the north grenville
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TIMES
Vol. 3, No. 39
The Voice of North Grenville
September 30, 2015
Neon Night for Childhood Cancer
The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated
by David Shanahan Neon Night is a 5 km and 2 km non competitive fun run/ walk for all ages and abilities, organised through the Canadian Cancer Society, that takes place at night. Participants are encouraged to wear their brightest running/walking gear to help illuminate the night all in the fight against childhood cancer. The 2015 route was glowing with fun as participants all decked out in neon walk/run through the streets of Kemptville. Music at multiple spots along the course pumped out high energetic music to keep participants motivated before they got to cross the finish line through a glowing chute. Mike&Ness Photo, local
photographers and videographers, were the Photography Sponsors of Neon Night this year, and provided special Neon Night photographs for participants. In the photograph above are two of the Olympic hopefuls who attended the Neon Night this year as an encouragement to the children and parents who are fighting cancer in our community. Segun Makinde, who runs in the 200 metres and relay, was so excited at the experience that he posted this on his Facebook page the next day: “Had an amazing time at the Neon Night for Childhood Cancer - Kemptville yesterday! Over 600 people came out to support childhood cancer research. What a great
event put on by even better people. Glad I was able to be a part of it and I will definitely have to come back next year! To all the kids that are going through cancer stay strong, keep fighting, and kick cancer’s butt! To the survivors, you guys are an inspiration to all of us”. The other athlete in the picture is Kashani Thomas (Javelin thrower), who is also the founder of bamboo barre, a fitness program based in Ottawa. The other Olympian hopefuls at Neon Night were Sekou Kaba (Hurdles), Christina Judd-Campbell (Rhythmic Gymnast), and local athletic superstar, Lindsay Fumerton (Archery). The goal for this year was to raise $50,000, and the
organisers were absolutely thrilled to announce that, as of last Monday, the total taken in had exceeded that target. In a statement following the event, organisers thanked everyone who participated: “Thank you everyone for participating tonight and all your fundraising efforts. We are thrilled to share the results...At the end of tonight, we had 652 participants run/ walk and the event total with sponsorships is $51,755 and counting! We hope you had a great evening. Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, the planning committee and of course all the participants. We hope to see everyone next year!”
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The North Grenville Times
Veterans Way Memorial Park dedicated by David Shanahan Last Sunday afternoon saw the official dedication of the Memorial Park at Veterans Way, located off County Road 44 on the Ferguson Forest Centre lands. The ceremony was the culmination of many years of planning and organising by the Veterans Way Memorial Committee, particularly Roy Brown and Owen Fitz’Gerald. The Park includes veterans Way itself, with markers honouring those who died in the service of Canada, and the latest addition: a M109A4 Howitzer. The ceremony began with a performance by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Central Band is one of six full-time Regular Force military bands in the Canadian Armed Forces. Dressed in the uniform of the Royal Canadian Air Force, this busy unit provides professional music support for a large number of Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence and Government of Canada events throughout the National Capital Region. The Central Band was under the direction of its Commanding Officer and Director of Music, Major Dave Shaw. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Councillor Tim Sutton, who gave a brief account of the history behind the Park. “During the late Fall of 2009, a special Veter-
ans Way Memorial Committee was formed, comprised of Owen Fitz'Gerald, Roy Brown, Douglas Brunton and myself, to oversee Veterans Way and the bronze plaques placed along this roadway in honour of local Veterans. It wasn't long before an idea for a Memorial Park was brought forward and Owen and his committee sought ways and means to transform the concept into a reality. The committee entered into a partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation Board of Directors and the Department of National Defence, which has culminated in the dedication of this site today”. T h e o ff i c i a l g u e s t s at the ceremony included Gord Brown, MP and Steve Clark, MPP, as well as Leeds&Grenville Warden and North Grenville Mayor, David Gordon, and John Wilson, President of the Ferguson Forest centre Corporation Board of Directors. Honoured participants included active and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans and members of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command District 3, Zone G3 of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada. Officers and cadets from the 338 Royal Canadian Sea
Cadet Corps Defiant took part in readings and acted as honour guards. Pipe Major Mike (Scotty) Durant played a set of bagpipes that were originally presented to Pipe Major Samuel Scott of the Cameron Highlanders in April of 1944. Pipe Major Scott played these same bagpipes to the popular tune of the "Black Bear" while going ashore with the Canadian Infantry during the Juno Beach Landing at Normandy. After Samuel's passing years later, his brother Andy Scott officially presented the bagpipes to Pipe Major Durant, who continues to carry and play them in the finest Scottish tradition. Following the Dedication Ceremony, a reception was
held in the Municipal Centre, during which the Sing'n Swing'n Seniors Choir, and the Humminbirds Trio, under the Direction and Musical Accompaniment of Louise Atchison, performed a medley of songs from the period of the two World Wars. A display of historical artefacts and photographs was set up in the lobby of the Municipal centre, organised by the North Grenville Historical Society and supervised by Ann Newton. The Veterans Way Memorial park is now a permanent feature of our municipality, and perhaps it only remains to move the Cenotaph to that location to complete a suitable site for future memorial events.
New Principal gets put to the wall
Stand by the bullied by Anne Walsh The school year is well on its way. Junior Kindergarten children are learning about routines, school yard play and friendship. Older children are searching for their clique. Teenagers are hoping they get a spare at the same time as their friends. Everyone is trying to fit in, hoping to have a buddy for recess. Unfortunately, at any age, peers can be ruthless in their selection and, rejection of play mates. Every year we see everything from exclusion, name calling, gossiping, teasing and intimidation to physical abuse. These days, bullying is not restricted to the schoolyard. Social media can be a powerful tool, prolonging and expanding bullying right into one's home. When you are being bullied, it affects your perception of yourself. You doubt your worth, you feel like an outcast and you develop defense mechanisms in social situations as you anticipate rejection. You wonder September 30, 2015
if you will ever find a group where you belong and feel safe. Bullying is a painful experience. It blinds you to the fact that your school years are only a small portion of your life. It is the only part of your life when you have absolutely no control over who you spend time with throughout the day. As an adult, you choose your friends and your spouse. Chances are, once you start your career, the people who are in similar work environments will have more in common with you. Even if you and a co-worker do not get along, you have more power to address the situation. This year, I decided to write about adults who lead fulfilling lives but were once bullied by their peers. I feel that it is the best way to reach out to people who feel isolated and overwhelmed. I can say; "It will get better!" or "You're a great person, don't listen to them" but, hearing stories about people who have
The Voice of North Grenville
Building a Sustainable North Grenville
A fun time was had by students and parents at the Holy Cross School Fun Fair fundraiser last week. One of the fundraising events was that students could buy a piece to duct tape to tape their new principal, David Kennedy, to the wall. been there and are now living their life, free of bullying, is a powerful experience. It lets people know that they can survive this, that one day this will just be one of many stories about their life, not the main focus and, that they too will find love, friendship and purpose. If you are an adult who has experienced bullying and you are willing to share your story to give hope to others who are now being bullied, please contact me. I would love to hear, document and share your story. Anne Walsh (613) 863-7685 Artnsoul@ripnet.com
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The North Grenville Times
Mary Jean McFall on agriculture
The Voice of North Grenville Erick Le Pors
The full interview can be seen at www.ngtimes.ca
Brockville city council was a great training ground and I enjoyed it. I miss being part of council because you are in the eye of what’s going on in the community and you feel like you have the opportunity to make change happen and be part of the direction that the community is going. So I think that really was a great training ground for being a member of parliament because to me as I travel around this riding it becomes this question of what can I do, what can I do for the whole of the riding. People are counting on the federal member to not become separated from what goes on municipally, or perhaps provincially as well, you know, like one of the things that needs to be fixed here is that there doesn’t appear to be a whole lot of conversation going on between the federal, the provincial, the municipal. One of your issues right here in North Grenville is the Kemptville Agricultural College, and it appears that we really need to have a conversation between the municipal government and the provincial. And I would like to think that the federal member should help facilitate that and make it happen, so I’d like the opportunity to do that. I think there is a strong role to play there, and some of it is simply facilitating what other levels of government, perhaps municipal or community groups, are going to do. But some of it may be saying:
we have this great facility, could several of the buildings hold Agriculture Canada employees? You know it’s great that Kemptville and North Grenville are growing in terms of population, and I’m sure that people would like to believe that they can actually work here as well and not principally commuting to Ottawa or elsewhere for their jobs. Agriculture already creates all kinds of economic activity in Leeds and Grenville, in Eastern Ontario. I have some background in agriculture because of our family business, Burnbrae Farms. My dad started it from nothing. His father had a dairy farm and he decided he wanted to be in chickens and eggs as opposed to dairy, and off he went. Someone now looks around and says: if he can do it, we all can do it, right? The opportunity is there. I’ve heard it in the countryside that we need to leverage our assets in this community, and we do have strong agricultural roots throughout the riding. Working really hard to bring in food processors to process tomatoes into ketchup, if you like, or make sure that all the crops that are grown throughout the riding are also being processed here, that’s what built these communities and would, I suggest, help to build them again, if people are prepared to step up and invest locally. Not just money, but time and effort and vision, that’s what we need.
