eggs, cow-calf, apples, and grain. One of his operations is the annual pumpkin-squash harvest, which reminded me of the following recipe, Pumpkin Spice Crêpe Cake. This one is a bit more fancy than usual but well worth doing on a rainy fall afternoon.

Pumpkin Spice Crêpe Cake

Ingredients for the Crêpes: 1 cup all-purpose ﬂour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup sugar ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (check Google) 1 ¾ cups whole milk 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly (keep some for the pan) 3 large eggs ½ teaspoon vanilla Ingredients for the Filling: ½ cup sugar 2 large eggs 3 tablespoons cornstarch ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 cup whole milk 1 ¼ cup of pumpkin purée (comes in a can) 1 cup 35% cream (cold from the fridge)

ACROSS 1. Anagram of "Basal" 6. A feudal vassal 10. Wads 14. All excited 15. Savvy about 16. Death notice 17. Large black bird 18. Small songbird 19. Not less 20. Sternum 22. A magician 23. Noblemen 24. Quiet 25. Marsh plant 29. Seabird having a large bill 31. Asserted 33. Readable 37. Dominate

Ingredients for the Ganache: 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped ½ cup 35% cream Preparation: 1. For the crêpes, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, pie spice, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a blender; blend till smooth; transfer to a bowl and let rest for an hour. 2. For the filling, whisk the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, pie spice and vanilla and salt in a medium bowl. Combine the milk and pumpkin purée in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until it steams. Gradually whisk in the egg mixture and bring to a boil, whisking constantly till the mixture is very thick. Strain the filling through a finemesh sieve into a medium bowl, pushing it through with a rubber spatula. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate for two hours. 3. Beat the heavy cream into a large bowl with a mixer on a medium-high speed until peaks form. Working in three batches, fold the whipped cream into the filling until combined. Refrigerate till firm at least one hours. 4. Cook the crêpes (about 20) in a non-stick pan in butter at medium heat; stack them as you go. 5. To assemble the cake, lay a crêpe on a cake stand and spread with 2 or 3 tablespoons of the pumpkin filling, spreading to the edges. Top with another crêpe and repeat with another layer of filling. Layer the remaining crêpes and filling, ending with a crêpe on top. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. 6. For the ganache, put the chocolate in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until melted and smooth. If the chocolate is not fully melted, microwave in 15 second intervals. Let sit until thickened but still pourable for about 5 minutes. Pour the ganache over the crêpe cake, letting the excess drip down the side, then gently smooth the top with a small spatula. Let the chocolate set for about 5 minutes. To cut, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water. To add insult to injury, you can whip up more heavy cream and serve your crêpe cake with a dollop of the whipped cream sprinkled with unsweetened cocoa flour. Fantastic for Thanksgiving Dinner coming up shortly. So, talk to me at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

38. Booze 39. Smiled contemptuously 41. Laic 42. They love to inﬂict pain 44. Shade trees 45. A mutual promise to marry 48. Condition 50. Emanation 51. Exchange messages 56. Thick piece 57. Assist in crime 58. Sweetener 59. Peddle 60. Loyal (archaic) 61. Colonic 62. Anagram of "Sees" 63. An acute inﬂammatory disease 64. Shooting sport

DOWN 1. Stinging remark 2. At a distance 3. Not pre-recorded 4. Region 5. Feel 6. Unreﬁned (persons) 7. Enlist 8. Implement 9. Accomplished 10. News report 11. Submarine 12. Sad song 13. Horse 21. Becoming gradually narrower 24. Wizardry 25. Adult male sheep 26. Dash 27. If not 28. Abhorrent 30. A type of keyboard instrument 32. Hebrew unit of weight 34. Male cow 35. Rich soil 36. Makes a mistake 40. Refuse 41. Take aback 43. Brook 45. Thigh armor 46. Governs 47. Not written exams 49. S S S S 51. Phone 52. An 80's style of music 53. Curved molding 54. What a person is called 55. "Darn!"

