ND Times Issue 8 2021 March 3

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The Voice of North Dundas

Vol 2, No 8

March 3, 2021

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The Pharmacy team was in charge of preparing the doses. Shown l-r are: Peyton Bradford, Jennifer Deschamps, Kelly Layden and Ali Elbeddini.

by Jane Adams Registered Practical Nurse, Miranda Carruthers, is among the first member of Winchester District Memorial Hospital [WDMH] staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. On Friday, February 19, 84 staff members and physicians were vaccinated. Several other WDMH staff members received their first vaccine on January 15 at Dundas Manor.

Miranda Carruthers has been working at the Assessment Centre in Winchester, operated by WDMH, since November. She tests patients for COVID-19: “I was super excited to get my vaccine and I feel extremely thank-

ful. By protecting WDMH staff, we can also protect patients and families and our local communities. It’s going to make a huge difference, and everyone will be able to see their loved ones again.”

“WDMH staff have been on the front line of this pandemic and this is a great first step. We look forward to seeing the entire WDMH team – and our local communities - get their first dose over the coming weeks,” noted CEO Cholly Boland. “Thank you to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit for your leadership in the vaccine roll-out.”

WDMH has developed a detailed vaccination plan that prioritizes staff, based on their level

of risk and work location. For example, staff members working in the Emergency Department

will be vaccinated before staff members who do not have direct contact with patients. Decision-making is also guided by the Province’s ethical framework for vaccine distribution.

All safety protocols remain in place at WDMH, including screening, wearing masks, the use of personal protective equipment, and visitor restrictions. For full details and the latest updates, please visit www.wdmh.on.ca.

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.

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The North Dundas Times

Knitting is my Happy Place

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Activity Assistant Jana Barkley with resident Alice Roach

by Jane Adams Alice Roach has always been a knitter. Her hands just naturally know what to do when the needles and yarn are within her reach. And now she has a special place in her room at Dundas Manor to keep her supplies close at hand.

For Activity Assistant Jana Barkley, it’s all part of her job.

She supports residents to engage in activities that they want to do – providing personalized support for each one. “I knew Alice was a knitter, but I noticed she hadn’t been knitting for a little while. So I helped her get going on a new project and ensured her supplies were always within reach.”

“If it wasn’t for Jana, all I would do is sleep,” jokes Alice.

She is thankful for this special friendship.

Jana visits Alice regularly, to see how her knitting is going.

She encourages Alice, and celebrates her progress. Sometimes, partially completed projects are passed on to Hennie Joldersma, another Dundas Manor team member, who enjoys finishing them.

Alice lives in a small space in a room shared by four residents. But she has made her nook cozy and warm with plants, stuffed animals, and her knitting.

The special relationship between Alice and Jana is just part of the magic that happens at Dundas Manor every day.

We keep trying to survive

Winchester Lions report

by Bob Porteous Let’s take a look around our community and do a little reminiscing. Back in the forties and the fifties, Saturday nights were the big nights for Winchester. Most of the families who lived within commuting distance visited the Village on Saturday nights.

Not everyone had motor vehicles, so often there were horses hitched to wagons and buggies tied along the streets.

On nice nights, the sidewalks would be jammed with folks talking, visiting, and catching up on the societal news and other happenings. Overhead, one could hear the nighthawk calling as darkness dropped March 3, 2021

down on the Village. People shopped at the different shops along Main and St. Lawrence streets. They often stopped at Flora’s Restaurant for a hamburger, an ice cream cone, a milkshake, or maybe just a Coke or Pepsi.

In the late forties, the Winchester Theatre opened, and many people would go to the movies every Saturday night. The Golden Pheasant Restaurant, next door to the theatre, became a busy and popular spot. It was also popular with the High School students during school days.

Around the mid fifties, things began to change, and shopping time moved to Friday nights. The movies were one reason; but television was also becoming a big thing, and Saturday nights were “hockey night in Canada”.

Many local folks gathered around their black and white

The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Kirkpatrick as the new manager of economic development effective March 8, 2021.

Tara joins the Counties with an array of experience in economic development, business retention and expansion and municipal priority projects from her time with the Township of North Glengarry. She spent four years with the township, including most recently as the economic development and communications officer.

“Economic development is a critical component of the Counties’ strategic plan, and we are pleased to welcome Tara into this new role with the upper-tier,” said Counties CAO Tim Simpson. “Tara’s experience and successes in North Glengarry will dovetail nicely with the priorities we have laid out for our region.”

Tara has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree from Carleton University and is in the process of completing a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.

“I’m excited to join the team at the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and honoured by this opportunity to work with all six municipalities on the strategic goals they share,” she said. cent store, Larose Pharmacy, Steck’s I.G.A., Summer’s Bus Stop Confectionary, Summer’s Restaurant, Summer’s Bakery, McIntosh Grocery, Red & White Grocery Store, McPherson & Summers Grocery Store, Clara Anderson’s Hat Shoppe, Art Leason’s Repair Shop, Heidi’s Restaurant, Reynolds Meat Market, Arnold Duncan’s Store (great popcorn and cheap cigarettes), Shad bolts Stedman’s Store, Muriel’s Flowers, Joanne Shoppe, McKercher’s Pool Room, Hugh McMaster’s and Fennell’s feeds, Hutcheson’s Fuels, Boyd’s Fuels & Bus lines, Geggie’s Hardware , Melvin Motors, McDonald’s Motors, Holmes Plumbing, Don’s Payless Gas, Hylo’s Egg Grading Station, Belways Blacksmith Shop and 4 or 5 beauty and barbershops.

Things kept on changing and, in the Sixties and

TV’s to watch and rabidly cheer for either Montreal Canadiens or the Toronto Maple Leaf’s. If your family didn’t have a television, it was nice to have friends who did, and you could visit on Saturday nights to watch Turk Broda, Tim Horton, Allen Stanley, or maybe, Maurice Richard, Jean Belliveau, or Doug Harvey. Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan became well-known names, and so did the names of many players. As youngsters, we would collect photos of those players just by saving and submitting labels of Bee Hive Corn Syrup (so many labels per picture).

Some of the names of stores and businesses in Winchester that come to mind (and many will recall names omitted here); Davidson’s Jewellers, Fawcett’s Jewellers George Elliot’s Dry Goods, T. O. Keyes 5 & 10 2

ND Times welcomes Hayley to our Sales Team My family and I moved to Winchester in September 2019 from West Yorkshire, England and were amazed at what a wonderful community we had found ourselves in. We were welcomed with open arms and have not looked back since!

Having spent most of our time since then exploring North Dundas as a family, I am now looking forward to using my professional background to develop successful relationships with our local businesses and to showcase how much this area has to offer!

into the Seventies, more and more people began driving cars and commuting to their places of work. Folks in or near Ottawa began moving to Winchester and other area towns. New homes were built, and towns grew and often became referred to as “bedroom communities”.

Today, local businesses have a tough job competing with the big box and specialty stores, but we, who live in the area, are hopeful that things are beginning to change once more. It seems to have dawned on people that it is to their advantage to be loyal and support local business in order to help ourselves. Big box and specialty outlets and stores in the City do not invest in our local initiatives, our sports teams, or our service organizations. They do not pay taxes to our municipality.

Similarly, Facebook, Google,

Twitter, etc. are not interested in paying for the work they post from reporters and newspaper articles. Witness the loss of local newspapers. It cannot and should not go on.

During the sixties and seventies, the Winchester Lions Club would have 30 or 40 members, some of whom were local business people, while others were folks who knew that, if you want a prosperous, active, and caring community, you have to get in there and do something about it. Our Club today is in dire need of younger, community concerned folks, who want to better their community and/or help those less fortunate. If you are one of these residents speak to a Lion’s Club member. We need YOU! Next meeting: 7 pm, Legion Meeting Room, Winchester, Ontario March 3, 2021. www.ndtimes.ca

The North Dundas Times

Special Meeting of Council

by Joselyn Morley The North Dundas Council met in a Special Meeting on February 23 at the Joel Steele Community Centre, immediately following the Public Meeting. Khurram Tunio, Director of Public Works, explained the proposed re-structuring of the Public Works Department.

This will not cost the Municipality any extra, but will allow for increased efficiency.

A looming issue in the Township is water and sewer.

Simply put, Winchester and Chesterville, both on the municipal water system, are growing very fast. At the Council meetings you will hear the Mayor, Council, and staff, talk about "water and sewer units." Each new build has to have enough water and sewage units assigned to it.

There is a certain amount of water available, and a specific capacity to the sewage system. There has to be enough to allow a bit of wiggle room in case of a fire, or if there is a drought.

In rural areas, houses or developments have their own wells, and septic systems. The municipal system is similar, except on a much larger scale. At some point in the not-so-distant past, the Public Works Department calculated that, given the finite capacity of the wells and water system to provide water, and the sewage treatment system to deal with waste water, the township had 350 water and sewage units to allocate to development. That amount would have lasted quite a while, if growth in Winchester and Chesterville had continued on the same trajectory. It hasn't. The pan-

demic has made people want to live outside bigger cities.

There has been an unprecedented demand for homes in most small town and rural areas, thus the demand for development. The 350 water and sewer units that were expected to last a few years aren't going to. Prior to the pandemic, the township had already begun to think about how to address the future need for more water and sewage capacity.