I sat for twelve years on the Egg Farmers of Ontario board provincially, so I’ve had some significant exposure to these questions for some period of time. What I would say is that it is absolutely an issue for the supply management sectors to make sure that there is access to newcomers to come into the sectors. It’s definitely an issue that most of them have been concerned with. I know when I was on the board, we brought in a new entrance program that enables, not many but several young producer families to get into the egg business annually, or every couple of years. But that said, it is also true that it is a business just like any other where, for example, you couldn’t just open up a Tim Hortons doughnut shop: you have to pay for the right to the rights. There are many who have invested a lot of time, energy, and money, over a long period of time, to see this system go the way that it does and it would be nice to say that we all had the right to farm. I think the demographics are changing. Here in North Grenville you have a lot of people moving into the area that perhaps weren’t here even in 2011, in the last election, and we’ve been out knocking on doors in these communities and the sub-divisions here in North Grenville and talking to the folks and hearing their issues and their comments and people are looking for change so that’s quite exciting. We’re hearing people are concerned number one about the economy and if there are going to be sustainable jobs for their children. We’re hearing people say that they would like there to be a movement to help create the jobs that are going to allow their kids to stay here in Leeds and Grenville in order to have a meaningful job, and meaningful home, and to continue to live here. I think that the local lead-
ers, and the federal member and provincial member can participate in this, are going to have to go and look beyond the borders of Leeds Grenville, and go to Montreal, go to Toronto, or even to Ottawa, and say we have affordable real estate, we have a quality life style with all the amenities, we need your family business with forty or fifty jobs to relocate here and hire our well trained workforce. I think we can very much compete in the market for small to medium sized employers where the family also wants to invest themselves in the community. When the family is living in the community, working in the community, raising their children there, they are more likely to keep re-investing in the business that they are operating in that community. So those are the kinds of businesses I would see us going out after and they may even be as close-by as Ottawa. But we have to go and sell that, you know, because there is all kinds of competition all over the country for those kinds of investors, so we have to sell that.
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Christmas shopping comes early submitted by Keith Nixon at the Book Fair The very productive partnership of St. James Anglican Church, Kemptville and the Rotary Club of Kemptville continued recently at the Book Fair sponsored by the Kemptville Youth Centre. St. James parishioners Tira Porter, Kate McLean, Ted Stiles, Carol Matheson, Susan Hunt, Kristen Wood, Peter Bunn and Robert Porter, all helped with book sorting prior to the Fair. During the Fair Kate McLean, Carol Matheson and Helen and Peter Bunn, along with Rotarian Anna Adrichem-Rochon, selected books destined for the Salvation Army's Christmas Hampers. The hard work paid off with approximately 500 good quality books, primarily for children, but also including a number for youth and adults, selected for distribution. Salvationist Erin Wong, who heads the Christmas Hampers project, stated that the books continue to be a popular item with the recipients of the Salvation Army Christmas hampers. It is also a great way to encourage literacy in the community and to reinforce the work that is being done in area schools. The Salvation Army hamper distribution will be held in mid- December. September 30, 2015
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The Voice of North Grenville
Lorraine Rekmans on resources The full interview can be seen at www.ngtimes.ca
I was the Executive Director of the National Aboriginal Forestry Association, so I had a long background in sustainable forest management before I came to this area. So I was an advocate in that role when Elizabeth May sought the leadership of the Greens. She tapped me as the critic for Indigenous Affairs, and so I did run in 2008 for the Greens, and in 2011, and this will be my third campaign for them so I have a long history working as a social rights advocate, and in sustainable forest management (that’s my background). Of course I was trained as a journalist but I found myself working on sustainable forestry because I have a love, such a love of the land and the people. And being, you know, from a forest background, I recognize that there are so many opportunities in nontimber uses of the forest, whether it was mushrooms, berries, nuts, that sort of thing. I do think that, if we are looking at agriculture, we have to re-imagine. We’re watching monopolies, the corporatization of the farm, that really doesn’t address local needs. The reason I say that is because I know there is pressure on food banks, there is increasing household debt, I know we are strained in our ability to feed ourselves locally. Our agricultural model is failing us and we have to re-imagine it; we have to re-imagine what it means when we say that everyone has a right to food. What does that really mean in terms of policy and practice? I guess it’s a constant act of trying to balance our economy: how much of it should be localized, how much of it should be international trade. What the Greens talk about is, of course, mixed economy and about thinking small. Thinking small first, so if we are talking about legislation, we have to recognize what impact that is going to have on the small-producer. What kind September 30, 2015
of impact is it going to have on our mixed economy? So I think the Greens are getting it right in terms of balancing many considerations in decision making. It’s not just an effort to appease the popular vote: whatever is popular may be something that is black and white. Whatever is reasonable may be something that is a mixture of a number of things, so there is never any simple policy; it is always a balancing act and consideration for the environment, consideration for small markets, for local producers, and international trade. So if we’re watching agricultural land disappear because of development, we have to ask: what does that mean? That might be good for the marketplace, but what does it mean in terms of food security if we lose agricultural land, and what controls do we have on agricultural land? That again is something the Greens are prepared to look at: how much land is being taking up for development, how much land will be reserved for agricultural production? Local farmers and producers need support. Maybe the focus isn’t international for them, maybe the focus is local. And so, to encourage local producers to provide local food, we hear a lot about the hundred mile diet, and we have heard a lot about that for ten years, but in terms of policy we have nothing to support it, we have nothing to make it real. So we do have to act and show leadership, have a national strategy that supports local food and investment in it, so that things can actually happen. I have worked on a lot of non-profit boards with a lot of non-profit organizations with really good volunteers and very little governmental support. We have to re-invest in our non-governmental organizations so that we have homegrown solutions to our local problems. People identify problems in the community, they organize, they create a non-profit, they try to do something about
it, they apply for funding to programs that don’t exist. So this is part of the solution, in terms of working, to build resilient communities. I am a mother and a grandmother. I have two sons who told me when they were of age that they were going to head west to Alberta to work. I have a personal value system where I grew up close to my parents, and, of course, their grandchildren were nearby, and the family unit is an important part of the community. As my boys were aging, I saw their friends moving away from their families, and in my personal belief, it might not be shared by others, but I think it’s unnatural for families to be separated. So, I insisted that they stay here and we created a family business, they are trained and they have been certified. And I would like to see other families have that opportunity to watch their children work in a community nearby, watch their grandchildren grow up, and keep families together. So in the Green Party there is a commitment to create 160,000 youth jobs over a four year period. But that’s only one part of the puzzle: the other part is investing in municipal infrastructure, which is crumbling. And we think there is a need and a labour force, and that we should just find a way to get them together. We know that our infrastructure is crumbling, we know we have needs in our community and there has to be a federal influence on those municipal transfers, which means working with the provinces. So, to show real leadership, the federal government should have a commitment to meet with provinces and discuss issues. It’s part of our way as Canadians to work together and to make sure we’re all doing well. Government seems to be acting like citizens don’t matter, and don’t care. But I want to send a message to Ottawa that we do care, we do care about how you spend our hard earned tax dollars. Those dollars are the dollars that they always tell us that they don’t have, when our non-governmental organizations go to ask for program funding, when people are in need. Those dollars don’t seem to be there. The graft has to stop. It does, we have to get back to the polls and we have to tell them: enough is enough, we want it stopped.
All-candidates meeting available to view The recent All-candidates meeting held at the Urbandale Arts Centre and hosted and sponsored by the North Grenville Times, is now available for viewing on our web site, Facebook page, and YouTube channel. The meeting was a real success, with all four candidates impressing the audience with their mutual respect and forthright opinions. A short video is also on our YouTube channel showing the spontaneous standing ovation and singing of O Canada with which the meeting ended. It was a remarkable tribute to both the participants and the audience, and a complete vindication of those who believed that politicians and voters can meet and discuss issues openly and honestly without resorting to insult, aggressive personal attacks, or attempts to outshout the others. Congratulations, North Grenville: these candidates came as guests in our home, and were treated accordingly. The NG Times web site is at www.ngtimes.ca. The short video is on our Facebook page and the YouTube video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXAkG_9Hy0Y
Municipality launches Skate & Helmet Lending Program
L-R: Councillors Frank Onasanya, Barb Tobin, Jeff Underhill of Shoeless Joe’s, Mayor David Gordon, Steve Clark, MPP, Frank Hoffman of Canadian Tire and Tammy Hurlbert, Mumicipality of North Grenville, at the program launch With the support of the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, and sponsorship from Shoeless Joes, Kemptville Canadian Tire and the First Goal Pro Shop, the Municipality of North Grenville is pleased to offer residents and visitors access to a free Skate and Helmet Lending Library at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this great program to North Grenville residents of all ages,” commented Councillor Frank Onasanya. “We are always looking for innovative ways to encourage people to be physically active and the Lending Library will do just that.” Available during all public skating hours, the lending program functions like a library with all equipment
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being signed out and signed back in at the arena by a Municipal staff member. Valid photo identification (such as a Drivers’ License, Ontario Health Card or Passport) will be required to borrow equipment. Equipment must not leave the arena or be disassembled in any manner. The Municipal Centre also lends skate aids for those who are still learning to stand on two skates. The goal of the Lending Library is to increase physical activity for all ages, remove barriers to participation and, with the availability of helmets in all sizes, to reinforce the importance of safety and preventing head injuries while on the ice. “I’m pleased to be part of this exciting announcement in North Grenville and that the Ontario Sport and Recreation
Communities Fund helped launch this great program” remarked Steve Clark, MPP, Leeds-Grenville. “Providing access to equipment like skates and helmets not only encourages people to keep active, it ensures financial circumstances aren’t a barrier to participation in our community’s recreational opportunities.” Donations of gently used skates and hockey helmets are being accepted, as well as monetary donations, to help sustain and expand the Skate and Helmet Lending Library. If you would like to make a donation, please do so during business hours at the Municipal Office, located at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville (2nd floor Reception). www.ngtimes.ca
Editorial
The North Grenville Times
The Voice of North Grenville
Still crazy after all these years by David Shanahan Last week, we told you about the Municipal staff report on future use of some municipal buildings, including Maplewood Hall and the Old Town Hall in Oxford Mills, and the Court House (the old Town Hall) in Kemptville. The feeling among the individuals and organisations most affected by the staff report recommendations was negative and hurt, and they were upset that they had not been consulted before the report was sent to Council, especially as it came as a complete surprise to them. It seemed to them that the report simply misunderstood the actual position held by those using, or hoping to use, the buildings in question. The past week was spent gathering information and arguments to present to Council at the regular Council meeting on Monday in order to get the report put back until proper consultations could be had with the community. The Municipality’s own Heritage Advisory Committee passed a Resolution pointing out some of the factual errors on which the report was based, and asking that the text be changed accordingly. A strong representation from that Committee, as well as representatives of
the North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS] and the Oxford Mills Community Association [OMCA] arrived at Monday night’s meeting to see what Council and staff’s response would be. The Heritage Committee’s communication to Council was completely ignored. It was on the agenda as “Received for Information”, which meant that it’s arrival was noted, and then it was filed away. The original wording of the Report remained and was approved by three Councillors and Mayor Gordon, who insisted that they were, in fact, being transparent and listening to the community - just not yet. No, consultations would take place, only after the report was accepted, even though the document was incomplete, inaccurate and misleading, as were many of the comments being made by Council and staff at the meeting itself. Councillors have often expressed their wish that the public would attend council meetings and take part in discussions. But the many who turned up on Monday night were left wondering why they bothered. No one on council or staff, with the sole exception of Jim Bertram, seemed interested in hearing from them at all. In fact, as
because OMCA had stopped holding their monthly meetings there. Seriously. “The number of bookings has decreased and this is due to the OMCA not using the Hall for their meetings.” He repeated his rather insulting claim that staff were trained and qualified to operate Maplewood in accordance with provincial and federal regulations, thereby implying that OMCA were somehow incapable of doing so. He said that, when the Municipality took over Maplewood from OMCA, they had to spend over $1,000 to bring it back up to code. What was he suggesting OMCA were doing to the place? He threw out so many irrelevant red herrings that it was hard not to wonder if he was thinking of some other building. The Report had recommended that Council consider selling the Court House within five years, but Council insisted that it was only a suggestion. Look what the report says: “The location of the Court House would be of interest to local developers. The building requires major capital upgrades and, as mentioned, there are parking issues with relationship to the library. Re-locating court services and working with the Historical Society to find an alternative location
was to share this community asset with as many residents as possible. The volunteers who make up the group have worked hard to make meaningful contributions to the community. They are inspired to make North Grenville a better place for the people who live and visit here. A progressive municipal council supports its residents in making the community the best it can be. In the case of Maplewood Hall, council needs to take a small step back in order that others can make a big step forward. This means that council should disregard the author of the report and entrust its residents to take ownership of Maplewood and watch it flourish. Marc Nadeau
River Road, between County Road 44 and Settlers Way, will be undergoing rehabilitation of the asphalt road surface and the installation of a paved shoulder. The work began this week and will take about three weeks to complete. According to Karen Dunlop, Director of Public Works with the municipality, the work on the road “will provide a safe and effective travel space for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining proper drainage and accessibility to the roadway”. Although the municipality acknowledges the need to respect property boundaries, it also accepts that “construction will create some inconvenience for
September 30, 2015
places are owned, operated and rented out to them by that most urban of entities, the Municipality? Individual Councillors need to start putting the views of the community ahead of staff bottom-line recommendations. Otherwise, they will find that they are the ones killing local community cultures and identities.
Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca
home owners. Residents will continue to have full access, with temporary interruptions, to their property during the construction process”. Anyone with questions or concerns are asked to contact the project coordinator, Justin Schauer, at 613-258-9569, extension 151, or by e-mail at jschauer@northgrenville. on.ca.
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for their activities should be seriously considered. Selling the Court House building should strongly be considered within the next 5 years”. That seems far more than a mere suggestion that Council should consider: it looks more like a clear recommendation for serious action: that yet another heritage building in NG be sold and/or demolished. But the fundamental issue here, as I said last week, is that the municipality are simply not interested in listening to the people of North Grenville as a priority. Mayor David Gordon explained his position by referring to a meeting he attended at which municipalities expressed concern at the urbanisation of communities. He believed rural assets should be maintained by municipalities, because volunteer associations were ageing and could not be expected to handle facilities like Maplewood in the long term. But experience in NG paint a different picture. OMCA and the NGHS are flourishing and have been rejuvenated by having a place, Maplewood and the Court House, as a focus for their activities. Take that away, and what would attract younger volunteers to get involved? What can such groups do when their halls and meeting
River Road reconstruction
Letters to the editor Dear Editor: The municipal staff has recommended that Maplewood Hall not be sold to the Oxford Mills Community Association (OMCA), one argument being that, under the municipality’s direction, the rent revenue was comparable to that raised earlier when the hall was administered by the OMCA. These sorts of hard numbers can be countered with other figures. The number of people that have used the hall has declined significantly under the municipal control. This is a case of money speaking louder than service to the community. The OMCA’s goal in taking ownership of Maplewood
with every regular council meeting, the public were not allowed to express an opinion, or ask a question, until end of the session, after all the decisions had been made. That does not encourage the people of North Grenville to go to Council meetings in future. As an historian, I get upset when people rewrite history to suit their position, ignoring the facts of the past, pretending that certain things happened in a certain way, in spite of evidence and the memory of everyone else. That was certainly the case on Monday. Barb Tobin had a very warped version of the past ten years or so, and noone contradicted her. That was, in part, because no one at the council table was around when the Maplewood issue first began. But they accepted the staff report, even though none of the staff members involved in writing the report had been around from the beginning either. The staff report at the centre of the matter was equally indifferent to facts and possibilities. Mark Guy, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture (of all things) claimed that bookings at the Hall had decreased since the Municipality took over from the Community Association
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Municipality Matters
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Council Business by David Shanahan Canada Post Park: The Municipality is entering into an agreement with Canada Post to undertake the renovation of the green park area at the corner of Prescott and Reuben Streets in Kemptville. The property is owned by Canada Post, and the corporation is agreeing to allow the Municipality and the public access to it for use as a public park area under conditions laid out in the lease agreement being negotiated. In return, the Municipality agrees to take out liability insurance coverage of $5 million, and to abide by the budget and design which has been agreed by the two parties. The Municipality will spend $40,450 of taxpayers money on the park. This includes $7,500 for five benches, $12,500 for 500 feet of interlocking bricks, and $2,500 for planters and flower beds. The money is to come out of the 2016 Municipal Budget, subject to council approval. Waste disposal site monitoring report: The Public Works De-
Fire Prevention Week 2015 Location matters when it comes to your smoke alarm. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!” From October 4-10, the North Grenville Fire Service will be out in the community increasing awareness about the importance of installing and maintaining smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, the fire service also recommends installing a smoke alarm in each bedroom as working smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire by up to 50%. Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, North Grenville Fire Service is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, to remind local residents about the importance of having
working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. “In a fire, seconds count,” said Fire Prevention Officer Shannon Armitage. “Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 pm and 7 am when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.” The kick-off is at our local Canadian Tire store Monday morning October 5, where visitors will be greeted with positive messaging that empowers people to take action and promote personal responsibility. As the week goes on, there are school assemblies and seniors group presentations where installing a smoke alarm in each bedroom is particularly important as early detection of fire is crucial to give younger and older adults the time they need to get out safely. Thursday, North
Grenville Firefighters will be going door to door offering free smoke alarm checks and capping if off on Friday in Your Independent Grocer, lending a hand to shoppers while offering fire safety education to increase awareness and encourage behavioural change. Through these educational activities, residents can learn more about the importance of having a working smoke alarm in every bedroom. To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, please contact the North Grenville Fire Service at 613-258-2438. To learn more about smoke alarms and “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org and www.sparky. org/fpw. For more information contact Fire Prevention Officer Shannon Armitage 613258-2438 ext. 3 or sarmitage@northgrenville.on.ca.
Smart about road salt Much as we may want to pretend that there will be no winter, no snow to shovel, no ice to scrape off our vehicles, and no roads doing a good impression of an ice rink, winter will come pretty soon. Sales of salt will rise, as we spread the stuff on every surface we want to make safe for man and beast. But salt can have a very detrimental effect on our environment, most especially on sources of water for the community. Road salt leaching into the water supply are a continual concern for the municipality, as well as for private residents. As part of the Municipality's commitment to protect drinking water sources and the environment, the Municipality of North Grenville is promoting the adoption of Smart Salt Practices this winter. The Smart About Salt Council is a not-for-profit organization that teaches how to effectively balance winter safety with environmental protection. They provide certification and training programs for owner/operators and facility managers that not only result in reducing the use of salt on roads, parking lots and sidewalks but can also reduce liability and mainteSeptember 30, 2015
nance costs. A training session for winter maintenance will be held in Kemptville on October 9. But it is not just the professionals who need to update or renew their awareness of how to handle salt in winter. Residents, too, need to remind themselves of the best way to use the resource, and how to avoid damaging their environment or themselves, when the first signs of winter arrive. Rather than wait until then, here are some tips, so you can be prepared for that remorseful day. Without question, winter salt helps keep our roads, parking lots, and pathways clear of snow and ice. However, as populations, traffic, and infrastructure grow, so does our reliance on salt – which isn't necessarily a good thing. Salt damage costs us all. It can damage our footwear, cars, buildings, plants, wildlife and water. It is possible to stay safe this winter and minimize the impact of salt on the environment. While salt can make winter safer, it's only part of the answer. Do your part. Protect yourself from slips and falls. Wear sturdy footwear designed for snow and ice
Sprinkle de-icing material on icy areas only, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for working temperatures and application rates. Give de-icing material time to do its work. For more information, please visit www.smartaboutsalt.com.
to help protect yourself from slips and falls. Boots should have a good tread for traction with low, wide heels. Check out this handy guide (PDF) for buying proper winter footwear. Put snow tires on your car. Slow down on the road. Give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. Drive for the conditions. And make sure you give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. To keep your driveway and sidewalk clear of snow and ice, shovel first. When you remove snow and ice by shovelling, you’ll need less salt, and it can be more effective. Get out there as early as you can and keep up with storms. You may even decide that salt isn't needed. For icy patches, use a traction aid like kitty litter or sand to reduce the potential to slip.