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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Solution to last week’s Crossword

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New Community Volunteers join the WDMH Board of Directors

As kids go back to school, four new members of the WDMH Board of Directors are busy learning as well. Thank you to these community volunteers for their commitment of time and expertise. “We are excited to welcome Steve, Jennifer, Eric, and Annik to our team,” says Board Chair, James Pitruniak. “They bring a range of diverse skills to the Board and will join us in our eﬀorts to support the very best care for our local communities – close to home.” Steve Densham and his wife Adelle live in Avonmore where they raised their three, now adult, children. Steve, a recent retiree from Bell Canada in the ﬁeld of Advanced Analytics, is currently a Councillor for the Municipality of North Stormont. An active community volunteer, Steve serves on a number of boards and committees including South Nation Conservation, Morningside Place retirement residence, SDSG Conservative Board and North Stormont Amalgamated Recreation. Steve and his wife are strong advocates for local business and run the North Stormont Shop Local page. “For me, a healthy community includes engaged individuals who appreciate the unique strengths and the potential in each other,” notes Steve. “WDMH is the lifeblood of the community and

I feel privileged to be selected to get involved.” Jennifer Milburn moved with her husband and daughters from Ottawa to the Winchester area in 2020. She has extensive experience in health administration, maternal/child health, laboratory medicine, and public health as the Executive Director of Newborn Screening Ontario at CHEO. Jennifer has also filled leadership roles in CHEO’s COVID-19 response, BORN Ontario, and on the Board Finance Committee of the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre. “I’m hoping to be able to share my experiences and expertise with the Board,” Jennifer says. “I’ve been super impressed with everything I’ve read so far and the presentations I’ve seen. I’m excited to get more involved in my new community.” Eric Stevens is a retired public servant having served as a lawyer for the federal Department of Justice for many years. During that time, he advised on a broad range of matters including immigration law, citizenship law, prison law and debt collection. Eric is married with three grown children. His various interests include tennis and spending time with family. He lives along the St. Lawrence River, between Morrisburg and Iroquois. “WDMH’s vision speaks to ‘compassionate excellence’ and it’s hard not to step up in

pursuit of such a noble goal,” Eric explains. “WDMH has been there as a real friend to our family, and I want to do my small part to help out.” Annik Blanchard is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Partner at BDO Canada LLP with more than 20 years of experience working with not-for-profit and public sector organizations. She was also named as a 2018 Forty Under 40 recipient in Ottawa. During her free time, Annik promotes the importance of ﬁnancial literacy through CPA Canada and volunteers with patrols and as a board member for Embrun Watch. She is a past audit committee member of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board and the Girl Guides of Canada. Annik grew up in Embrun and moved back there in 2006 to raise her family. “I’m grateful for the health sector and WDMH and have used its services since my youth,” she says. “I’m really looking forward to this new opportunity.” To learn more about the WDMH Board members, please visit www.wdmh. on.ca/meettheboard. If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 613-774-1049, or by email at cboland@wdmh.on.ca.

Gordie Collingridge memorialized at Old Town Hall

Dave McClenaghan (right) donated his time to build the beautiful shadow box to house Gordie Collingridge’s To The Top Canada Award, which was donated to the Township by his mother, Elva (left). Gordon Collingridge was a staple in Winchester, and now his memory will live on for years to come. Elva Collingridge, mother of Gordie, was on hand for the unveiling of her late son’s To The Top Canada Award, which she donated to the Township of North Dundas in August. The snowshoe was put in a beautiful shadow box frame - courtesy of local woodworker, Dave McClenaghan - and a photo of Gordie receiving the award was added. Elva says the display is “wonderful”, and that she’s “never been so proud.” October 6, 2021