So, you are going to hear even more about water and sewage allocations in the very near future, and discussions about how to increase water and sewage capacity faster than previously anticipated. (There is detailed information, from page 21 onwards, in the Council meeting package, for the meeting of February 23, on the North Dundas website.)

Council agreed that the water and sewer allocation will be limited to 350 for both residential and commercial growth, and the capital charge (the amount paid by a developer to the township for water and sewer) will be set to $8,800 per unit. The other option presented at the meeting was to increase water and sewer allocation to 450, and set the capital charge at $10,300 per unit.

Mr Tunio stressed that he doesn't want to see the current residents of Winchester and Chesterville burdened by the cost of the water and sewer expansion. Angela Rutley, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), explained to Council that there is very little provincial assistance to expand water and sewer systems, but that when there is the opportunity to apply for such

funding, it is very important to show that the township is collecting adequate capital charges, and that the municipal government is looking for funds within their own reserves. The population of North Dundas connected to municipal water and sewer is expected to increase from 4,355 in 2019 to 8,399 by 2040. Considering the unprecedented demand for housing outside of major cities since the pandemic began, this number may need to be adjusted. The sewage lagoons require maintenance immediately. Future growth will have a significant financial impact of a minimum of $45 million.

Significant increase in capital charges, combined with short term support from Township reserves, and long term funding from upper levels of governments, are necessary.

North Dundas cannot continue to grow without significant financing and funding.

In the next three years, water and sewer requires $5.1 million. Capital charges will be limited to $8,800 per unit, and $2.186 million will come from Hydro reserve funds from 1998. The water and sewer expansion will be in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

The positions for spring and summer employment are currently posted on the North Dundas website. The deadline to apply is March 4.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) solicited municipal partner support as they begin planning to vaccinate the population, and requested that municipal facilities be identified that could be used to host mass vaccination clinics, such as arenas and community

centres, other community locations that might be used, as well as facilities in the municipalities where specific vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, reside. The latter could include specific apartment buildings. The locations suitable for mass vaccination clinics must allow space for physical distancing, must be accessible to all, and must allow for ease of transport of individuals to the site, such as home-bound residents and residents with special needs.

Council authorised the EOHU to use municipal facilities free of charge for vaccination clinics and other relief efforts between February 24 and June 9, 2021.

A representative from the EOHU contacted the Recreation Director and visited the Joel Steele Community Hall.

The EOHU subsequently requested that the Community Hall be available for five vaccine clinics initially, begining on February 27, and most likely more in the future. The people slated for vaccination next include some high priority health care workers, those in assisted living or retirement homes, and indigenous adults. Specific instructions from the EOHU will be forthcoming.

The meeting package is posted on the North Dundas website in advance of the meetings. The regular meetings are held on the second and forth Tuesday of the month. Minutes of the previous meeting are posted right after the following Council meeting, as the Council must approve the minutes from the meeting prior to them being posted. This is your council.

Zoning changes considered at Public meeting

by Joselyn Morley The Township of North Dundas held a Public Meeting at the Joel Steele Community Centre on February 23 to consider two zoning by-law amendments. The meeting was held in-person, with strict Covid-19 protocols in place. The Planning Act requires that the neighbouring properties within a 120 metre radius be notified of an application for a zoning amendment. The Act also requires that a public meeting be held to allow for discussion.

The first request was to change the zoning from Rural (RU), to Rural-Exception Twenty Seven (RU-27) at March 3, 2021

2190 Crowder Road, Mountain. This zoning by-law was amended as requested, and was formally passed at the Special Council Meeting immediately following the public meeting. The property in question is home to Klein Agri Services Ltd., which provides services to local farms, including manure spreading and harvesting. Rural zoning allowed the owners to operate a rural home operation. They requested the zoning change to allow for an agriculture related business with farm machinery storage. The owners can now expand the business on the site, which they could not do with the land zoned as Rural. The

space would be allocated residential.

The proposed use for the building going forward is that half of the ground floor would be a residential unit, and the other half a laundromat. This would not affect the current residential unit on the second floor. There were no comments received about the proposed amendment prior to the public meeting, and no one spoke out at the meeting. Despite the lack of public feedback, Council deferred the passing of the proposed amendment to allow for discussion with the owner, as some members of council were concerned about the loss of commercial space, and would be more

new zoning allows for an agricultural related business rather than simply a rural home operation.

The second request was to amend the zoning of a property in Chesterville, from General Commercial, to General Commercial Exception Twelve (CG-X12), to allow for residential space on the ground floor. The building currently has approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with residential space above. The amendment requested would allow half of the commercial space to become residential.

The proposed amendment specifically states that less than 50% of the commercial

3

Environmental Assessment of the Township of North Dundas Waste Management Plan Technical Bulletin #2 – ‘Alternatives To’ The Township of North Dundas (Township) is undergoing an environmental assessment (EA) for the Township’s Waste Management Plan under the Environmental Assessment Act. The EA Study will evaluate long-term solid waste management options for a 25-year planning period.

As part of the EA Study, the Township will: evaluate ‘Alternatives To’ the Waste Management Plan (WMP), identify the preferred WMP, characterize the existing environmental conditions, identify and develop ‘Alternative Methods’ of waste management, compare the ‘Alternative Methods’, identify mitigation measures and determine net environmental effects.

The Township has prepared a new Technical Bulletin (#2) presenting the different ‘Alternatives To’, the environmental components and corresponding evaluation criteria considered, as well as the preliminary results of this evaluation.

This Technical Bulletin #2 has been published on the project website for review by the public and a feedback form is also available to provide comments to the EA Study team. Both files can be accessed at https://northdundas.com/landfillea/. A hardcopy or an electronic copy of these documents on a USB drive can be made available upon request.

If you would like to be added to our project mailing list or have project-related questions, please contact: Doug Froats Director of Waste Management Township of North Dundas 636 St. Lawrence Street, P.O. Box 489 Winchester, ON K0C 2K0 Telephone: 613-774-2105 ext. 235 Fax: 613-774-5699 E-mail: dfroats@northdundas.com Trish Edmond, P.Eng. EA Project Manager Golder Associates Ltd. 1931 Robertson Road Ottawa, ON K2H 5B7 Telephone: 613-592-9600 ext. 3246 E-mail: trish_edmond@golder.com If you require any accommodations for a disability to review the ‘Alternatives To’ Technical Bulletin #2, contact Doug Froats at 613-774-2105 ext. 235 to make the appropriate arrangements.

Veuillez noter qu’il vous est possible de nous communiquer vos commentaires ou vos questions sur le projet en français en les adressant à Yannick Marcerou au 613-592-9600 ext. 3318 ou par courriel à yannick_marcerou@golder.com.

comfortable with a 60/40 split between commercial and residential. Lack of parking for residents was also a concern during the pre-consultation process of this application, as previous requests for zoning amendments on this property to change all of the ground floor to residential, have been denied, in part due to lack of available parking for residents. The owner has made arrangements with the owner of a nearby property to provide parking.

Hayley Bedford Marketing Consultant

Phone

343 777 2702 email hayley@ ndtimes.ca www.ndtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Dundas Times

Women – the heart of our community by the Times staff Monday, March 8, is International Women’s Day. Honestly, we had no idea until our editor brought it up at our weekly editorial meeting. These days, it’s hard enough to keep track of the days of the week, let alone international days of recognition.

However, as we thought about it more, we realized that we really should be paying more attention, considering how many amazing, strong, and inspiring women there are in our community.

Over the past weeks, the Times has profiled many business owners in North Dundas, and, significantly, most of them have been women. This reflects the growing importance of women in business worldwide, in spite of the obstacles and challenges women still face in our own country.

Taunya Van Allen, owner and operator of Winchester Kennels, is a member of our community, a businessperson, and an employer. She is one example of the many female entrepreneurs who have gone from being lower paid employees, to being

vital employers themselves.

Kelly Windle and her husband Stefan Kohut own and operate The Planted Arrow Flowers and Gifts in Winchester, another area of growth in business, where partnerships have formed in which women are equal decision-makers and leaders. The Times is more of a personal source of pride for those of us who work there.

Of the eight members of staff, six are women, and for one of the two owners, Marguerite Boyer, this is the second community newspaper she has developed.

There are so many other examples of strong female entrepreneurs in our area.

This has really come to light in the last year, when many of them had to completely re-work their business models to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We spoke to many of them over the past few months and were always impressed by their positive outlook and resiliency in a time when it would have been easy just to give up hope.

This resiliency, ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities, is something women have had to adapt to

in our modern world. Women are strong and capable, but they are often pulled in two separate directions with the expectation to have a fulfilling career AND raise a family.

Women can, and certainly have, the ability to do both, but they should also have the right to choose without judgement. Any mother who chooses to stay home with their children should be valued and respected as a productive member of society. That being said, mothers who choose to go after their dreams and have a career outside the home should never be shamed for spending time away from their children.

The true power of the feminist movement is allowing women the ability to choose whether they stay home with their children or pursue their career. Maybe they choose not to have children at all. All choices should be equally as acceptable.