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partment has presented Council with the 2014 Waste Disposal Site Monitoring Reports. These are mandated reports on the condition of each of the four closed landfill sites in the Municipality. In general, the annual reports simply recommend continuing the same monitoring program as the previous year, and Council usually receives them without question or comment. It was so this year too, but there were one or two points which needed further elucidation. With regard to the Kemptville landfill site, the report noted that contamination, leachate, has been found both north and west of the site. “The leachate has been estimated to have impacted groundwater approximately 220 metres north and 50 metres west of the mound...”. The contaminated area 220 metres north is in the direction of the eQuinelle development, but has not reached that far. However, the report recommends only that the environmental monitoring company hired to investigate the situation, “Continue the contingency groundwater and surface water monitoring in 2015 as it was conducted in 2014, east of the waste mound”. There is no indication that the more extensive area north of the mound is to be monitored. The wells used to monitor conditions have indicated that contamination has extended across County
Road 44 and into the Ferguson Forest Centre lands. This has been noted in past reports, and the current one states that “Three of six off-site shallow monitoring wells just east of County Road 44 continue to show signs of impact due to landfill leachate and/or road salt. The available laboratory results are not conclusive to determine if surface water is influenced by leachateimpacted groundwater”. Signs: A new sign by-law has been passed by Council to cope with what Fire Chief Paul Hutt refers to in his report as “sign pollution. “Potential hazards and overpopulation of signs have been identified and need to be addressed. It is fitting for the Municipality to put a system of control in place to maintain the safety of its residents and help create an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming atmosphere for visitors”. The new by-law is a lengthy document, 23 pages long, with six and a half pages devoted just to definitions. They include Animated Signs, Awning Signs, Banners, Billboards, Community Mobile Signs and many, many others. The report to Council noted that “Staff reviewed the two current By-Laws and undertook meetings with a stakeholders committee to compile and formulate the proposed drafted By-Law”.
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PUBLIC NOTICE LIMERICK FOREST OPEN HOUSE
CELEBRATING 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Sunday, October 4, 2015, 10 am – 4 pm Limerick Forest Interpretive Centre 1175 Limerick Rd., North Grenville Join us for … • FREE BBQ (bring your lawn chair) • Opening ceremonies - 1-1:30 pm • Canadian Raptor Conservancy demo • Displays and exhibits • Little Ray’s Reptiles • Wagon Rides • Pony Rides
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9th Annual Rooney Feeds Ltd. Poker Run for Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario
The 2015 edition of the Poker Run for Make-A-Wish put on by Rooney Feeds Ltd. raised over $17,636.00, as over one hundred horses and riders came together to raise money for the MakeA-Wish Foundation. The Eastern Ontario branch grants wishes to children with a life-threatening illness and who are between the ages of 3 and 17. The Foundation finds that most children wish is for travel, and 75% of the travel wishes are to go to Disneyland. These wishes are granted thanks to the funds raised at events like the Poker Run, and Rooney Feeds and the equestrian community in this region have managed to keep those dreams alive for nine years now. Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario has granted 574 wishes since 1999, beginning in Manotick with one wish. They have been averaging 12 -14 wishes a year, but last year they reached 66 wishes granted. This year, it is expected to reach 70. Audrey Rooney issued a statement thanking all those who took
part in making this wonderful event happen again this year: A mere thank-you cannot begin to express my gratitude to so many that have made this day and the goal of granting a wish to a child come true. This past year we at Rooney Feeds Ltd., have had so many people come forward to help us. Celine Hutchison-Majerus from Mountain Star Stable hosted a used tack sale this spring. Our customers said they would volunteer to help with the day. So many donated tack and came to buy. $1,005.00 for Make-A-Wish. My staff wrapped Cadbury Caramilk bars in special wrappers designed by son, Jason. Our customers have a sweet tooth. More dollars. “Wish Chick” Don’t mess with four chicks on a mission. We participated in Rope for Hope for Make-A-Wish at the Marriott Hotel this spring. Fourteen stories of rappelling, in fear, for one of us. Tasha Vaive, Manon Sparling Regina Fallangi. My thank you to
nipping, marking, planning, and organizing our trail ride this year. As I said to Sandy, “once they leave my station, they are in your hands. This is your forte and you do it so well”. There would be no ride, if not for all of you. Thank you to our sponsors: Jim Durrell’s Capital Dodge, Kane Veterinary and new to us this year RNC Financial. Without the generosity of each of these organizations, we would not be able to give as much as we do to Make-A-Wish. We would also like to thank Finian Paibomesai for the ponchos in your gift bags. Finian felt that, with our past years, this would be an appropriate gift. Let us hope you do not have to pack them for any other rides. Thank you to Liberty Shots, for joining us once again to capture memories. Our riders are blessed to have an award winning photographer take photos of their steads. Our volunteers today are many. We, at Rooney Feeds Ltd., do not host a Poker Run without all of these people. Not just today, but the days leading up to this, so many have dedicated hours to making this day a success and running smoothly. “Thank-you”: my dictionary describes the word as, "a polite expression used when acknowledging a gift, service, or compliment". My dictionary has no idea.
you ladies is beyond words. Thank you for being brave. Thank you, to everyone who donated, cheered, encouraged and helped us sign so many names on our “shirts of hero’s” $7,000.00 plus. My “Wish Chicks” want to do this again next year. I hope that they get as much support as we did this year. Note: I will pass next year, cried the whole way down, scariest thing I ever did. Who wants to take my place? Then there was Kowboy Fred. Thankyou for taking us into your paws. Your shows at our store and Spencerville Fair and support helped us meet our goal for Make-A-Wish. It is a gift that I met you. Thank you Tricia Besant, Rideau St. Lawrence Animal Hospital for your contribution to our chick day, fun day. More dollars. Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets throughout the year. More dollars. Shout out to Sandy Gummeson, Burt Matthews, Doug Therrien, Monica Treidlinger, Ann Hedbreg and Sally Jorgensen, for once again this year, chain sawing,
UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, October 5 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website. COMMITTEE MEETINGS Accessibility Advisory Committee – Wednesday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Municipal Centre. Heritage Advisory Committee – Thursday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the Municipal Centre. Library Board – Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Library, 1 Water St., Kemptville. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Seasonal Winter Maintenance - The Department of Public Works is currently accepting resumes for seasonal winter maintenance positions. Candidates must have a valid DZ licence and the ability to be on call 24 hrs a day combined with a flexibility in hours of work. For more information please contact the Public Works Clerk at 613-258-9569 ext. 133 or email cfequet@northgrenville.on.ca. The closing date is October 16 at 4:00pm. 2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15. Please contact the Fire Hall at 258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.
The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-4424 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-2438 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-2438 ext. 6 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Part-time Custodian The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes from interested and qualified candidates for the position of Part-time Custodian. The position consists of approximately 20 hours per week, typically from 5am – 9am. Must be available to work weekends. $15.06/hour. First Aid/CPR & WHMIS is considered an asset. Your resume outlining your custodial experience and references must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday October 9th, 2015 to: Christa Stewart, EA/HR Coordinator Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44, Box 130, Kemptville ON K0G 1J0 Telephone: 613-258-9569 x 155 Fax: 613-258-9620 e-mail: cstewart@northgrenville.on.ca The Municipality of North Grenville is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act will only be used for candidate selection.
The NG Times sent its own Thelma and Louise on the Heritage Car Rally. North Grenville somehow survived. September 30, 2015
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New heritage murals unveiled rals was brought by local artists Don Munz to the municipality’s Heritage Advisory Committee in 2014, and the Municipality issued the call for tenders for the panels in June of this year. Five postcards were originally shortlisted and the public were asked to vote for the final choice through surveys and articles in the NG Times. Over 500 people cast their votes before the three images were chosen. The panels were installed last week, and the official unveiling took place on Saturday as part of Heritage Day in North Grenville. Don Munz was there to praise all those who had been involved in the project, and remarks supporting local heritage preservation and the importance of local history were made by Mayor David Gordon, Gord Brown, MP, Ken Mews, representing the North Grenville Historical Society, and Councillor Jim Bertram. Rowena Cooper, Chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee, acted as MC.
Don Munz talks about his idea for the history murals recently unveiled at Prescott Street bridge, watched by Councillor Jim Bertram Three new panels have been installed on the retaining wall on the south side of Prescott Street bridge in Kemptville as part of a initiative to rebrand downtown Kemptville as a heritage and historic centre of the commu-
nity. The three panels show views of the South Branch and of Joseph Street dating from 1907 and were developed from postcards in the collection of the North Grenville Historical Society. The images were transformed
into large format murals by staff at T.D. Graham & Associates, and were mounted on aluminum panels by Jarvis Design and Display, making this a completely local achievement. The concept for the mu-
Return to Ryan’s Well
The Ryan’s Well Foundation is keeping very busy these days. In addition to marking the 1,000th well and pledging a commitment for the next 1000 water projects, and looking forward to celebrating the provision of clean and sanitary water to one million people, the Foundation is holding the North Grenville premiere of a new documentary on October 2. Orlaith McCaul, Executive Director of the Foundation, describes the film: “We are delighted to announce that Ryan’s Well Foundation is being featured in a new documentary called “Return to Ryan’s Well”. It tells the story of Ryan and his family reSeptember 30, 2015
turning to visit the original well he raised money for in Uganda 15 years on. It was filmed and directed by an award winning director, Lalita Krishna”. The documentary is a sequel to the widely-acclaimed “Ryan’s Well”. It has already been selected to be viewed at the Planet in Focus Film Festival taking place in Toronto this Fall (October 19-25). This film festival is one of the most significant environmental festivals that takes place in North America. “Ryan’s Well” was shown at this festival in 2002. “To celebrate its release we will be doing our first screening in Kemptville, at the Urbandale Arts Centre,
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on the evening of October 2. Ryan and Deleo Ocen Moses, the Executive Director of our partner, Divine Waters Uganda, will be doing a Q&A following the viewing, with a reception to follow. If you can join us for this, we would be delighted!” O’Farrell Financial are supporting the event, as they have with so many community initiatives, and it promises to be a exciting premiere. There will be a matinee showing of the documentary for the Catholic District School board students on the afternoon of the October 2. Another local business, Grenville Mutual, sponsored Ryan’s Well’s tent at the International Ploughing Match in Finch, helping to spread the word about the Foundation throughout Eastern Ontario. To register for tickets for the showing at the Municipal Centre, go to: www.eventkingdom.com/ event/~7JVXJE/rv.ek?ee Tkn=Srdg3DYW0IPRQV .d.0NgWnxRlDNJznAR3 yNAGFUS0BOJHUNYq 4Np22kU5kNNGkVY6t OUT&initLang=en&ies=I nviteToEventEmail&iec= viewCard&iel=en&utm_
Trustees seek to update school closure policy By Mark Calder The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is updating its School Closure Policy 413 so that it aligns with recent changes to provincial guidelines. A newly revised policy, reviewed by trustees on Wednesday night, incorporates necessary changes mandated under the Ministry of Education’s new Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline, issued in March 2015. The Board is also seeking to approve a new Facility Collaboration policy to align with the Community Planning and Partnership guideline issued by the province. “These policies simply confirm the board’s responsibilities of the process to be followed for accommodation reviews and collaboration with community partners in relation to surplus space in schools,” said Phil Dawes, Superintendent of District Alignment. “I have to stress that this is not signaling initiation of another accommodation review like we had with Boundary 2020,” added Chair Jeff McMillan. "We’re just bringing our policies in line with new provincial guidelines. “That being said, we have a responsibility to demonstrate to our parents and the public that we are acting responsibly, and within our means, to ensure we optimize our resources and create effective learning environments for our students.” The draft School Closure Policy 413 outlines the steps to be taken to align with these Ministry guidelines in the event of school closure reviews, such as: · Process timelines, · The formation of Accommodation Review Committees (ARCs), · Requirements for public meetings, · Board consideration to apply a modified process in special situations where schools meet low enrolment and available space criteria. As a next step, opportunities for feedback will be provided soon through the UCDSB website, the results of which will be shared with trustees at a meeting of the Board in November 2015.