Concern raised about Winchester crosswalks

stopped pressing the button active pedestrian crosswalk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter to cross and have told our on St Lawrence St., between children to just stand and wait Clarence St. and York St., A Winchester resident until there is not a car in sight which uses a signaling system is speaking out regarding before crossing the road.” that resembles a standard redwhat she believes are danOn July 13, North Dundas yellow-green traffic light. The gerous conditions at two Council announced plans traffic light remains green, of Winchester’s pedestrian to upgrade two pedestrian but when a pedestrian pushes crosswalks, saying that it is crossings – one in Winchester the button, the traffic light only a matter of time before at Main St and Christie Ln., changes first to yellow, then to someone gets hurt. and one in Chesterville at red, and remains red for a set Winchester local, Aman- Main St. and Church St. – period of time to allow the peda Ross, reached out to the to the same level 2, type C destrian to cross. There were Times with a concern that her crosswalk as that found at St. no complaints to be found son had almost been hit by a Lawrence and Wintonia. With about this particular crossing car at the pedestrian crossing the Christie Lane crossing on social media. which sits at the intersection already completed, the issues Failing to yield the right of St. Lawrence St. and Win- at St. Lawrence and Wintonia of way at pedestrian crosstonia Dr. “Cars just don’t stop bring into question whether walks in Ontario is a violafor the kids,” Amanda told the safety issues that have existed tion of the Highway Traffic Times. “Lots of witnesses to at the Christie Lane crossing Act, and carries a fine of up how bad this is getting.” for years will persist, despite to $1,000 and four demerit The crossing at St. Law- the Township’s efforts to im- points. Penalties for drivers rence and Wintonia is protect- prove safety. who endanger pedestrians can ed by bright flashing lights, Past social media posts be even more severe if their which were installed in 2019. bring to light the severity actions result in a charge of The crossing features stan- of the crosswalk problem in careless driving, or careless dard pavement markings, as Winchester. A post in Sep- driving causing bodily harm well as posts with reflective tember of 2020 by a Win- or death. These offences can signs for both directions of chester resident sharing an each result in six demerit traffic that warn motorists to update from the Township, points, and fines of $2,000 yield to pedestrians. The LED garnered dozens of strong and $50,000, respectively, lights – which pulse rapidly comments from fellow locals. with the possibility of jail – are activated by a button Referring to the Christie Lane time and a driver’s licence pushed by pedestrians who crosswalk, one commentator suspension in severe cases. wish to cross. The intention is, wrote, “Let’s hope that no Those wishing to report presumably, to prevent driv- one is injured here, while issues, or suspected violations ers from becoming habituated we wait for a better solution at pedestrian crosswalks, to seeing the flashing lights by for this crosswalk.” Another can do so by calling 911 (for only having them operational pointed out that a crossing emergencies only), or the when danger is present, simi- guard posted at the crossing Winchester detachment of the lar to a railroad crossing. to assist children walking to OPP at 613-774-2603. Despite the advanced school was almost struck by technology at St. Lawrence a vehicle that very morning. and Wintonia, many drivers Winchester has a third simply don’t yield the right of way to pedestrians, which has left some residents fearing for theirs and their children’s safety. Amanda believes the new system may actually worsen safety. “The yellow lights are Services causing the cars to just slow • Lighting • 3D Design down, and not stop at all,” she • Planting • Interlock told the Times. “Parents have • Water Features • Natural Stone waved down cars to stop, and the cars have even gotten mad 613-316-7710 www.ardron.ca at the crossers. We have now by Brandon Mayer

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Lions Club of Winchester news