Another strength that women bring to the table is their ability to be vulnerable.

Vulnerability begets connection, and it is connection that truly builds communities.

Many brave women have shared their stories of struggle

with the community, on social media, or in this paper.

Whether it be a history of sexual or domestic violence, depression, anxiety, postpartum struggles, or housing insecurity, women who show up in the world and own their past and current vulnerabilities not only help themselves, but also create a stronger, more connected community.

If that’s not heroism, we don’t know what is.

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the power of women, and whether that be as the leader of a community, an entrepreneur, or a homemaker, all should be celebrated. Time and time again, we have seen the women of this community fight for what they believe in.

Whether it be volunteering with a local organization, providing a service to the community that they feel passionate about, or advocating for their kids, local women have a lot to offer.

We can be proud to be women in our community; a community with a heart that is full of kindness and love. Men, of course, have an integral role to play, but we believe it is the female

identified the urgent need to address the well-kept secret of the two trillion dollar upgrade cost to upgrade our electrical grid to handle the increased demands it will generate.

During our municipal session, the need for funding to address our infrastructure deficit is an ongoing concern for all, from ageing landfills to improved water and sewage systems. They also focused on improvements that would attract new residents, such as improved broadband and cellular service in rural areas and renewed support for rural schools. I was very impressed by the thought put into the vast array of proposals and pleased to submit a package of our region's needs.

On Thursday, I also stood in the house to add our region's concerns to the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline's shutdown, ordered by the Governor of Michigan. This pipeline has existed since the

1950s. It serves half of our province's crude oil requirements, two thirds of Quebec's, and all of our propane and Toronto Pearson's jet fuel. While provisions are being made to replace Canadian supplies with foreign sources, it will, at the least, result in shortages and increased costs until these remedies can be put in place.

We are promoting a Team Canada approach to deal with this issue, which will result in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs across Ontario.

The government also introduced legislative changes to address human trafficking.

Bill 251, the Combatting Human Trafficking Act, will better protect children and support survivors, where the victim's average age is just 13 years old. The act will give police and children's aid workers more tools while developing a long term plan to combat this terrible crime.

I had the opportunity to speak

energy from local women that truly unites us as a strong, compassionate, and resourceful community. There are still so many challenges facing women in our society, and in the rest of the world today.

Women remain underpaid, undervalued, and far too often the victims of economic, psychological, and physical abuse. Women, particularly women fleeing abuse with their children, are over-represented in our remand centres and prisons. There is not enough support and places

of refuge for women, and the entire issue of abuse Is still not getting the attention it demands.

But, for this one day, at least, International Women’s Day that arrives on Monday, let’s celebrate the achievements, let’s cheer the increasing number of glass ceilings that are being smashed, and honour those brave women and men, past and present, who have led the way and proved by their example that change is both necessary and inevitable.

http://myshoplocal.ca/

Hayley Bedford Marketing Consultant

Phone 613-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca

Queen's Park Update

by MPP Jim McDonell The vaccination team is working long hours to administer the vaccines as quickly as they receive them from the Federal Government. As of EOHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis' Tuesday update, over 50% of our Long Term Care residents were fully vaccinated, and over half of the region's retirement homes had received their first dose. The team is also well into the next group in Phase 1, our frontline health care workers. Vaccine deliveries are expected to pick up significantly. They will allow the Eastern Ontario Health Unit's team to move on to the remainder of the Phase 1 group, including Indigenous residents of Akwesasne, chronic home care recipients, and people aged 80 and older.

Meanwhile, Dr. Paul is March 3, 2021

maintaining the Orange Restrict level for our region. I want to thank everyone for the efforts that lowered our region's active cases, while allowing our businesses to re open. It remains vital to continue and even improve upon this level of success as we await the delivery of more vaccines from the federal government and prepare for the increased arrival of the more contagious variants of concern.

The Finance Ministry is sifting through the pre budget submissions conducted across the province, including input from local stakeholders and residents. This feedback will help guide Ontario's recovery from the pandemic, addressing individual and small businesses' needs. Our public session identified many interesting short term and long term proposals. With the move to electric vehicles, a local professional engineer

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

Production

Email: production@ndtimes.ca 613 215 0735

to Bill 245, the Accelerating Access to Justice Act, which aims to speed up people's access to justice by reducing red tape, addressing the chronic shortage of judges, and making technology advancements, trialled during this pandemic, permanent.

For example, video can eliminate the need for frequent in person court appearances and allow courts, legal counsel, accused individuals, victims and witnesses to communiISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

Staff Reporter joselyn@ndtimes.ca

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Marketing/Sales

Editor editor@ndtimes.ca 613-215-0735

Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca 613 277 8317

4

cate easier. Other benefits from Bill 245 include changes that would speed up Estate and Land Tribunal dispute cases.

As always, remember to stay home, stay safe and save lives. Your health and that of your loved ones may depend on it.

Regards, Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont Dundas South Glengarry

www.ndtimes.ca

The North Dundas Times

Legislation to protect victims’ families reintroduced

Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu (La Salle, Québec) and Member of Parliament Eric Duncan (StormontDundas-South Glengarry) simultaneously tabled Private Members Bills in the House of Commons and Senate of Canada to support victim’s families from having to unnecessarily confront the most severe and brutal criminals in Canada. These identical pieces of legislation aim to modify the Criminal Code of Canada to give judges the discretion to hand down life sentences without eligibility for parole from 25 to 40 years in cases of where the perpetrator has abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered their victim.

This Bill, originally tabled in the House of Commons by MP James Bezan (SelkirkInterlake-Eastman) during the 1st session of the 42nd Parliament, passed through the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and returned to the House of Commons without amendment. It was not passed before Parliament dissolved for the 2019 federal election.

These two pieces of legislation share the same goal: respecting the families of murdered and brutalized people. The vast majority of perpetrators of crimes of

this severity never see the outside of their prison cells again, the high-risk and extremely dangerous nature of these individuals do not seek rehabilitation.Despite that fact, they are able to force the families of their victims to relive the horrific details of the murder of their loved ones every two years.

Local M.P., Eric Duncan, said in introducing the legislation to the House: “I am proud to bring this legislation forward again, as it is a compassionate bill that supports victim’s families, who have already been traumatized enough. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that has received support from other parties over the years.

As parliamentarians, we talk about doing more for victims.

This bill gives us the perfect chance to put our words into action. It is time to finally get this across the finish line”.

“It’s out of respect for the pain and suffering of the families of victims that this piece of legislation will modify section 745 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which will give judges the flexibility to determine if an extended ineligibility of parole should be considered given the facts surrounding the case”, said Senator Boisvenu, in the Senate.

Q&A with Cyndy and Sarah

TFSAs

The Bill aims to limit the exposure of victims’ families to the person who abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered their loved one during automatic parole hearings after 25 years incarceration.

Persons convicted of this series of crimes are automatically eligible for a parole hearing two years after the 23rd year of their sentence, and every two years going forward, despite the fact they are never likely to be granted parole (i.e. Paul Bernardo, Clifford Olsen).

Many of these criminals have used their parole hearings as a platform to re-victimize the families of those they murdered, including recounting their crimes in grotesque detail, seeking to self-gratify by terrorizing the families.

The Bill is intended to protect families from revictimization, since they feel compelled to attend the murderer’s parole hearing to speak out against release, even if the odds are small parole would be granted. The Bill gives Judges the discretion to increase the period before automatic parole eligibility. or to instruct a jury to make a recommendation on limiting parole eligibility, therefore no Constitutional issues are anticipated.

By Cyndy Batchelor, BCom Financial Advisor & Partner O’Farrell Financial Services If you have managed to save some money over the past year and want to know where to invest it in tax efficient manner, here are a few things to consider before making that decision.

Q: If I have not contributed to a TFSA in the past how much can I put in today?

The TFSA limit for 2021 is an additional $6,000 for a total of $75,500. If you have never contributed, you may contribute the entire $75,500 (if you were born before 1991). If you have contributed in the past and made withdrawals prior to 2021, you may contribute any unused room you have plus any withdrawals you made – to confirm the amount, you can verify with your MyCRA account or TIPS at 1-800-267-6999.

Q: Do the Investment Income and Earnings in my TFSA affect my contribution room?

Improving farm safety for Agri Food workers The Government of Ontario is providing up to $118,500 to develop specialized COVID 19 resources to better protect the health and safety of temporary foreign workers and others employed in the agri food sector. Informed by health, cultural and support organizations, these new resources, entitled the "Cultural Resources Library," will be designed by the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association in a variety of languages and formats and will be distributed to farms, greenhouses and food processing operations across Ontario.

"Our international workers have grown and harvested our food and helped keep our food supply chain strong throughout the COVID 19 pandemic," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"These new resources will ensure that all of our agri food workers are well informed so they can help stop the spread March 3, 2021

and keep COVID 19 out of our workplaces."

These new resources represent one of the many steps being taken to keep agri food workers safe, as part of the province's Prevention, Control and Outbreak Support Strategy for COVID 19 in Ontario's Farm Workers. The strategy provides guidance on how to prevent and control COVID 19 on farms, protect farm worker safety and wellness, and maintain the sustainability and viability of the agri food sector.