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Kemptville College update
by Deron Johnston
If you've been following the situation with Kemptville College, you may have thought that not much has been going on over the past few months. This is definitely not the case, according to Municipality of North Grenville CAO Brian CarrĂŠ. Brian notes that the previous council identified Kemptville College as their top priority, and that status hasn't changed in the eyes of the current council. According to the CAO, the municipality has been trying to be open and transparent as much as possible throughout this whole process. Brian, along with Director of Planning & Development Forbes Symon, has been working daily on the Kemptville College situation as a member of two groups. The first is a working group of eight people that also includes representatives from the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, the University of Guelph, as well as four provincial government employees who were appointed by the government. The working group's mandate is to explore what courses and programs will be offered at the college and which organization(s) will deliver them. The other group that the CAO and Mr. Symon are working with centres on the municipality itself, which will be tasked with overseeing the operations of the renewed Kemptville College. The municipality will do this through the eventual creation of a not-for-profit corporation run by a Board of Management that will report directly to the municipality. The management board will be made up of people who have proven experience in the fields in which they will have direct involvement. This past Friday was an important date for the municipality. The municipality had applied for funding from the Eastern Ontario Development Program to pay for the business case study that would outline their plans to oversee the operations of Kemptville College. The application was for $225,000, which is the estimated cost of the case study. There was believed to be only one other applicant being considered for the funding, so it was believed that there was a good chance of success. However, if the funding was not approved, the CAO was confident that there would be other funding opportunities to be explored. September 30, 2015
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The case study itself is going to have three components: An obvious financial component, a section discussing the condition of the underlying infrastructure of the college, and a component exploring the creation of a collaborative local food initiative at the college. There will probably be quite a few people who will be happy to hear about the local food portion of the plan. Three consulting firms have already been contacted to find out whether they would undertake the case study, and what it would cost. However, the municipal procurement process will be transparent and open to any firms that qualify. The municipality wants to have the assessment criteria and a Request For Proposal (RFP) ready to go out by mid to late October and they want to have the firm chosen by mid to late November. The goal for the college is to have an intake of students for the fall of 2016 in order to celebrate the centennial in 2017. The first priority for the educational part of the college is to look at the possibilities of re-establishing agricultural education, learning and training. There may also be health & wellness and economic development education as well, but agriculture is the top priority at this time. Programs could be delivered by a variety of different organizations. The working group has con-
tacted eighteen organizations and has had follow-up talks with eight of them. So far, the vast majority of conversations have been with public organizations. The Municipality of North Grenville wants to begin negotiations with the Agriculture Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), owners of the land itself, starting in November. The purpose of these negotiations is for the municipality to acquire the land and facilities of Kemptville College. Brian CarrĂŠ made sure to specify that the municipality has no plans to acquire the physical assets of Kemptville College just to then start selling them off. So, despite those rumours that certain developers already have pieces of campus land picked out, and already have their purchase contracts ready for the municipality to sign, this is simply untrue. When the CAO was asked what a resident could do to help Kemptville College become the educational and economic centrepiece of North Grenville again, his reply was to encourage people to keep asking questions about the college at Committee of the Whole meetings, keep reading to stay up to date on factual information as it becomes available and to stay positive about the future. Let's do our part and help spread the good word shall we?
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Heritage Car Rally was a colourful event
New CEO for Upper Canada District School Board
Ken Mews and Amanda Gould pose in front of David Legris’ Model T Ford at the NGHS Heritage Car Rally by David Shanahan The North Grenville Historical Society’s [NGHS] Heritage Car Rally last Saturday found a group of people driving hither and yon around North Grenville trying to find hidden clues, answer historical riddles, and looking for somewhere to have lunch. The 90-kilometre route brought the drivers and navigators through most of the municipality, some in costume, others in convertibles and electric cars. The costumes were supplied by the Kemptville Players. The Car Rally was part of Heritage Day in North Grenville, which also included the official unveiling of the historical murals at Prescott Street bridge, a walking tour of Prescott and Clothier Streets, and a display of historical information and books. The display was at the Library and was put on by the NGHS, the Kemptville BIA
and the North Grenville Public Library. The Library also had a green screen in place where people could have their photographs taken and then insert themselves, through the magic of computer software, into a selection of historical photographs. At a dinner held at the NG Curling Club on Saturday night, the participants in the Car Rally gathered for a celebratory meal, some live music, and the answers to all the clues of the day, supplied
by Rally Master, Winston Kinnaird. The winners of the specially designed trophy were the Little House on the Prairie team: Melissa Duff, Jason Duff, Hannah Duff (the 6 month old), Ryan Chisholm and Sarah Chisholm, who also received a miniature of the trophy to keep permanently, as did the teams coming second and third. The trophy itself will have a plaque added with the names of each year’s winners.
The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Sliwa as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Education and Secretary to the Board, effective November 23. Steve will lead a staff of 4,300 who serve 28,000 students with the purpose of fulfilling the board’s mission of “preparing all students for a successful life.” With 86 schools and a budget of more than $300 million, the UCDSB is an organization with an important educational mandate across eight Eastern Ontario counties. Steve has 30 years of experience in public education, with more than two decades of service to students and communities in the Upper Ottawa Valley and most recently in the Ottawa-Carleton region. His commitment to serve everyone’s child and to ensure that all students realize their potential as learners and as contributors to their local community is evident
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in his work. In 2002, Steve embarked on a secondment as a provincial supervisory officer with the Ontario Ministry of Education, where he supported provincial implementation of Aboriginal education, special education, and secondary school curriculum in school boards throughout Eastern Ontario. He returned to Renfrew County to serve as a Superintendent of Education beginning in 2004, where his responsibilities included supervising elementary and secondary schools, and administering systemwide portfolios for special education, Aboriginal education, health, safety and wellness, and early learning. In 2010, Steve was appointed as Superintendent of Instruction and Learning Technologies with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, initiating key dialogues about futureready schools and supporting operational planning to enhance technology-enabled learning in all classrooms. It was a particular privilege for Steve to support the district’s Student Leadership portfolio, which involved frequent contact with student trustees, student council presidents, and the school district’s Student Senate as they sought to add student voice to matters of immediate interest to the school district. Steve is committed to life-long learning, having completed Master's degrees in Public Administration, Curriculum Design and In-
struction, and Indigenous Studies, as well as holding principal and supervisory officer certifications. He serves as a facilitator for the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification Program with the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network. Since 1998, Steve has been an adjunct faculty member with the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, most recently as instructor with the Aboriginal Teacher’s Education Program. He currently serves as an adjunct lecturer with the pre-service Teacher Education Program at The Faculty of Education at Queen’s University, where he enjoys the unique opportunity of working with the next wave of talented professionals who will be inspiring children to learn. From his formative years as a student in Port Credit and in Peterborough and from the school experiences of his three children, Steve holds strong views about the importance of publicly funded education in realizing human potential and building strong communities. He is pleased to join the UCDSB and will bring his energy and experience to enable its dedicated staff and caring schools to fulfil the board’s mission of creating futures for students, leading and learning for all. Steve succeeds retiring Director of Education Charlotte Patterson who will conclude her duties this fall.