Thoughts and questions

We need a purpose. We need a reason to be here. We need new ideas. We need new members. We need to figure out away to be important to our community. We need to be important “to” the people of our community. Did you know that: Membership in the Rotary Clubs totalled more than 400,000 in 1995. It is 330,000 today, and only 10% of the members are under 40. Masons have lost three million members since the 1950s. Shriners membership has dropped by 50% since 1990. Locally, the Lions Club of Winchester has approximately 50% of the members it had in 1995. The Winchester Senior Citizen’s Group, which totalled at least 165 members in the early 70’s, now has less than 40 members. What does our community need? When our club was first formed, a softball diamond was a need, and Lions built the first lighted ball diamond in Winchester. A new artificial ice arena was a need, and Lions raised over $75,000 over two years towards that arena. The streets in Winchester were not numbered, so Lions formed a committee, and a numbering system was designed and approved. Senior Citizens Group needed a place to meet in Winchester, so Lions purchased a building and designated it for primary use by senior citizens. Winchester Hawks received financial support, minor hockey received annual support, the figure skating club received support. Two North Dundas High School students have received cash awards every year since the Club was formed in 1968. Lions have provided financial assistance to the Fire Department, Annual Christmas Baskets, Winchester District Memorial Hospital, Fire Victims, and many members of our community suffering from illness or other unfortunate circumstances beyond their control, just to mention a few things. We have eighteen or nineteen members, with twelve or thirteen members participating in the activities and meetOctober 6, 2021

ings of our Club on a regular basis. Four or five of those members give freely of their time at the Thrift Store. Four or five try to fulfill the administrative functions (Treasurer, Secretary, President etc.) of the Club and of the District. How long will it be before some of us get burnt out and withdraw, as many good members preceding us have done? What about the way our club operates? Do the rituals of our Lions Club make sense in this day and age to younger people? Do we need to meet in person all the time? Can much of our work be done online? Younger people now connect online and don’t feel they need to attend meetings in order to network. Heck, people don’t even go to work anymore, they do it from home online. Do we have too much business at our regular meetings? We used to have 3 meetings per month. The third meeting was a Board of Directors meeting, where most of the proposals and business items were discussed and decisions made. This then allowed that the ‘regular meetings’ were predominately filled with guest speakers and other entertainment and fun for those in attendance. Why is it so difficult to recruit new members? Is the format of our club outdated? Does anyone know what the people of our community really want out of their service club? Is the age of our members a help or a hindrance in attracting young people with ambition and energy? Does our community even need a service club? It has been said that what people desire most is the opportunity to connect with one another. People like bonding with other people. It’s human nature. How do we create opportunities for people to connect, open up, and feel more comfortable about doing things together to help others less fortunate? Do we have enough social activity for Club members in order to establish our own fellowship and friendships, good times and get togethers? Someone said that one half of charitable giving is driven, not by what people care about, but by what their friends and family care about. How do we determine what that is? Young professional people will tell you that cost is a major obstacle to joining. Some will say that the com-

mitment of time, not only for the twice monthly meetings, but for the events and fundraisers they must work at, is the obstacle. Years ago you likely worked 9-5, took an hour for lunch, and stayed with the same company for thirty years. This doesn’t seem to happen today, times have changed, it is diﬃcult to ﬁnd free time and, on top of that, parents are more involved with their kids and their kids’ activities than in the past. With the required commitment of time, not only for the meetings of clubs, but for the events and fundraisers they sponsor, it just seems like you’re inundated with requests to do things. Maybe our ‘old-line’ club is just outdated. Too many regular meetings, too much boredom and formality at the meetings, too many rituals. Shouldn’t we have a little adventure and a little bit of fun? Some say that the younger generation is much more closely tied to social media and the internet which the service clubs don’t seem especially adept at. Some say “The younger generation get excited about things, but then sometimes lose interest. No follow-through. The older generation seems to have more follow-through.” Whatever the reasons, we may need some solutions, and we may need them fast, because the future doesn’t look especially bright for the old-school clubs and all the community service work, they do for free.