"This project is one of many initiatives that the OFVGA and the Ontario government are partnering on to ensure the health and safety of this critical workforce," said Bill George, Chair of the OFVGA. "The safety of the international farm workforce has been paramount since the beginning of the pandemic, and the resources developed through this project will further support the efforts of Ontario's farm employers to

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A: No, investment income and changes in the value of your TFSA do not affect the contribution room of your TFSA. Q: When will I need the money?

A: Are you investing this for a short-term goal, like buying a car or a vacation next year or is this part of your overall retirement plan? A great advantage of a TFSA is it’s tax free status – so if you are able to use it as a long term retirement strategy, there are potential tax savings in other areas of your financial plan.

Q: What can I invest my TFSA in?

A: Like an RRSP, you are able to invest your TFSA in just about anything, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ETFs and

cash or high interest savings products. Your TFSA is not necessarily just a “Savings Account”. Depending on your risk tolerance and your overall financial plan you and your financial advisor can determine the best investment strategy for your TFSA funds.

If you have more questions, please reach out to us!

See our ad in this week’s North Dundas Times for contact information.

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keep all farm workers safe while producing food for Canadians."

This project in partnership with the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association is one of the government's many initiatives launched in 2020 to assist the agriculture sector to meet challenges related to the COVID 19 outbreak, including: The $25.5 million Agri food Prevention and Control Innovation Program to help reduce disruptions in business operations and risks of COVID 19 exposure in the workplace; The launch of a portal to connect farms and other agri food sector business with labour needs to job seekers; The creation of a $26.6 million Enhanced Agri food Workplace Protection Program; The investment of an additional $50 million into the Risk Management Program, one year earlier than originally promised.

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Agricultural Digest • Forecasts • News • Views

The future is female – newcomer starts unique small-scale farm

Owner/operator of Vintage Soil Farm, Isabelle Rodé

by Hilary Thomson A young female farmer is venturing out on her own this summer to offer fresh produce to the local community. Isabelle Rodé got into farming seven years ago after she graduated from Environmental Studies at Waterloo University. During her university career, she had the opportunity to participate in the co-op program, which allowed her to see what a career in the field would be like. “It was a really nice way to learn that I don’t want to work in an office,” she says. “That’s why, right when I finished university, I got a job at a farm and honestly thought it was going to be one year and then I would figure something else out; but here I am, all these years later, still doing it.”

Isabelle’s farming career has been varied, from her first job working on a farm on Howe Island, to a position in educational farming, and then out to B.C., where she

managed a 15 -acre mixedvegetable farm. “It was just a really incredible learning opportunity,” she says about her time in B.C. “I was able to really hone my skills and really envision myself having some kind of operation like that in the future.”

In B.C. the growing season is long, and there is already a lot of interest in growing and eating locally.

Although Ontario is somewhat behind, Isabelle has seen momentum starting to grow for the local food movement in the province. “I really want to help create what we have over in B.C. over here in Ontario. So that is what kind of led me back over here to start my own thing.”

Having moved back east at in April, 2020, she spent the summer working at a farm in Quebec. She was drawn to Ottawa for its diversity, and started looking for land for rent in the area. Isabelle was lucky to find a property in North Grenville where the

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owners were willing to rent out a six-acre chunk for small scale agriculture. “It’s pretty hard for a new farmer starting out these days to get access to land. It’s a huge problem for our generation of farmers actually, especially with the COVID market.”

Excited about her new venture, Isabelle moved to Kemptville in December and is starting to set the stage for her small-scale farming business, called Vintage Soil Farm. The piece of land she is renting is on County Road 20, and already has a little blue farm stand on the property. During the growing season, she is planning on using it as a location where people can purchase produce using an honour system, as well as a pick-up point for a small Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where people can buy into the farm and get a weekly basket of fresh produce.

Isabelle’s business is unique, in that she will be using draft horses to work the fields. This type of farming wasn’t on her radar until she was introduced to it by a colleague in B.C. “That was kind of like a glass shattering moment for me, where I realized that there is a way that I could farm that was more in line with things that I was passionate about and had a different impact on the environment.”

Although many farmers enjoy the time they spend on their tractors, Isabelle finds that using draft horses allows her to have a completely different connection to the land.

She loves the partnership with the horses as she guides them through the fields, and being able to hear the birds chirping as she works. “It just makes you really in tune to everything that is going on, and I think it gives you a leg up. A lot of people think that

starting a business. Not to say that I don’t have a lot of help; but I am trying to be a face for a different way that we can grow food.”

With everything that is going on globally right now, Isabelle hopes be able to support the local community by providing them with a great option for fresh, healthy food.

“I feel that, by farming and

providing my community with good food, that is my way of having a positive impact on my local environment, which then has a greater impact overall.”

To find out more about Vintage Soil Farm and sign up for their CSA program visit www.vintagesoilfarm.com.

Sustainability in Agriculture:

Green manure

by Joselyn Morley Let's talk about green manure as a tiny piece of the much bigger topic of sustainability in agriculture.

Overall, sustainable agriculture is founded on three interconnected parts: economic profitability, economic stewardship, and social responsibility. Generally, it's an approach to agriculture that is a long-term, holistic view of business, that focuses on both economic and environmental stability in both the farm business and the farm family. It's not just about environmental actions and profits. It's a practice, rather than a product.

Green manure is an interesting component of sustainable agriculture that can be important to anyone growing: a market gardener, a home gardener, or a large agricultural business. Market gardeners often aim to maximise production on a small acreage and, as such, they need to make the best use of the soil while increasing the health of the land. Green manure is not used uniquely by small-scale market gardeners; in fact, it can be used to increase production and health of the soil on large farms as well.

Green manure is really any cover crop planted for the

express purpose of increasing soil health. There are many benefits, including increasing biomass, enhancing the soil, and providing mulch. It helps to draw down carbon, while increasing soil health.

Often these crops are grown with the intention of turning them into the soil, or, in the instance of strict no-till process, of allowing them to die down or be mowed down to become surface mulch, and become part of the soil without turning the soil over.

Roots of the cover crop help support beneficial life in the soil, while aerating the soil and helping with dense or compacted soils.

Crops that have fibrous root systems help break down and aerate the soil and prevent erosion. They hold water and prevent run off in floods. Good crops include buckwheat, grasses like oats, winter rye, barley, or some of the brassicas. When cut, they can remain on the surface of the soil as mulch, or turned in if tilling is practised. Cover crops used for green manure are often cut before reaching the seed stage, or planted to allow winter kill to shorten the life of the chosen crop.

Growing a cover crop as green manure can also add nitrogen to the soil. Plants

need a lot of things, but often nitrogen is something that can severely limit the growth, health, and yield of the crop. Used as green manure through a cover crop, legumes can improve the nitrogen in the soil. They have nodules on their roots that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Legumes often used for cover cropping and green manure include lentils, peas, clover, and alfalfa. All cover crops provide biomass to the soil, but legumes are relatively prolific.

Using a mix of legume and grasses for a cover crop is a good idea, because it aerates the soil, provides ample biomass for either mulch or tilling in, and a good balance of carbon and nitrogen. Grasses also can enhance the availability of potassium, while legumes can enhance the availability of phosphorous.

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it makes farming harder; but I think that we end up being the ones who get the advantage in the long run.”

Isabelle is proud to be one of the few single female farmers in the industry. “Most other farms that you see are either a husband and wife duo, or partners, or a male.

It’s not very common that you just find a singular woman

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Agricultural Digest • Forecasts • News • Views Canadian Agricultural Safety Week

This March, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging all Canadians to celebrate Safe & Strong Farms. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual public campaign committed to raising awareness about the importance of safe agriculture. In 2021, Safe & Strong Farms: Lead an AgSafe Canada runs from March 14 to 20 and is the final year of a three year campaign celebrating farm safety across Canada. The aim of the campaign is to empower farmers, farm families and farming communities to build (2019), grow (2020), and lead (2021) the agricultural industry in safety and sustainability.

Farm Credit Canada is the presenting sponsor of CASW and a dedicated farm safety supporter, including the Back to Ag Program that assists with the cost of adaptive technology for farmers who have experienced a traumatic injury.

“Safety is paramount in any line of work, and we understand the dangers that farmers face each and every day,” said FCC president and CEO Michael Hoffort. “Farm Credit Canada is proud to support CASA in its delivery of important programs that help farm families stay safe, as well as help farmers return to work after recovering from an injury.”

This year, organizers are focusing on supporting farm

safety leadership through resources, safety advice articles, and much more including a free public webinar “Be AgSafe, Stay Rail Smart”, in partnership with CN on March 16. CASA is also producing resources in partnership with CASW supporters Syngenta and TC Energy.

The AgSafe Ribbon campaign also returns for CASW, but with a bit of a different look from previous years. For 2021, the ribbon campaign is going digital and can be shared on social media as a way to raise awareness and start conversations about the importance of farm safety.

The digital AgSafe Ribbon can be found on the CASW website at agsafetyweek.ca.

“This year is all about

celebrating the leaders in agricultural safety and health,” says Andrea Lear, CASA’s CEO. “Farmers, farming communities, ag businesses, farm safety partners, and other farm safety champions are doing great work keeping Canadian farms safe and strong.”

