New development, new complaints

isn’t consistent with 7-storey buildings.

after buying my information without my permission scores very low on the trust scale, and can forget about getting my money.

Example #3: Self checkouts. I have complained about these before. I have no moral objection to new technology. An example I gave in a past article was the fact that certain jobs such as “elevator operator” have been eliminated over the years with technology, and we don’t complain. If a simple computer program can do everything the human can do, it makes financial sense to make the switch. However, we are not ready for self-checkout. The technology is frustrating, at best. There is a certain Kemptville grocery store whose selfcheckout machines are not at all user friendly. There is also a retailer in the Kemptville Mall that often has absolutely no one on cash (this is not a figure of speech, I mean NO ONE), and the only option is to pay with self-checkout. The machines are temperamental, confusing, and sometimes even insulting insofar as they lack trust out of necessity (since there is no watchful eye of an employee). I always leave that store feeling anything but happy.

Example #4 : Banks.

This is a short example. I’ll never forget watching an older gentleman get escorted out of a bank to be taught how to use the ATM to serve himself. He didn’t ask to learn how to use an ATM, he wanted human service. This was not a choice he was given. It was sad to see his confusion and sadness. This is a short example because it needs no explanation of why it’s an example of some of the worst customer service I have ever seen.

So what’s the verdict?

Technology gets graded a solid “F minus” when it comes to replacing friendly smiles from dedicated employees. Luckily, there are still many stores in North Grenville that offer the pricelessness of human interaction. Yet another reason to shop at small, local stores. First on the shopping list? Perhaps a shiny new typewriter.

by Brandon Mayer

During the regularly scheduled Council meeting on May 10, a public meeting took place to give members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback regarding a massive new proposed housing development at the corner of County Road 43 and Pinehill Road, next to Kemptville’s westernmost roundabout. No members of the public showed up at the Council meeting to provide comments or complaints about the proposed project, but plenty of feedback made its way to the internet.

The proposed housing would be high density, requiring a zoning amendment to allow 149 units per gross hectare, up from the current maximum of 60 units per gross hectare. In total, 490 units would be constructed in four buildings. Although the Municipality’s official plan requires that 25% of the housing units be “affordable housing”, the plan for the Pinehill Road site only has 10% of the units designated as affordable. The site would include 150 purpose-built senior care facility units.

One major change to the official plan would be an increase to the allowable max- imum height of buildings in the area, which would allow up to a 7-storey building to be constructed. This would mean that the new development would contain the tallest buildings in North Grenville, a big step that doesn’t sit well with locals who dislike change. Dozens of comments online were a relatively even mix of both positive and negative. Many locals pointed out that housing is a basic necessity, and that the only way to make it affordable is to build more of it. Others pointed out that Kemptville is a small town, filled with people who enjoy small town living, which

There would be many modern amenities on the new proposed site for those who live there, including an indoor pool in one of the buildings which would be accessible by residents of all the buildings. Parking at the site would be partially underground in two or three underground parking areas.

A report on the proposed project was presented to Council by North Grenville’s Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Phil Mosher, who spoke favourably about the project.

“This proposal is generally consistent with the PPS (Provincial Policy Statement) in my view,” said Deputy Director Mosher.

“It promotes an efficient development in a proper location. It protects some of the highway commercial space through the ground floor commercial space. It can avoid the need for the unjustified expansion of infrastructure by being within a serviced area. It’s using the land efficiently and it is appropriate intensification. It has been planned and coordinated with other levels of government and with public health and safety – those include the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, and emergency and protective services.”

Deputy Mayor John Barclay asked and received clarification that the matter being decided on in the May 10 meeting related specifically to the zoning and official plan amendments to the proposed site. There will be opportunities in the future to ask other questions and make other decisions regarding the project itself and the satisfaction of requirements such as the ratio of affordable housing. Other members of Council asked questions and received answers as well.

Council moved to defer its decision on the matter pending the receipt of further information, though Council members seemed to unanimously agree that the proposed development would be good for the Municipality. If it goes ahead, the plan would be for phase one of the project – an apartment building – to begin construction in the fall of 2024

Cystic Fibrosis Canada walk fundraiser happening this weekend

participants and the day will include entertainment, a silent auction, and access to Saunders Farm attractions! The general public can purchase tickets to the event here: https://changemakers. crowdchange.ca/29383.

Municipal Office Hours

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

submitted by Megan Knowles

This Sunday, May 28, a fundraiser event for Cystic Fibrosis Canada called “Walk to Make CF History” will be taking place in Ottawa.

On May 6th, our family and friends held a garage sale as part of the Merrickville Community Garage Sale, and all proceeds were donated to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. We raised over $1,400.

The “Walk to Make CF History” is held in locations across Canada on the last Sunday in May.

This year, the Ottawa Walk is being held at Saunders Farm on May 28th. It is the 19th annual Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. We expect about 300