“Extremely low” housing inventory has homebuyers scrambling

A builder in Westport, Ontario has a unique solution to alleviate the housing supply crisis in Eastern Ontario caused by the pandemic. Statistics released by the Canadian Real Estate Association show what many prospective homebuyers already know – it’s extremely difficult to find a quality, ready-to-move-in home in Eastern Ontario. The sales-to-new listings ratio in August was a tight 72%. The long-term average for the national sales-to-new listings ratio is 54%. “The numbers for August provided more evidence of what many of us already knew or suspected to be the case –this housing crisis will not go away on its own,” says Shaun Cathcart, senior economist, CREA. New homes are one solution to the supply problems. But with wait times on new construction, it can take over a year to finally take possession of a new home. “We saw this crisis developing when construction materials became scarce after the first lockdowns,” says Stephen Rolston, founder of Watercolour at Westport by Land Ark Homes. “We decided to build 11 ready-to-move-in single homes right away, so that homebuyers wouldn’t have to wait a year to settle into a new home,” says Rolston. Normally, a developer builds one model home. Buyers pick a layout and style, a lot, give a deposit,

then wait for the home to be built. “People want to simplify and escape urban density for a home in cottage country, but there are very few options, because supply is so limited,” says Stephen. “We decided to carry the risk and build ready-to-move-in homes with professional-designer curated ﬁnishes, so people can move in right away.” On September 11, Watercolour at Westport released 11 homes for “quick

occupancy”. Of those 11 homes, only seven remain. They are Net Zero Ready, beautifully designed, and include up to $25,000 in upgrades. “This current housing crisis will require innovative solutions from builders,” says Stephen. “As an industry, we need to deliver luxury, sustainable living that places people in communities where they can thrive and grow, all at a price they can aﬀord.”

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NAVY LEAGUE NEWS

PO2 Reid being presented her medallion by A/SLt Randy Murray by Peter S. Milsom, Navy League of Canada And now for the best part of our Navy League of Canada 125th celebration – the recognition of the two remarkable young people, both young women, who were honoured with the award of the 125th medallion. First let’s set the stage. For all cadets and their dedicated, hard-working oﬃcers, COVID constraints and the always intrusive COVID protocols have made the past year’s training in the Cadet Program a real challenge. Training and fun developmental activities have largely had to take place in a virtual, on-line environment. Much of their schooling has had to be conducted in the same fashion, so most students encountered very long days and evenings on the computer. The fact that our cadets additionally undertook the challenge of persisting, progressing and succeeding with their cadet program activities underscores that these young “Kemptvillians” are very special people indeed. Two of them have been chosen for special notice. For Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) Assiniboine, the Corps chose a cadet to whom our readers were already introduced in our elev-

October 6, 2021

Baldwin’s Birds

Dilan Yildirim with her Medallion

enth article back in the early spring entitled “Meet Aneka Reid”. The picture of her in a wide-open farm field, in uniform and waving semaphore flags, may spring to mind. Yes, Aneka is a farm girl who knows all about hard work and, probably thanks to four older siblings, knows a lot about having fun. Now a Grade 7 student, and now promoted to Cadet Petty Officer Second Class (PO2), she is almost through her second year in cadets and has spent the past year actively engaged in her training. Also engaged along the way in community support activities, this busy young person has been an unremitting, constant supporter of her corps. In recognition of this, PO2 Reid was named as the winner of the 2020 – 2021 Assiniboine Attendance and Participation Award and was nominated by her corps to receive the 125th Anniversary Medallion. A fine young cadet who is making her mark! And now for the second recipient of the 125th Anniversary Medallion which has been awarded by Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) Defiant. Just like the last recipient, this cadet is a person already introduced to our readers, but, in this case,

in our thirteenth article entitled “Meet Dilan Yildirim”. This bright, highly talented young lady has personally, in her second language no less, written five of our now twenty articles introducing the cadets, the officers, the Board supporters, and the objectives and achievement of the Navy Cadet Program to our citizens here in Kemptville. No wonder her efforts have caught the attention of her officers. Also earning promotion recently, Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class Yildirim is now a Cadet Petty Officer 1st Class. Always purposefully engaged in the full range of activities of her corps, she portrays the mien of a champion – a cadet who is excited about the opportunities, activities and events that characterize the Cadet Program. Whether in her leadership, seamanship, drill, communications and other cadet developmental activities or her engagement in other special interests such as media and public affairs activities, Dilan is considered by her officers to be a great cadet who makes the whole Program better for all. Congratulations to both of these outstanding young Kemptville citizens!