For more than a decade, CASA has been raising awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through CASW, which takes place every year during the third week of March.

CASW is presented by Farm Credit Canada. In 2021, CASW sponsors include long time corporate sponsor Farm Credit Canada, as well as CN, Syngenta, and TC Energy.

Additional information

OFA addresses key priorities to enhance agri food sector and rural communities

by Peggy Brekveld, President, OFA As we continue to work through this busy year, many farmers may find themselves so consumed in the daily demands of their farm business that government work and legislative activity isn’t always top of mind. Currently, the Ontario government is in the midst of determining where investments should be placed as priorities shift towards rebuilding an economy hit hard by the COVID 19 crisis.

In recent weeks, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has been representing farmers at Ontario's 2021 pre budget consultations. Many of our board members have had the opportunity to attend roundtable discussions with government officials to address key issues and priorities impacting the agri food sector and rural communities. OFA outlined four March 3, 2021

key priority areas where the province can stimulate the economy and meet the needs of the agri food sector and rural communities.

The agri food sector is an economic engine for the province, contributing more than $47 billion to the province’s annual GDP and employing over 860,000 Ontarians. OFA believes implementing investments in rural Ontario would lead to the growth and sustainability of the agriculture industry and aid in restoring the provincial economy. It will grow existing businesses, attract new companies and boost opportunities for regional economic development.

OFA recommended the provincial government invest in restoring Ontario’s capacity for food sovereignty and food safety, preserving access to rural schools and health care, investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges, drainage and broadband, and respecting the unique needs of rural Ontario. These investments can lead the way to economic recovery in the short term and prosperity in the long run by creating job growth, building affordable communities and securing a sustainable food production system.

Farmers and rural residents require the same access to essential services as their urban counterparts. Choosing to work and live in a rural community should not put an individual at a competitive disadvantage. Farmers need access to roads, bridges and cost effective energy to successfully manage their farm business and put affordable food on the plates of consumers. A lack of essential infrastructure is detrimental to Ontario’s agri food supply chain as it would impact the ability for farmers to transport and supply locally grown food products and goods to consumers across the province.

COVID 19 and the stay at home order has also highlighted rural Ontario’s dire need for reliable and affordable broadband. It is no longer just limiting farm businesses capacity to pivot to online commerce and upgraded technology, but is now affecting the next generation. Children at home participating in online learning are being left behind due to poor internet connection, as their urban classmates keep up with the curriculum and continue to socialize with their peers.

OFA believes it’s im-

portant for the provincial government to acknowledge the challenges faced by rural communities in regard to accessible schools and health care systems. When these essential services are not readily available, it negatively affects everyone living within these communities. Rural schools and quality health care are essential to attract and retain local employees.

By investing in education and health care facilities in rural areas, it will also create opportunities for economic growth.

Food sovereignty and safety is another key priority highlighted in our pre budget submission as it relates to daily operations and the ability to efficiently and effectively put food on grocery store shelves. Compliance with government regulations and fighting through red tape has put a significant financial strain on many farm businesses, abattoirs and meat processing facilities in. Since 1999, the number of abattoirs in the province has dropped by 54%, and with no action, the remaining operations will only grow more threatened. By having capable and readily available food processing facilities, Ontario would be able to

7

about CASW, including the media kit and resources, and to register for the “Be AgSafe, Stay Rail Smart” webinar is available at agsafetyweek.ca.

The media kit contains feature stories, safety advice articles, public service announcements, graphics, and more.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non profit organi-

zation dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative. For more information, visit www.casa acsa.ca, find us on Facebook or LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter @planfarmsafety.

Vintage Soil Farm draft horses, Kenny and Abby

reduce our reliance on food sources from abroad while also creating economic opportunities and employment.

We believe with financial assistance; abattoirs will be able to make safety upgrades to better maintain high standards for food safety as the demand continues. This will aid in jumpstarting our economy and ensuring food security for the future.

OFA also recommended the government recognize the unique needs of rural Ontario. This includes the importance of ensuring both French and English extension services remain available, an update in farm tax programs to reflect farm business structures’ complexity, and incentive based policies and programs to the Made in Ontario Environmental Plan.

OFA will continue to advocate and work closely with the Ontario government to deliver necessary investments and programs to grow the agri food sector and our rural communities. You can read OFA’s full submission at ofa.on.ca, click on Resources then Submissions and Correspondence.

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Know the 1 10 1 Rule

King, James Francis “Jim”

Keep blood pressure under control Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

Avoiding disease may be the gift of lucky genetics, but it helps to put some work into managing your chances for health and longevity.

Maintaining rubbery arteries is key to the delivery of oxygenated blood to the heart’s muscle that guards against hypertension, stroke, and heart attack. A report in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” says that what’s good for the heart may also be good for the brain.

The study involved 9,300 people ages 50 and older, with an average age of 68, with hypertension. They also had one other cardiovascular risk factor, history of stroke, or dementia. It was a huge study involving patients in over 100 carefully supervised medical centres across the U.S. Half of the patients were provided “Gold Standard” care. This meant they were given medication that lowered their systolic blood pressure (the top number), to less than 120. The other half simply aimed for the standard systolic target of 140 or lower.

What happened? When a study shows, after a period, that one group is getting the raw end of the deal, it must be stopped for ethical reasons. So, when the gold standard group was winning after a period of three years,

the study abruptly ended.

The gold standard of treatment had reduced cardiovascular problems and death by 25%. But the study ignited the still on-going debate as to whether normal blood pressure level should be changed from 140/80 to 130/80.

There was another effect.

Researchers wondered if a lowering of blood pressure in the gold standard group would have any effect on the risk for dementia. So they followed these two groups further to see if changes in blood pressure had any effect on brain function.

The result? After another two years, researchers found no statistical difference in the amount of “probable dementia” between the two groups. But they did notice a 19% lower rate of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the gold standard group.

MCI is a gray, undefinable area between normal brain function and early dementia. Looking at it another way, 287 of the 4,280 patients in the gold group, and 353 of the same number in the standard group, developed MCI over a fiveyear period. Not a huge difference, but big enough to warrant notice.

Researchers stressed that, although some cases of MCI go on to develop dementia, many others go for years without any problems.

Some patients even revert to normal.

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So what’s the bottom line? Good sense dictates that controlling hypertension is a sound measure for the brain, but lowering it too much can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), fainting, and possible kidney injury. In effect, in the real world, trying to obtain the perfect blood pressure can be questionable.

Researchers say the best option for brain health is to stay physically active and maintain a sense of purpose in life. This is always good for the brain. Weight control, particularly in the abdomen, is essential, as it’s linked to dementia. But, since obesity is so often associated with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dementia, it’s difficult to know which is the main culprit.

Since Type 2 diabetes narrows cerebral arteries and decreases oxygenated blood to the brain, this, along with hypertension, is a bad combination.

Take Eleanor Roosevelt’s sage advice to heart. You need more than luck to avoid these two killers. Rather, your diet and lifestyle may need to undergo dramatic changes.

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Provincial Constable Sean McCaffrey demonstrates the 1-10-1 Rule [Photo by OPP] On February 18, Ontario Provincial Police's East Region Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) Unit alongside Smith Falls Police and other emergency services attended Lower Reach Park in Smith Falls to give a demonstration of how to survive falling through ice.

A hole was cut in the ice to allow Provincial Constable Sean McCaffrey to jump in. The 1 10 1 rule was explained as follows; 1 Minute when you first go into the water you will gasp with shock. It is important to calm your breathing at this point.

10 Minutes is how long you have before you lose effective use of your finger, arms and legs so you should try and self rescue.

1 Hour before hypothermia could potentially set in so it is best to still attempt to self rescue and call for help, while focusing on keeping your air way clear which dramatically increases your survival.

PC McCaffrey advised that if anyone is going out on the ice to carry ice picks with them, wear appropriate winter clothing, and never go alone or at night. For more information please check out Red Cross for more safety tips!

Peacefully at the Dundas Manor on Friday, February 19, 2021. Jim King age 84 of South Mountain. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Cathleen King and his sisters Iris Hepworth and Eleanor Lawless. Dear uncle of Carol Pilon and Philip Hepworth.

Fondly remembered by many friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

For those wishing, donations in Memory of Jim may be made to the Dundas Manor (RHI).

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).

Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

Federal and provincial governments funding Meat and Poultry Ontario Study The governments of Canada and Ontario are expanding Ontario’s meat processing sector by investing $127,000 to support a research initiative

by Meat and Poultry Ontario (MPO).

Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont Dundas South Glengarry, welcomed the announcement from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at the Annual General Meeting of the Beef Farmers of Ontario that the meat processing sector is getting a boost from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) in support of Meat and Poultry Ontario’s project to increase the capacity for meat processing across the province.

“This new research project will enhance Ontario’s meat processing sector, which has been working hard to overcome the challenges created by the pandemic,” MPP McDonell.

“Ontario’s meat processing sector is an important contributor to Ontario’s economy,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, during an address to the annual general meeting of the Beef Farmers

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of Ontario. “Today’s announcement is part of our government’s plan to support projects that increase processing capacity and help our local meat sector continue to grow.”