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Here comes that rainy day feeling again by Peter Johnson “Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, promising to protect each from the other.” (Oscar Ameringer) The Estate Mistress and I had an errand to run to Brockville this past week. As usual, we took the scenic route avoiding major bi-ways altogether. Travelling the back roads of Grenville County, we noted the proliferation of signs advertising the political aspirations of the Green, Liberal, N.D.P. and Conservative Party's candidates. Also noted were the number of people who felt it necessary to inform their neighbours how they would be voting. And, tangentially, how they too ought to vote. She and I had an epiphany. 'Now we know why we have been so cynical lately', we agreed. Greetings, harried reader. It's that time again. As you well know. It is hard to keep the negativity at bay, isn't it? There are ads attacking us on a daily basis, telling us how we should not vote. If the distribution of signs is any indication, The Blue Team will win by a large margin, the Liberals will come in second, a distant second, and both the NDP and the Green candidates will likely be wondering if sticking their necks out in this whole process was such a good idea, after all. The victorious Blue Team candidate will have to employ a small army of supporters to collect the thousand upon thousands of signs between Kemptville and Gananoque, starting on the 20th of the month. Hopefully, they will be recycled to build a couple of Habitat For Humanity homes, or maybe a hockey arena near Sparkle City. The cost of such overkill is surely being borne by the Blue Team
candidate, or his Party. It would be a reason for cynicism if the cost, all of it or some of it, was being passed on to the voters. Oh, oh...here comes that feeling again. Cynicism must be the mood of the nation. This election just might see people staying away in record numbers. More eligible voters than ever just might opt out. Most concerning, young voters in the 18 to 30 age bracket seem to feel the most hopelessness. Those of us who have been watching elections since Diefenbaker and Pearson sparred know what is going on and what it will lead to. These young Canadians do not. They must have a different reason for feeling that it is not worth their while to take the time to vote - for anyone. My youngest child sums it up as: 'At least I will not be responsible for electing this latest batch of liars and crooks.' He must have got that attitude from his mother. So where is this insipid attitude coming from? The Senate Scandal? A view that the PMO has taken over and is now bi-passing Parliament? A Prime Minister who is so controlling that free will seems to have been wrung out of every bright-eyed, newly-minted, Blue Team constituency representative that heads for Ottawa? The plight of refugees throughout Europe? A 74-cent Canadian dollar? Massive government debt? The baffle-speak of deficits versus debt? Massive youth unemployment? The continued high price of gasoline at a time of exceptionally low oil prices? The image of a little boy, fleeing the carnage in Syria, trying to make his way to a place like Canada... drowned? But in the midst of all this depressing news there is one light that peeks through the clouds of cynicism.
KEMPTVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTRE
Photography Club
A simple man came to New York City this past week. Upon his arrival, he was invited to dinner with the political elite. He chose, instead, to dine with homeless men. A man who defies convention and the conservatives from within his ultra-conservative organization. A simple man who adheres to the basic beliefs of his faith and is steadfast in his opposition to war, corruption, greed, etc. A man who constantly reminds us to be compassionate, to care for our fellow humans, to be kind, generous, honest and loving. He is a man who has seen much that would make him cynical, but refuses to be so. A man named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who is now called Francis. Our world could use a lot more Francises and a lot less of those who make war and are responsible for the children who end up face down on a beach, too soon taken from their families and their lives. Wouldn't this be so much more positive and uplifting? To have politicians who were genuinely and effectively dedicated to the belief that Canada could and should be one of the most caring, generous and compassionate countries in the world? Then to take steps to make our lives and the lives of others simply....better? Am I being naïve? Has cynicism won? Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again.
Photographer Crystal Walt As summer comes to an end we will soon say goodbye to our daily visitor and his tree frog friends for another year.
United Way 4th Annual Spaghettifest Attention all Spaghetti Lovers! On Saturday, October 3, 2015 United Way Leeds & Grenville will be hosting their fourth annual Spaghettifest dinner from 5 to 7 pm at North Grenville District High School. Enjoying it with us will be celebrity judges Mayor Gordon, Mayor Nash, OPP Inspector Bolton, Fire Chief Paul Hutt, 73s Captain Alex Row, and Award Winning Sauce Maker, Jacob Robertson. Thanks to the hard work and help of United Way and member agencies such as the Kemptville Youth Centre, North Grenville Accessible Transportation and Kemptville & District Home Support, this event is going to be one that you don’t want to miss. Similar to last year, this year’s Spaghettifest will include a pasta sauce competition, a cake raffle and a silent auction. For the Pasta Sauce Competition, professional cooks from the Leeds & Grenville area will be competing to make the ultimate pasta sauce which will be judged by local celebrities. In addition, the Cake Raffle will have a variety of delicious cakes and cupcakes made by local independent bakers and bakeries for diners to take home and enjoy. The Silent Auction is always a hit with interesting items to bid on donated from local businesses. Dinner includes salad, spaghetti with the sauce of your choice, drinks and dessert. There is also a gluten-free option again this year! Tickets are $15 per person or $40 for a family of 4 and can be purchased at Kemptville & District Home Support, Kemptville Youth Centre and from North Grenville Accessible Transportation. Local talented hockey players from the Kemptville 73’s will also be joining in on the fun and serving guests; don’t miss the opportunity to meet future NHL players. Gather with friends and family and come enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner while supporting local agencies. All proceeds raised at Spaghettifest will go to United Way Leeds and Grenville, to help support the services these agencies provide in the North Grenville area.
Employment Readiness Workshops October 2015
Mapping the journey to successful employment
Date
Events
October 1
Resume and Cover Letter, 9:30—11:-00 CSE Outreach at TR Leger Kemptville, 9:00—11:00
October 6
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30
October 7 October 8
Job Search Strategies, 1:00—2:30
October 12
CLOSED—Thanksgiving
October 13
Information and Decision Making 10:00—11:30
October 14
Interview Types, Tips and Techniques, 9:30—11:00
October 15
CSE Outreach at TR Leger Kemptville, 9:00—11:00 CSE Days! All day coffee and snacks!
October 19
TR Leger Open House @ CSE Consulting, 9:30—11:00 Learn how to get High School credits, and about the Literacy Basic Skills program
Follow CSE on:
October 20
Information and Decision Making, 1:00—2:30 CSE Outreach in Merrickville (Merrickville Health Community Centre), 9:00—12:00
Next Month’s Highlights
October 22
WHMIS, 9:00—12:00 ($30.00 + HST)
Watch for special activities November 2—6 as CSE Celebrates Canada Career week!
October 27
Information and Decision Making, 10:00—11:30
October 28
Service Canada Outreach, 9:00—3:00 (closed 12—1 for lunch)
October 29
Smart Serve, 9:00—1:00 ($30.00 + HST) CSE Outreach at TR Leger Kemptville, 9:00—11:00
CSE is pleased to announce the return of our Mapping you Journey: GPS (Goals, Plans Skills) workshop in our Prescott office in November—contact us to learn more!
September 30, 2015
Drop-in Resume Rescue Clinic, 10:00—2:00
North Grenville Employment Resource Centre 125 Prescott St Kemptville Call to register: (613) 258-6576 (800) 214-7066
October 21
2868 COUNTY ROAD 43, KEMPTVILLE, ON 613.258.7661 / KEMPTVILLEPHYSIO.COM
The Voice of North Grenville
CSE is OPEN from 9:00—12:00 on Saturday October 24th !!!
Check out our online job board at: www.cseconsulting.com Employment Ontario programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada. Les programmes Emploi Ontario sont financés en partie par le gouvernement du Canada.
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MOEX Property Maintenance Proudly serving our customers in Kemptville, Manotick, GreeCommercial Maintenance ly, and the Ottawa area since 1991, Moex offers a wide range We offer a rage of summer and winter maintenance services of landscaping and maintenance services, including interlock for commercial properties, including grass cutting, garden weedpatios & walkways, armour stone, ponds & gardens, seeding ing, litter pick-up, and snow removal. & sod; lawn mowing, yard clean-ups, aerating & dethatching; tree & hedge pruning, planting, and removal; commercial litter Residential Maintenance pick-up, and more. New this year, we are pleased to add Septic Regular maintenance of residential properties is normally done System Repairs and Installations to our list of services. on a weekly basis, dependant upon weather and conditions. We offer a range of services for the maintenance of both residential and commercial properties. We also offer services further to the general seasonal care of properties, including deliveries, overseeding, grub management, garden clean-ups, and more.
September 30, 2015
Maintenance may also be done on a biweekly basis as per customer request. Complete weekly maintenance includes mowing, trimming, and blowing off walkways etc. We will also cater to a customer's particular needs. Call us to set up a lawn maintenance program that is right for you.
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Community Events Oct 1 Oct 2
Oct. 3
Oct 3 Oct 3 Oct 24 Nov 7
CROSSWORD
Younsters of Yore, 1:30 pm, Library Program Room. Guest Speaker: Jim Prebble, Author. Alzheimer Society Dementia Education Series: Socialization and Relationships, speaker Mary Campbell, 1:30-3 pm at 215 Sanders St, Suite 101, Kemptville Home Support. Free, registration required. Call 613 345 7392 ext. 103 or toll free 1 866 576 8556. United Way Spegettifest, 5-7 pm at the North Grenville District High School. Tickets $15/person, $40/family of four available at Kemptville District Home Support, Kemptville Youth Centre and NG Accessible Transportation. 4th Annual Green Energy Doors Open Day - 9 am-4 pm - 825 Van Buren Street. Province-wide showcase of sustainable energy projects organized by Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. 4th Annual Green Energy Doors Open Day - 9 am-4 pm - 825 Van Buren Street. Province-wide showcase of sustainable energy projects organized by Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. 19th Annual Beef Dinner & Auction at Merrickville Community Centre. Social & Viewing Hour 5-6 pm, Dinner 6 pm, Live Auction 7:30 pm. For Tickets ($20) Call Rick Bowell at 613 269 3452. Kemptville Legion Craft Sale 9:30 am– 2:00 pm. Tables $15.00. Call Lorena for reservations 613-258-9065. Vendors welcome
ACROSS 1. Become narrower 6. Absent Without Leave 10. Flat float 14. An edict of the Russian tsar 15. Dad 16. Arab chieftain 17. Related to tides 18. Buttocks 19. List of options 20. Unfit 22. A Freudian stage 23. Mobile phone 24. Haughty 26. Prison 30. Beer 31. Long-haired wild ox 32. Dwarf buffalo 33. Knights 35. Bog hemp
Weekly and recurring events Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri Sat
M,W,F
The Voice of North Grenville
BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information. Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. "All levels of bridge players welcome. Come discover Duplicate Bridge. "Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed! NG Photography Club - first Wed. of every month from 7-9 pm at the Auditorium of the Municipal Centre from Sept. to June. Check our website for more information on outings and upcoming events. ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month beginning September 9th; 1:15 p.m. St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion. Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available. Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs. Everyone welcome, $5.00. Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691. North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs. of the month, 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665. 2nd and 4th Friday Every Month, 6-10 pm Twice The Fun Games (206 Prescott Street) is your host for Game Night. Bring your favourite game or borrow one from our library. All ages welcome! The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church. Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103. Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.