September draws to a close in a quiet mood, bird-wise, as the weather turns to give us a slightly colder bite, just to remind us that Fall isn't too far away. Flocks of Canada Geese honk their way across the sky in search of water, or a corn stubbled ﬁeld in which to spend a few resting hours, before the next leg of their southward journey to warmer climes. Meanwhile, our remaining garden birds are still busy around the feeders to keep up our interest in them. The Blue jays, Mourning Doves, and the Rock Pigeons are the ones that attract most attention, be-

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ing bigger than most of the resident garden birds. The Pigeons still have their lovely colouring, with the more amorous ones displaying it proudly, as they still seek to impress the ladies, even though the nesting season is ﬁnished for this year. Maybe it gives them pecking order when the ﬂock lands on the hydro wires at our roadside front every day, where they sit and await my appearance to replenish our various feeders. Likewise, the Blue Jays are still displaying their beautiful blue suits, as they reach a more mature age and certainly draw attention to themselves with their raucous

calls! The small Chickadees stay busy flitting here and there amongst the trees, with quick forays to the fixed and hanging feeders, either for a piece of peanut or a sunflower seed. There are other birds too which equally provide us with sightings of them, for which we are grateful. I hope you are getting to see them and are enjoying them too. Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin.

Warm Thanksgiving Wishes!!! Victoria L. Byers, Licensed Funeral Director 2990 Church Street, South Mountain 613.989.3836 byersfuneralhome@primus.ca www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

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Think about leaving something to charity in your will

Watters Financial Group celebrates 10-year anniversary

by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local business in Winchester celebrated its 10-year anniversary last week. Watters Financial Group marked the occasion by delivering chrysanthemums to over 600 clients’ doors – a yearly tradition which has been in place for a decade. Patricia Guy gave the

Times some background information on the kind gesture. “With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this special gesture is to show how grateful we are for our community, family, and friends,” Patricia wrote. “It takes a group eﬀort, and all deliveries are made with a smile and care.” The local business has clients in North Dundas, Leeds and Grenville, Rus-

sell, Embrun, Ottawa, and Gatineau, so the deliveries can be a lot of work, but are worth it for the opportunity to do something nice for the community. Patricia credits the clients of Watters Financial Group for making their business tick, which is exactly why they like to make sure they are giving something back. “As a local business, we are grateful for our cli-

ents and their loyalty which allows us to employ 10 local people,” Patricia wrote. “We are definitely community involved, and very much a team here at Watters Financial Group.” Other local businesses in Winchester have seen milestones as well, including Winchester Travel, which switched locations last month to one further east on Main St., and The Heritage House Health Spa, which will be moving into the old location of Winchester Travel in the near future. There is also a new local business on the scene – llume Physio – which has moved into the Nation River Health Clinic building on Main St. Despite the success stories, many business lots in North Dundas still remain vacant, leaving plenty of room for other entrepreneurs who wish to establish or expand their local, small town operations.

The Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation has joined more than 500 charities, financial advisors, and legal professionals from across Canada for the launch of Will Power�, a national public education effort designed to inspire Canadians to leave gifts in their wills to charity. “Research shows that 86% of Canadians are aware they can leave a charitable gift in a will, but more than 60% choose not to, because they believe it would take away from their loved ones,” explains Kristen Casselman, Managing Director, WDMH Foundation. “But it’s not an either/or proposition. Everyone can leave a gift to charity, while still taking care of those they love most. We would love to talk to our donors about the possibilities.” Campaign organizers anticipate that if enough Canadians join the effort and leave a charitable gift in their will, as much as $40 billion dollars could be pledged in the next 10 years for important social causes like Winchester District Memorial Hospital. Currently, charitable giving through wills in Canada is at 5%. The goal of the Will Power� campaign is to increase that to 8.5% by 2030. More than 20 countries around the world have launched similar campaigns. “Even 1% left to the WDMH Foundation in a will can make an enormous impact, while still leaving 99% of an estate for their family. Leaving a small portion of an estate to charity could result in a bigger contribution than most people would ever think possible, while still supporting those they love,” adds Erin Kapcala, Manager of Major and Planned Giving. To learn more, visit the Will Power� website. You can learn about gifts in wills and get tips on estate planning, or calculate your potential gift with the legacy calculator. You can also visit the WDMH Foundation’s Planned Giving section on our website at www.wdmhfoundation.ca/aboutplannedgiving, or contact Erin Kapcala at 613-774-2422 ext. 6769, or ekapcala@wdmh.on.ca.