The demand for processing facilities in Ontario, especially in the North, continues to grow. In response, MPO has begun researching a strategy that pairs skills development with innovative technologies to increase efficiency and capacity across the sector. This work builds on three additional federal provincial funding programs introduced over the last year to deal with more urgent challenges: - $2 million for food safety initiatives - $2.25 million for provincial meat plants to make workplace modifications to increase worker health and safety during COVID - $4 million for rapid measures to increase capacity "The pandemic has highlighted some of the vulnerabilities in the meat & poultry sector, one of them being the need to increase processing capacity," says Carol Goriup, President of Meat & Poultry

Ontario. "This study is the first step in identifying opportunities and possible solutions for the future growth of our sector. We would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for their timely funding of this project."

Provincial abattoirs and provincially licensed processors have been consulted to understand the current state of their operations, the potential for growth and the technology requirements to support that growth. MPO will also work with farmers to understand both current and future needs for processing and packaging and how their needs differ based on where they are in the province. The data will be collected and analyzed for the creation of a potential centralized reservation system of processing that could be developed in the future.

Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost share support for more than 4,400 projects through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow. www.ndtimes.ca

The North Dundas Times

The Inkerman Rockets made Dundas County proud of tickets. While they started out as a motley crew of farmers, they eventually became fan favorites. Maybe it was because they were hometown heroes. Their first season was described by most accounts as rough. In looking at all the local papers in the era of the Rockets (1942 – 1952), their games were covered in the newspapers in Morrisburg, Chesterville, Winchester, Iroquois, Matilda. The Rockets won Ottawa and district championships five years in a row. They qualified for Memorial Cup play-offs between 1947 and 1950, and advanced to the quarter finals in 1951. In 1948, when other Ottawa area teams refused to allow Inkerman to play in their league, they just played exhibition games. In 1951, they lost in the play-offs to the Quebec Citadelles, who were aided by the legendary Jean Beliveau.

They had an incredible fan base. In 1947, so many fans attended games in Winchester, that games often had to be stopped to gather up fans who had been hanging from the rafters. Crowd control was a regular issue at these games. Reports state that they attracted over 7,000 fans to games, many of whom had

The Inkerman Rockets in their great days

by Susan Peters, Dundas County Archives It is this time of year when most locals are normally obsessing on hockey playoffs, wearing their lucky underwear, and donning the ceremonial playoff beards. In a normal year, our thoughts would have turned to hockey.

As we know, this is not a normal year. Crowds are not permitted to watch NHL games in person. Most local minor hockey has been on halt this year due to COVID shutdowns. This was not always the case. Many years ago, a local hockey team stole the hearts of the local North Dundas Community.

In 1942, Lloyd Laporte,

a schoolteacher in Inkerman, thought that he could make a difference in the lives of his students by starting up a local hockey team. He did so much more than that. After securing permission from the School Trustees, he spoke to the local farmers in the region. Those who were able to commit, contributed $5 each to help pay for equipment. Lloyd was able to secure a whole team’s worth of jerseys from a sports store in Ottawa for a song. Another team had ordered jerseys with a Red letter “R” on them, but bailed on the order. He was able to buy them for a much-reduced rate, and thus, the Team was born. “R” for Rockets, and the

team was named. The players got $5 a week and room and board. In the first years, the home ice was the frozen Nation River. Eventually, home games were moved to the rink in Winchester. Getting to games was not without challenges. Players would travel by taking a sleigh in hopes of getting picked up by the bus if they made it to the highway. Fans would get to games by rowboat when the Nation River flooded.

At a time when many junior hockey teams were sponsored as farm teams to the NHL, the Rockets remained independent. The team was funded solely by its share of the admission price

Virtual Business Breakfast

by Joselyn Morley North Dundas Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Township of North Dundas, held their virtual breakfast bright and early on February 26. Two presenters, Doreen Ashton Wagner, Covid-19 Business Relief Advisor at Cornwall Community Futures Development Corporation [CCFDC], and Andrew Seguin of Seguin Financial, presented on the Covid-19 Relief Program Update.

In addition to bringing your own breakfast, a strong cup of decent coffee would have been a good recommendation, for the information was flying. Stephen Mann, Economic Development and Communications Officer, has posted the entire presentation online on the North Dundas website. It was jam-packed with information. northdundas.com/business/community-improvement-plans.

Both Doreen and Andrew are in place to help businesses navigate the very new and challenging waters of the federal and provincial relief and assistance programs intended to help businesses get through this unprecedented March 3, 2021

environment. Information keeps changing, thanks in part to the ongoing and volatile nature of the virus and the pandemic, but also because decisions were made early on in the pandemic, that required clarification and modification as time passed. In addition to changing rules concerning the various relief programs, it is very apparent that the devil is in the details. There are strict rules about how and when to pay back loans and grants, and what you can use the money for. Missing a deadline, or contravening a stipulation of a relief program, could mean you would forfeit the grant portion of a relief payment.

The loans from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), for example, must be paid back

by December 31, 2022, or the business cannot keep the forgivable portion of the loan.

The CEBA provides loans for businesses up to $60K, with up to $20K in loan forgiveness. The loans program has been expanded, and the new deadline for applications is now March 31, 2021.

The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) is an-

to line up in the cold to get into the building. Games in Smiths Falls were known to have a special CPR train to carry fans. They had scheduled stops in Maxville, Finch, Chesterville, and Winchester.

Your train ticket included a ticket to the game in Smiths Falls. Apparently, there were no crowd control measures on the trains, and, on one occasion, one individual was pushed off the train from the car. The players had drive and they had pluck.

The Dundas County Archives has recently received a donation of the personal papers and scrap books of the late Denzil Crowderman, (1947 – 51). His papers record an incredible journey for these players. After the end of the Rockets, he went on to play in Scotland in 1952 - 54.

The Duncan Twins, Edwin and Erwin, played for the Rockets in 1945 - 48. They later went on to play in London, England, and in Sweden and Czechoslovakia. Ralph Hurley played in the Scottish league. Leo Boivin played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit, and St Louis. Floyd Smith played for the New York Islanders.

Former Hockey Night in Canada commentator, Brian

McFarlane, played for the Rockets for two years. In 1992, the team was inducted into the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame.

While most of the players are now sadly gone, they live on in our memories. In 2011, their memory was acknowledged by the introduction of the North Dundas Junior Rockets. Percy Armstrong and Denzil Crowder were there to drop the ceremonial first puck. Someone dear to my heart was on the team that first season. In 2014, Samantha Armstrong, the daughter of Percy Armstrong, created a labour of love in honour of the Rockets. A veteran film producer and director, she lovingly created a documentary about the team. She has donated remaining copies of this DVD to the Dundas County Archives to sell as a fund raiser. If you are interested in a copy, please email dundascountyarchives@gmail.com My hope is that, once COVID is past us, the archives will be able to host a special event to commemorate the Inkerman Rockets. There are still many stories to be shared about these incredible men and their little hockey team with pluck.

Tid Bit Musings

other program enacted to assist businesses make it through the pandemic. The application periods are in four-week increments. The current claim period is January 17 to February 13. You can apply until August 12, 2021. The next claim period will be February 14 to March 13. You must apply for the correct period though, and parameters are specific. Andrew stresses that, if a business needs this help, they most certainly should not feel bad about taking it, pointing out that in the majority of cases, rural and small-town businesses receiving money from these programs will spend it in the community.

The CCFDC is an independent third party network, not-for-profit. The board is 100% volunteer, and it is geared specifically to Rural Entrepreneurs. CREATE [Cornwall Regional Entrepreneurs Artists & Technologists Exchange] is the former Cornwall Innovation Centre, providing support to entrepreneurs. It provides a host of Covid-related business strategies and advice. Digital Main Street is providing oneon-one mentoring and help

with pivoting to online sales.

In addition to the programs discussed by Andrew and Doreen, the North Dundas Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a community initiative that works towards improving the local business community through offering business owners and commercial landlords the opportunity to access funding through grants and loans to improve and enhance existing commercial buildings and grounds. Applications are accepted continuously. The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry also have a Regional Incentives Program, and the next intake is this Spring. Get in touch with Andrew, Dorreen, or Stephen Mann to find the help you need accessing and navigating the various programs.

Doreen Ashton Wagner, Covid-19 Business Relief Advisor, CCFDC, dwagner@mycommunityfutures. ca, 613-932-4333 ext 4.

Andrew Seguin, Owner, Seguin Financial, andrew@ seguinfinancial.ca, 343-8851284.

Stephen Mann, smann@ northdundas.com, 613-7742105, ext 244.

9

By Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW Human beings are no strangers to family problems, or the vicissitudes of human nature and the disappointments and dangers of everyday life. However, it is often confusing how no two people can see the same event and still have different perspectives or interpretations. Maturity means we can understand and accept those variances in an open-minded fashion. The more insecure we are, the more we struggle to accept variance. It is a tough life to be rigid.

Imagine a ball divided equally in half . One half is white while the other half is black. Depending on your physical stance your declaration may be strong for the color you see, while some else declares just as adamantly the ball is both black and white. Perception is valid, based on your experience and often by your experiences from the past. A red ball may vary from maroon, ruby, wine, to burgundy. The end result is the same.