39. In the interval 41. Spouse 43. Mops 44. Thug 46. Bloodsucking insects 47. Ribonucleic acid 49. Crimson 50. Distinctive flair 51. Profession 54. Cook 56. Dogfish 57. Detestation 63. An 80's style of music 64. Wild hog 65. Each and all 66. Being 67. Forsaken 68. Creepy 69. Clairvoyant 70. Terminates 71. Prigs
DOWN 1. Ballet attire 2. Analogous 3. Cushions or mats 4. Brother of Jacob 5. Museum piece 6. Awful 7. A small active songbird 8. Iridescent gem 9. Recently 10. Noteworthy 11. Change 12. Last 13. Genuinely 21. Make fun of 25. Paddles 26. Barbed comments 27. Again 28. Greek letter 29. Criminal 34. Crams 36. Letters, etc. 37. Ancient Peruvian 38. Biblical garden 40. Feudal worker 42. Not over 45. Plantation 48. Fit for farming 51. Sleeveless garments 52. Divert 53. Washing machine cycle 55. Liberates 58. Godsend 59. Not odd 60. Roman emperor 61. Baby's bed 62. Visual organs
SUDOKU Easy
Medium
Hard
Solution to last week’s Crossword
Join Us for a Wildlife Photography Workshop Saturday, Oct 3, 2015
Have fun with your camera! Tony and Nina of Always an Adventure Inc. will lead a one-hour photography workshop on Saturday, October 3 at 3 pm in the Norenberg Building of the North Grenville Public Library. Following the workshop, participants will have a chance to apply theory to practice during an outdoor field shoot in Ferguson Forest Centre. This is a free event, but space is limited. Please reserve your place by emailing Todd MacDonald at macdonald.toddj@gmail.com
Solutions to last week’s Sudoku
September 30, 2015
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CLASSIFIEDS
First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca SERVICES NO TIME TO COOK? We’ll take care of it! Homemade frozen meals; lunch & family sizes, muffins, soups, dessets and more! For more information go to www.lamyriade.ca. WELLNESS THROUGH NUTRITION Coaching Carol Pillar, R.H.N. Wholesumapproach.com 613.258.7133 Stucco & Parging Services, also specializing in repointing & chinking. Free estimates. cedarrockcontracting@gmail.com 613.818.5187 SNOW REMOVAL: stairs, walkways, small driveways, roofs. Call Al 613.258.3847 or 613.295.0300 REGAL GIFTS, call or email for Christmas Catalogue 613.258.5558 gilliantrojan@ gmail.com Call Cinderella to look after your Alzhiemer or Parkinson loved one 613.859.4644 Music Instruction, guitar, banjo, ukulele, group singing and more. Your place or mine. 613.720.3531 Certified Packer can help you prepare for your move. Cinderella 613.859.4644 PIANO LESSONS for everyone. All styles, all ages. 613 324.0382 www.kemptvillemusic.com SEWING: Weddings to alterations at Stonehouse sewing. Call Sharon 613 224 3182 Rural Home Care servicesAffordable, personal, professional & experienced care for your loved one. 613.868.0356 FREE DRUM LESSON!!! Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www.drumhead.ca HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging. We do it all CALL 613.294.2416 MESS “S.O.S.!” sarahlystiuk@gmail.com Free monthly articles straight to your inbox!
Free estimates Work Guaranteed call 613 294 2416 MR & MRS CLEAN residential/ commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, 613867-2184 HOUSECLEANING- Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277 Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations 20 yrs experience Brian 613 215 0805 Property clean-up, trees/brush/yard waste, scrap metal, dump runs, anything removed. Call Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072 Complete Home Property Clean up: house cleaning, dump runs, etc. Call Al’s Clean up services 613.258.3847 613.295.0300 Rock My House music lessons in fiddle, piano, drums and more. 613 258 5656 Handyman/Contractor with years of experience. No job too big or small. Unlimited references, call for free estimate 613.791.8597 YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902 AVON. Are you looking for Avon products, call Joan- 613-2587644 FOR RENT Commercial space for rent 513-b Prescott St. All Inclusive $750/month, Available Oct. 1 613.794.3551 Old Town Kempville 10 Prescott Street Commercial retail space 690 sq. ft. available Imm. 613.295.0552 2 bdrm, 218 Prescott, quiet bldg, no smoking, incl. parking, heat, hydro and water. Sept. 1, $1250. Call 258 0849 Old Town Kemptville, 113 Prescott st. Commercial retail space, 1,878 sq. ft. avail. imm. 613.295.0552
You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248
Old Town Kemptville 28 Clothier St. Commercial retail space 650 sq. ft. avail Oct 1st 613.295.0552
NEED A NEW ROOF? GOT A LEAKY ROOF? Over 15 yrs owner/operator, subcontracting.
Renovated Ground Floor Office 1,900 sqft, 200 Sanders St. Kempt. 613.795.2389
September 30, 2015
One Bdrm Apartment, No Pets, NON SMOKING, $700 + utilities 613 220 5014 Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819 Old Town Kemptville 10 Prescott St. Commercial retail space 800 sq. ft. 613 295 0552 2 bdr upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville, 4 appliances/parking/water incl Call 613 296 5906
WANTED Senior needs old car batteries for making weights. Call 613 258 6254
FOR SALE HONEY - raw wildflower .55kg sizes, cut comb Honeyfield Farm 613.269.4233 Fresh Garlic, 4101 Cty Rd 43, 3 kms East of Hwy 416 2010 Impala, 4 door sedan, no rust, winters in Florida, PW,PD,Tilt, Phone, AM/FM/CD, new tires, sunroof, air, leather. $7,500. 613.215.0674 2011 John Deer Tractor JD 2720 Tractor, JD 46 Backhoe with 16 & 9 buckets, JD 200CX front end loader. Used only 123 hours for personal landscaping, no winters. Asking $27,500.00 or OBO. 613.215.0674 Mahogany & Glass deep cabinet in 2 sections 6’ tall 6’ wide approx 613.859.4644 Nearly new small couch, neutral colour $375 or best offer 613.258.5547 19’ Glastron runabout, OMC 200 1/0, trailer, accessories, $4,500 613.258.3260
Firewood-Mixed hardwood $100 per cord delivered. Call John at 613-227-3650
HELP WANTED
Laborer needed, for construction company Driver’s licence not required, ResiThe 4th annual Green dents of Kemptville Only Energy Doors Open Day Call 613-894-5210”Y takes place this Saturday, with the stated aim of shining the spotlight on MOVING SALE sustainable energy in Ontario. Green Energy Doors Oct. 3, 9 am-4 pm, 413A Jo- Open is a province-wide seph St., Kemptville (South showcase of individual, of VanBuren community and commercial sustainable energy projects. It is part of a yearSend in your round communications campaign organized and letters to the spearheaded by the Ontareditor to io Sustainable Energy Association. The campaign editor@ seeks to highlight, and ngtimes.ca recognize, the initiatives taken by the trailblazers who are leading the way FIREARMS for Ontario on the path to LICENSES: building a 100% clean and CFSC & CRFSC & Exsustainable energy system. ams 2shoy@xplornet.com Thousands are expected to or 613-258-6162. Steve attend the more than 150 sustainable energy sites across Ontario. On that day, Solacity is hosting a tour of their extremely energy efficient building. Once they have completed installation of 100 kW of solar panels on the roof under the FIT program they will produce over twice as much energy as they use (including heating)! Solacity Inc. is a supplier and installer of renewable energy goods, located on VanBuren Street in Kemptville. Their straw-bale office and warehouse is a 9,000 square foot building that is made to be very energy efficient.
Paugan Falls craftsman built 15’ canoe. As new. $1200 ono. Call Bill Wallace 613.258.6544 Quality Grass Horse Hay 4x5 rounds Jon 613.227.3650 Washer & Drywer matched set, fridge white, clean $110.00 pair 613.869.8759 Firewood-Hardwood cut, split and delivered, $100/cord, Min. 3 chords. Call Peter at 258-5504 or 613-913-0810
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The 4th annual Green Energy Doors Open Day on Saturday Many of the techniques used for the Solacity building can also be used on a smaller scale for private houses. The principle behind Green Energy Open Doors is that 100% Sustainable is 100% Achievable. “Last year 125 hosts and over 3,600 people took part, visiting renewable energy and conservation projects big and small,” explains Nicole Risse, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association’s Director. “Our participating hosts are showing us that we can power, heat, cool and move ourselves, while building resilient and prosperous communities and ensuring that our environment is healthy for generations to come!” Solacity will have their doors open on Saturday October 3 from 9am through 4pm, and have issued an invitation to all of North Grenville: “Come and see the building for yourself. Have a chat with us! We will be delighted to show you around and discuss the finer points of green construction”. However, they recommend that you reserve your spot: “We would love to know you are coming, so please reserve your spot online here: www. universe.com/events/tourstraw-bale-9000-sq-ftoffice-warehouse-ticketskemptville-1RFYDZ
THANK YOU
ROCK MY HOUSE Music Lessons in Fiddle, Piano, Drums and more. 613-258-5656.