Mandatory Indigenous Learning in Ontario School Curriculum Working with Indigenous partners, Elders, Knowledge Holders and education stakeholders, the Ontario government announced a plan to expand First Nations, Métis and Inuit content and learning in the elementary curriculum. The Province announced that these changes will further strengthen mandatory learning on residential schools and foster greater understanding within the Province’s education system of the intergenerational legacy borne by Indigenous families. This work builds on Ontario’s ﬁrst phase of curriculum revisions in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which were implemented in 2018. In addition, in 2021-22, the Ministry is providing $23.96 million in Indigenous education funding to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students as part of a broader government commitment to reconciliation. The Ontario government built on this commitment with the announcement this week to continue expanding multi-year funding to October 6, 2021

support sustainability in partner organizations. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Aﬀairs, made the announcement at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto joined by Traditional Knowledge Keeper Vivian Roy, James Marsden, Chiefs of Ontario Education Portfolio Holder and Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief, and Joanne Meyer, Chief Operating Officer of the Métis Nation of Ontario. The Ontario Government’s work will ensure that First Nation, Métis and Inuit perspectives are reflected throughout the Province’s curriculum, which currently includes mandatory learning in Social Studies, Grades 4-6, and History in Grades 7, 8, and 10, including mandatory learning on residential schools in Grades 8 and 10, introduced in 2018. The Ministry of Education announced a commitment to complete the full spectrum of learning across this elementary curriculum, addressing the current gap in Grades 1 and 3 by September 2023.

digenous, are enriched by learning about the histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit individuals and communities in Canada. These efforts further Ontario’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners to advance reconciliation and to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. To this end, the Ministry is investing $23.96 million from the Priorities and Partnerships Funding in targeted supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, in addition to the existing funding for school boards in the 2021-22 school year. These investments will allow Indigenous partners, school boards and other education stakeholders to produce high-impact supports that provide supportive, culturally appropriate and safe education opportunities for Indigenous students, while strengthening Ontario’s education system and well-being for all learners in the Province. In addition, the Province is supporting Indigenous language revitalization and reconciliation by oﬀering

This timeline and the curriculum development process is being co-developed with Indigenous partners to reﬂect meaningful collaboration while recognizing the urgency of this content in learning. Ministers Lecce and Rickford outlined Ontario’s education plan to strengthen Indigenous learning through a meaningful co-development process with Indigenous partners, Elders and Knowledge Holders, including: Mandatory Indigenous-focused learning added to the Social Studies, Grades 1-3, curriculum, including exploring opportunities for new learning on the role of family and resilience in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and nations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit historical and contemporary realities, Indigenous peoples’ interrelationship and connection with the land, the residential school system and the reclamation and revitalization of identity, language, culture and community connections. This commitment ensures that all students, Indigenous and non-In16

Inuktitut as a language of instruction within Ontario’s Indigenous languages curricula. In addition, the Ministry of Education recently approved sustainable, multi-year funding agreements for an investment of $3.19 million over three years to strengthen existing partnerships with the Chiefs of Ontario and First Nation Provincial Territorial Organizations, and provide stable funding for the length of the agreement. This investment will

support reconciliation and student success, with the goal of promoting higher graduation rates and transitions into post-secondary and employment opportunities for First Nations students.

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