Struggling to adapt is totally a challenge. It is a life-long journey. Times, customs, traditions and norms and our selfidentity are all variables. It seems to be human nature to address change by kicking and screaming. There are our beliefs that we need to hold firm. Know the reasons for your convictions so you can explain to others. The best tactic is to use the infamous "I statements." "Just because," is not a valid answer.

It is not wrong to seek help in deciphering your convictions or to understand any part of your well-being. It is a sign of strength and healing to seek help in making changes or understaning your life. You are worth it so go for it!

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CLASSIFIEDS

ACROSS 1. Ceremonial splendor 5. Among 9. Scornful smile 14. Cain's brother 15. Hubs 16. Creepy 17. Inflammation of the sinuses 19. Leaf opening 20. The base part of a tree 21. Instills 23. Anagram of "Groomsman" 25. Experienced 28. Consumed food 29. Not bottom 32. Gives emotion to 33. Perform 34. Not false 35. Be worthy of

36. Disney mermaid 38. Iron oxide 39. Competed 40. Flee 41. Bird of prey also called a kite 43. Shade tree 44. Assist 45. Candidly 46. Reformers 48. Fuel container 50. Of a pelvic bone 54. Freight 55. Conveyable 57. "Bye" 58. Permits 59. T T T T 60. Exams 61. Stair 62. X X X X

DOWN 1. Overtake 2. Death notice 3. List of options 4. Drop sharply 5. Former boxing champ 6. Movement 7. Cake frosting 8. Shame 9. Benni 10. Anagram of "Smite" 11. Weightlifters pump this 12. Edges 13. New Zealand parrot 18. Future fungus 22. Snakes 24. Nasal twang 25. Liveliness 26. Electronic letters 27. Clan emblem 29. Main stem of a tree 30. European blackbird 31. Trifling 33. Purpose 34. Interpret 37. Ideologicals 42. Language of ancient Rome 44. Not down 45. Limited 46. Lingo 47. Hotel employee 48. Green gem 49. Twin sister of Ares 51. Wild goat 52. Away from the wind 53. To tax or access 54. Feline 56. Clairvoyant's gift

The Voice of North Grenville

SD&G OPP NEWS

MISCHIEF On February 19, 2021 shortly before 4 pm, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police officers responded to a report of mischief to a business on St.Lawrence Street in Winchester. Investigation revealed that two unknown individuals wearing hoods and masks attended the business overnight (approximately 4 am) and had caused damage to several washing machines. An investigation continues.

DOMESTIC Assault On February 20, 2021 shortly after 9 pm, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police officers responded to a report of a domestic situation in South Stormont Township.

Investigation revealed that an adult female accused had assaulted her ex boyfriend and left the residence, following the assault the accused continuously contacted the victim.

A 21 year old female of South Stormont, Ontario was arrested and is charged with; Assault CC sec. 266 Harassing Communications CC sec. 372(3) The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on March 23, 2021.

Anyone having information on the above incidents or any other crime is asked to call SD&G OPP at 1 888 310 1122, or Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS(8477), or you can submit a TIP online at www.seawayvalleycrimestoppers.ca.

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Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

The Food Corner

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

Easy

Medium

Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

March 4, 2021 March 3, 2021

Speaking of traditional dishes, we are coming up on Saint-Patrick’s day March 17. It is a joyful time of year, because it is a harbinger of the warmer days of spring.

Already, the days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising to start melting the snowbank. Our family is totally gaga over breads, and so you will find a nice recipe for a Cranberry Soda Bread below. It is easy to make and a wonderful accompaniment to an afternoon’s cup of tea in and around Saint Patrick’s special day (or maybe even a Guinness). I found this recipe in my mother Yvonne’s baking notebook, written in her elegant script.

Cranberry Soda Bread Ingredients: 4½ cups all-purpose flour 2 ½ tablespoons of granulated sugar 1 tablespoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon of baking soda ½ teaspoon of salt ¼ cup of shortening ½ cup of dried cranberries 2 cups of buttermilk 2 ½ teaspoons of melted (salted) butter 14 10

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with oil.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Blend in the shortening; the mixture will look coarse.

Now incorporate the buttermilk and the dried cranberries until the dough is soft and still a bit lumpy.

Place some flour on a smooth surface, turn out the dough and give it a good knead for a minute or so.

Make it into a ball and it place on your prepared cookie sheet.

Bake in the centre of your oven for a half hour and a bit; towards the end, you can baste it with melted butter is you so wish; the bread is done

HEAPHYS CLEANING SERVICE

when it is a nice gold colour or when it rings hollow when you tap on it. You can also use a metal skewer to check that there is no raw dough on it when you pull it out.

How to Eat: If you are a traditionalist, consume with some butter (salted or unsalted) that has been left out for an hour to soften. If you feel more modern, dip in a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The olive oil and balsamic mixture goes well when you are having a Guinness instead of tea.

You might even throw in a piece of Guinness-flavoured cheese (available locally and drop-dead delicious!). Kindly let me know how this works out for you by dropping me a line at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

ALL NATURAL

DANIKA HEAPHY OWNER/CLEANER

613.206.7279 heaphyscleaningservice @gmail.com check us out on facebook @heaphyscleaningservice

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Gardening:

Baldwin’s Birds

Winter sowing

by Joselyn Morley Winter sowing is the practice of making little green houses in order to germinate your seeds, and grow your seedlings. Many types of flowers and food are good candidates for winter sowing, and there are Facebook groups and websites dedicated to both. The idea is to plant seeds in jugs or bottles, throughout the winter months, and putting the jugs outside in the snow where they will get a jump on the growing season. They will be protected from birds and animals, and will begin growing when the temperatures and daylight allow it. The jugs create a greenhouse for the seeds, providing optimum warmth and moisture.

This method first took off with people growing perennials in colder zones, like ours. Many perennials that are native or acclimatised to our zone, and other colder areas, require seed stratification before they will germinate. Seed stratification is a process of recreating the conditions that seeds would experience in their native habitat if they were germinating on their own. Native plants have evolved over thousands of generations of growing to make sure the seeds are protected enough to rot through the winter, but still allow them to germinate in the spring. Many seeds have built-in ways of protecting themselves for long enough to make it through to the next growing season,

North Dundas High School news

Dundas Cup Spirit Day

by Jamie Wilson Something exciting is happening at North Dundas this week. On Friday, March 5, we are having a spirit day competition against Seaway DHS. In honour of our annual Dundas Cup, the theme of the competition is Jersey Day. Any jersey or school clothing will count towards our school's participation.

Just like the Hawaiian Day competition we had in the Fall, the school with the highest percentage of participation will be the winner. Every year, students both here at North Dundas and at Seaway look forward to the Dundas Cup. Unfortunately, due to March 3, 2021

Covid-19, we cannot carry out this tradition in the way that we normally would; however, we can keep our friendly rivalry alive with a fun spirit day. Devils, if we put the same enthusiasm into this spirit day as we do when we are supporting our team at the Dundas Cup, there is no way Seaway can beat us!

Grade 8 and Grade 12 graduation photos are coming up later this month. Grade 12 photos will be taken on March 23 and 24, and Grade 8 photos will be taken on the 25. All remote learners and all Grade 12 students must book an appointment; Grade 8 in-person learners do not need to do this. For Grade 12 photos, there is a $30 sitting fee and some adjustments from previous years due to Covid-19. There will be no pets or group photos allowed.

For more information about grad photos, see the school's Facebook page or your school email.

soil. Use a potting soil mix, not a soilless seed starting medium. Plant the seeds in the soil in the jug. Tape the top on well around the cut of the jug.

Don't skimp on tape, because your seedling is in for a terrible shock if your tape gives way! Duct tape works well, as does that red tape meant for vapour barrier.

Discard the screw top lid, you do not need it. Mark what is in your jug, using a paint pen: markers wear off.

I also put a plant tag inside the jug, just in case. Put your jugs outside where they will stay under the rain, snow, sun, and wind. Do not put them in a protected place beside the house, where they will get too warm. The idea is to create a gentle greenhouse to give them an early start, and help them grow hardy. You will end up with a plant that is ready to plant earlier than it would be with direct sowing, and hardier than it would be if grown inside.

We start plants like peppers and tomatoes very early here in Zone 5, usually 8 to 12 weeks before last frost.

Growing these crops from seed in winter sowing jugs doesn't give the plant enough of a headstart in comparison to indoor planting. There are also things that really hate to be transplanted, such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and the other cucurbits. Cucumbers do best directly sown after the last frost, so it's not worth trying to winter sow them, but, it might be worth trying to winter sow some of those that need a longer season, like some of the melons. Winter sowing will get your greens and brassicas into the ground a couple of weeks earlier than you would with direct sowing, and many flowers are great candidates for winter sowing.

Climate change poses some challenges for winter sowing. A winter with many freeze-thaw cycles can start plants too early, then freeze them dead. But give it a try if your space to start seeds inside is limited, or if you want a couple of weeks head start on some things. Winter sowing seeds that need stratification is easier than messing around with seeds in your freezer. For some detailed step-by-step instructions and pictures, check out some of the groups online. wintersown.org. Facebook groups: Winter sowing vegetables with Sheryl Mann, or Winter Sowers group by Wintersown Educational and Trudi Davidoff.

as many perennial flowers in their natural habitat would experience a range of conditions while waiting for the optimum germinating and growing conditions.

It stands to reason, then, that you cannot just take the seed of a native plant that has developed a remarkable ability to protect itself through a harsh winter of wet and cold, drop it in some seed mix, and expect it to grow. Many seeds of native plants respond well to planting outside in the fall; many of those seeds, though, will end up as a snack for some hungry mouse or bird, which is why Winter Sowing is a good option. Some people stratify their seeds by putting them in damp paper towels, then the freezer, for a specific time, but if you can plant them out in mini green houses, why not?

The idea quickly spread to gardeners growing annual flowers and a variety of food plants. Any tall, deep clear, or almost-clear, container will do. There has to be enough room for a good root system, and some height to develop.

Milk jugs are really the best, except for the obvious problem that very few of us buy milk in jugs! When people used to travel to the States to get groceries, most crossborder shoppers were happy to share their used milk jugs with a gardener, even if the request seemed a bit odd! The four litre water jugs will work as well. They're not as sturdy as milk jugs, but there's plenty of them out there!

Cut the jug around, about half way up, leaving a few inches uncut for a decent hinge. Drill or poke some drainage holes, about 4 or 6 on the bottom, and a couple about an inch from the bottom to prevent the jug from flooding if the bottom holes get blocked. Put a few inches of very damp soil in the jug.

Your plant will be in its jug for a couple of months, so make sure there's plenty of 11

by John Baldwin I hope that you are all safe and well and remaining hopeful that Spring will bring us all welcome changes, in more ways than one.

Now that the excitement of having an Ermine visit us, has waned, it is back to our "wintering over" birds I have to go.

The "Irruption (Quick get the dictionary!) of Redpolls still continues and the multitude of them is still rapidly working its way through my big bag of "Nijer" seed. We still get glimpses of an elusive Cardinal pair, the Grey Juncos, Chickadees, Woodpeckers and Nuthatches, at our feeders and also ground feeding. With the last few evenings, now being a bit more extended in time, we have been given a lovely treat, when up to nine Mourning Doves have gathered in the pine trees, immediately behind our front garden feeders. They appear just as the light is starting to fade, making photography a bit challenging, but sit there, for quite a long time in silent contemplation, with eyes half closed. At times they may stir and stretch a wing, or preen themselves, but are a beautiful sight to behold. At first I thought that they might be going to roost there, but their Pine branch perches aren't that far above the ground, and I suspect that they are just finding temporary shelter, from the cold wind, in the lee of the trees. Usually and before the darkness finally takes over, they depart, to go to their regular roosts, wherever that might be, to spend the night safe and warm, in preparation for another day, tomorrow.

Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin.

Bread and Roses As we go marching, marching In the beauty of the day A million darkened kitchens A thousand mill lofts grey Are touched with all the radiance That a sudden sun discloses For the people hear us singing Bread and roses, bread and roses As we go marching, marching We battle too for men For they are women's children And we mother them again Our lives shall not be sweated From birth until life closes The title of this piece origiHearts starve as well as bodies Give us bread, but give us roses nated in a speech given by American women's suffrage As we go marching, marching activist Helen Todd; a line in that Unnumbered women dead speech inspired the title of the Go crying through our singing poem Bread and Roses by James Their ancient call for bread Oppenheim in 1911. In 1974 Small art and love, and beauty the poem was set a second time Their drudging spirits knew to music by Mimi Fariña, sister Yes, it is bread we fight for of Joan Baez, and recorded by But we fight for roses, too Judy Collins and Ani DiFranco, As we go marching, marching among others. It is right and We bring the greater days proper that women and men The rising of the women came together to produce such Means the rising of the race a powerful piece.

No more the drudge and idler Ten that toil where one reposes But the sharing of life's glories Bread and roses, bread and roses Our lives shall not be sweated From birth until life closes Hearts starve as well as bodies Bread and roses, bread and roses!

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Female networking group offers Thinning ice conditions business support and connection and fishing huts

by Hilary Thomson There is a small but mighty networking group in Eastern Ontario, with the focus of empowering female entrepreneurs in the region.

Eastern Ontario Women in Business (EOWIB) was started by Kemptville resident Ann Max in 2019, with the goal of centralizing and growing local female networking groups across Eastern Ontario. This includes Kemptville Women in Business, North Dundas Women in Business, South Dundas Women in Business, Smiths Falls Women in Business, and, more recently, Kingston Women in Business.

Current President, Sheri Godfrey, took over from Ann in July, 2020. Sheri lives in Gananoque, and is a visibility business coach. “I help women believe in the power of their voice and the worth of their words,” she says. “Oftentimes, women will sit at the back of the room, afraid to stand up and say their piece, and I think it’s important that we give women the tools and the ability to stand up.”

Sheri believes the power of EOWIB reaches far beyond networking and business-building. Their gatherings give women the ability to connect with other business owners and share their triumphs and struggles with a community that understands.

“It’s super important to be able to bring together a group of really strong, like minded women, so that we can talk about those issues safely and we can move through the challenges and, likewise, celebrate the wins.”

It is important for female entrepreneurs to own that being successful in business as a woman is no longer a dirty word. Sheri says that, when she was growing up, strong women were viewed in a very unkind way. “It’s the ‘bitch’ context. That it’s March 3, 2021

the only way that you can get ahead in businesses and be strong and powerful.” Although that trope still exists, Sheri believes that women in business thrive when they set aside the competition and lift each other up. “I believe when one rises, we all rise.”

Normally, EOWIB would run networking events in all the smaller communities where they have chapters; but due to the pandemic, this has not been possible for almost a year. Instead, EOWIB hosts monthly virtual meetings that they call Conversations to Connect, which feature a guest presenter and allows women from all chapters to share how things are going and to receive support. Although these monthly virtual meetings are beneficial, Sheri sees many female entrepreneurs who are tired and yearning for that in-person connection. “I think many people’s cups, so to speak, are depleted right now, and that, when we get back to in-person, it’s really going to be to bolster the mental health aspect of women in business, as opposed to finding those collaboration partners, or seeking out new clients and finding new lead sources and referral sources.”

EOWIB also allows brick and mortar and home-based businesses connect with female entrepreneurs outside of their usual footprint. “I think it’s important that, if they choose, we have options to connect them to people outside of their community,” Sheri says.

As the fairly new president of EOWIB, Sheri thrives on creating those connections and highlighting the stories of female entrepreneurs, which often reach far beyond their business. In their weekly newsletter, EOWIB features one of their members, talking not only about their business, but about them as people. “I do one-on-one interviews,

and we do some of their back-story. Who are they?

Where did they come from?

What makes their heart sing?.

And then we move into their business and how it all ties in together, so as women we can see that we do have the full package going on.”

The organisation has quite a large number of followers on Facebook, but membership has dropped to around 40 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheri is hoping that, as more people get vaccinated, she will be able to travel around the various communities in Eastern Ontario and find more female entrepreneurs who might benefit from what EOWIB offers. She is also hoping to host a two day in-person business retreat in October, which will have both the business and connection components that are at the core of the organization.

EOWIB is always looking for new members. Their next virtual networking session is on March 17, from 11:30 am1:30 pm, which will feature a presenter who will be talking about Mailchimp and email marketing. EOWIB is offering a free ticket to NG Times and ND Times readers who are interested in attending the session and learning more about EOWIB. To receive the special discount code, email Sheri at eowibiz@gmail. com. If you would like more information about the organization before the session, feel free to check out their website at www.eowibiz.ca, or email Sheri to set up a Zoom coffee date.

12

The provincial deadline to remove ice fishing huts from waterbodies in our region is March 15, but South Nation Conservation (SNC) is pouring a little cold water on the date and says the sooner the better because of thinning ice conditions along the South Nation River. SNC staff recorded ice as thin as 15 centimetres last week near some huts along the river in Casselman. The average recorded ice thickness along the rest of the river is

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about 19 centimetres.

For context, SNC recommends ice should be at least 15 centimetres thick for walking, and upwards of 30 centimetres thick for other activities.

“At this rate, the sooner the huts are removed, the safer,” explains Ryan Robson, SNC’s Resource Technician, who spent time surveying ice conditions on the South Nation River.

Staff also observed plenty of white ice, which can appear to be thick, but is not nearly as strong as blue ice, as it’s made

up mostly of frozen and packed snow.

“The recent fluctuations in weather have not made for good, safe ice over an extended period,” added Ryan.

SNC is also respectfully reminding local anglers that it is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave an ice fishing hut after ice break-up; removing debris from the river can be hazardous and can also pollute the river and shoreline. Burning down ice fishing huts is also illegal and can contaminate municipal water supplies.

Before going out, plan appropriately by letting others know where you are going, when you plan on returning, wearing appropriate clothing, and bringing the proper safety equipment including a life jacket, cell phone, ice pick, and throw rope. Be sure to also check conditions with local authorities, or with ice hut operators and other anglers.

For more information on removing your ice fishing hut, please visit www. ontario.ca/page/ice-fishing.

Hayley Bedford Marketing Consultant

Phone 613-777-2702 Email: hayley@ndtimes.ca

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