St. James Anglican Church Kemptville would like to thank the following Sponsors for supporting our Steak & Corn BBQ held on Sept. 18, 2015. B & H Grocery, North Grenville Times, Hair Dynamics, The New Rideau Restaurant, The Five Star Restaurant, Brewed Awakenings, Home Hardware, The Bulk Barn, M&M Meat Shop, Remedy's Kemptville Drug Mart, Graham's Bakery and Sharpe Decisions Inc. We appreciate your support and look forward to having the 3rd Annual Steak & Corn BBQ next year! www.ngtimes.ca
Kemptville District Hospital has a new CEO The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Frank J. Vassallo as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted that Frank will be joining the organization,” said Liz Angus, Chair of the Board of Directors. “With more than two decades of experience in both private and public health service administration, he brings a demonstrated ability to lead with vision, strategy and focus.” Frank comes to KDH from a Vice President role at OntarioMD, a Torontobased subsidiary of the Ontario Medical Association that helps physicians implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) to improve the quality of patient care. Previously he served as President of healthcare consultancy Synergy Health Service Solutions Inc. of St. Catharine’s, Ontario. Vassallo’s public sector experience includes three positions with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, most recently as Director, Planning and Support for the Central South Region. Frank has a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Dalhousie University, as well as a Master’s degree in Communication Management from McMaster University and Syracuse University. “These are challenging times for healthcare in Ontario,” said Liz. “We look forward to Frank’s leadership Depuis 1968
Since 1968
The Voice of North Grenville
St. John’s United Church end another successful season of harvesting
Frank J. Vassallo new Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer on key strategic initiatives relating to patient care and KDH’s role both in the community and within the health system.” Frank will take up his duties in October. “I am excited and honoured to assume the CEO role and to be working with a great team committed to building healthier communities,” he said. “I believe a key aspect of that commitment is building strong collaborative relationships in our community and region.” Liz expressed her thanks to Michel Bilodeau, who served as Interim CEO while the KDH Board conducted an active search to fill the role vacated by former CEO Colin Goodfellow at the end of March. “We are grateful for the leadership and support Michel provided to the hospital’s dedicated and hardworking staff during this time of transi-
À votre service...pour le soin de votre avenir.
Here for you now ... Here for your future.
Above all, RTO/ERO encourages members and the general public to exercise their democratic right and VOTE!
For information about joining RTO/ERO, please visit www.rto-ero.org/join-us or call 416-962-9463 (Toronto area) 1-800-361-9888 Here for you Now... Here for your Future September 30, 2015
The North Grenville Times
tion,” she said. “We wish him well as he returns to semiretirement and are honoured that he chose KDH for his first small hospital experience.” “This is an exciting time for KDH,” she concluded. “Over the past decade our small rural hospital has transitioned into a health services hub serving the local needs of North Grenville and South Ottawa, while making a contribution to regional health issues. Our gains for patients have included building a regional orthopaedic surgery program, adding convalescent care, and growing our services for people with chronic conditions like diabetes. The Board believes that Frank will build on these achievements and help us write a new chapter of patient care as we continue our work of building healthier communities.”
submitted by Barbara Rousseau St. John’s United Church, Kemptville is pleased to announce the end of yet another successful season of harvesting and marketing for the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Just over $3,000 was raised which will go towards their work which includes providing emergency food for people who are hungry because of things like war, drought, and unfair international trade policies. We thank everyone who planted an extra row or two, provided baked goodies, made jams and pickles and of course those of you who came on a Saturday morning and bought what we had to offer. A special thank you to the quiet leader of the garden, Sue Hiltz, who has led us from spring to fall for many a year now. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Representing 72,000 retired public & private teachers, educational support staff, college & university faculty and support staff RTO/ERO is a non-partisan organization. RTO/ERO and its members believe that the two most important issues facing all Canadians, and especially seniors, are healthcare and pensions. Pensions
Healthcare RTO/ERO is seeking from the Federal Government and the provinces a commitment to a phased-in, managed approach to universal healthcare that combines prevention and remediation. This would include a campaign to encourage all Canadians to adopt healthier lifestyles, as well as a Pharmacare program that leaves the provinces responsible for the management of healthcare through an integrated, funded agreement between the provinces and the Federal Government.
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RTO/ERO believes it is imperative that our political leaders address the absence of pension plans for 75% of private sector workers who constitute the majority of the workforce. The matter of assisting Canadians to plan for their retirement, and thus to be more self-reliant in their senior years, is an opportunity to raise the quality of life of Canadians.
RTO/ERO’s Recommendations
q That the Prime Minister con-
w
vene a meeting of Premiers and Provincial Finance Ministers to work out a time frame for a phasedin universal health care program, and that such a program include a cooperative Federal-Provincial Pharmacare Program. That the Federal Government undertake an expansion of the CPP in conjunction with the Provinces and Territories to ensure that Canadians can continue to maintain a reasonable standard of living in their retirement years.
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The Voice of North Grenville
Fitness Patrol by Don Palmer
For those of us fortunate enough to have a garage, cleaning it out is one of those jobs we have to take on as we prepare for the colder weather. I don’t know about you, but over the summer my garage tends to get crammed full of all sorts of stuff that I accumulate over the warmer months. Now in my case most of that stuff is cycling-related and takes the form of bicycles, tires, spare wheels, old frames, handlebars and other assorted cycling “flotsam and jetsam”. My wife likes to remind me that the garage is for our cars and not for my bicycles. Fortunately she rarely goes into the garage in the summer, but each autumn we go through the same drill. She goes into the garage and comes out with the same comment, “I can see you have been buying more bikes again. What is the point of having so many? You can only ride one at a time!” I of course protest, using my favorite dodge. “There are no more than last year, I just brought a couple home from my office”. (This is technically the truth as I keep at least one bike in my office in Ottawa to use to commute to meetings). She then says, “Well
you better get them out of here and don’t think you are going to store them all in the basement.” Even my most crestfallen expression does not elicit a drop of compassion. I then have to figure out how I am going to stash bikes in places she likely won’t discover until I can sneak them into the garage again in the spring. Last year I decided to become more strategic and I prepared what I thought was a logical response, “Sweet-heart, all my bikes have a specific purpose! I need a mountain bike because all we have around here are crappy gravel roads; I need a cyclo-cross bike in case I decide to race along the Limerick Trail and into town to buy milk (or beer); my winter commute bike (even though I never ride outdoors in winter); a couple of road bikes for those long endurance rides during the summer (that get me out of your hair for a few hours each weekend); my vintage, French bicycle that always draws admiring glances (on the rare occasions it gets ridden); and my vintage Italian bike (because everyone must own at least one Italian bike)”. I think you can guess how well that rationale was received.
This year I have decided to develop a new, more scientific line of defense before I have to face the inevitable line of questioning. I was sure that there must exist a mathmatical formula for the number of bicycles a cyclist should, or could own and sure enough I found it! I found it on the website “Velominati”. Here is the formula related bike ownership: The correct number of bikes to own is n+1. While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from you partner. Brilliant! So wish me luck as I bring this fresh, new argument to the “great annual garage cleanup debate”. And don’t forget; Stay Happy & Stay healthy! Don Palmer is a spinning instructor & certified personal trainer. He operates the Merrickville Personal Fitness Studio and can be reached at 613258-2246, donlpalmer@hotmail.com, or www. merrickville-fitness.com
Merrickville
Personal Fitness Studio Meet new friends & ride to great music which changes each week.
Indoor Cycling / Spinning Indoor cycling ranks as one of the most effective ways to lose weight and to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Beginner to more advanced sessions each week. 60 minute classes Tuesday, Thursday evenings & Saturday mornings. * 45 minute classes on Monday & Wednesday evenings* & on Sunday morning.* Merrickville Personal Fitness Studio is located at: 205 Scotch Line Road West, Merrickville *all evening classes start at 7:00 pm *all weekend morning classes start at 9:00 am donlpalmer@hotmail.com
613.258.2246
www.merrickville-fitness.com September 30, 2015
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The Voice of North Grenville
The merits of leading a physically active lifestyle
Local Optometrist joins campaign to raise funds for Universal Eye Health
In one of modern life's contradictions, as Canadians live longer, the incidence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity are on the rise. Many of these conditions, however, are preventable. Leading a physically active lifestyle has long been linked to lower rates of disease and illness, as well as lower stress levels and a greater sense of overall well-being. Current recommendations from the World Health Organization are for adults to engage in at least 150 minutes per week of "moderate to vigorous physical activity." In Canada, however, the reality is that only about 15% of adults meet this standard. Throughout a 22-plus year career as a Paramedic, both in a 911 system and in critical care air transport, Doug Onodera has first-hand experience in dealing with the devastating effects of chronic disease and illness. "Not all of the patients I crossed paths with over the years suffered from ‘preventable' conditions, but a large percentage definitely did," he states. "Many of those patients were at the end stages of chronic disease. Although the health care system does its best, by that point in time, there is only so much that can be done."
Local optometrist Carla L. Eamon is taking part in the World Sight Day Challenge during October to help give the gift of vision to people in underserved communities around the world. Now in its 9th year, the World Sight Day Challenge is the largest annual global fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error – simply the need for an eye exam and glasses. On World Sight Day (October 8), Dr. Eamon will donate her eye exam fees to help the more than 600 million people in the world who are blind or vision impaired because they do not have access to an eye exam or glasses. The campaign is run by global charity, Optometry Giving Sight. “I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 9 years,” said Dr. Eamon. “Preventable blindness is a solvable problem and we are proud to help give better vision to those in need. Most people are surprised to learn that for as little as $5 someone living in an underserved community can be provided with an eye exam and a pair of glasses to transform their lives. Everyone can make a huge difference and we are thrilled to be contributing to universal eye health.” Participating is easy – simply make a single or monthly donation before the end of October. Members of the community are welcome to visit Dr. Eamon to make a donation. Transforming Lives: Annie and Sonia are two of 1500 children who benefited from a recent screening program in Cap Haitian, Haiti. Poor vision made it very difficult for them to see the teachers’ writing on the blackboard. They were identified as having astigmatism and were referred to the Vision Plus Clinic, part funded by Optometry Giving Sight, for a full examination and to obtain glasses. "Thank you for helping my daughters see the world," a grateful Mrs. Charles said after her 6-year-old daughter, Sonia, put on her first pair of glasses! To date, Optometry Giving Sight has disbursed more than US$10 million in funding from donors and sponsors to 72 projects in 42 countries. For more information, go to www.givingsight.org. Dr. Eamon’s is located at 212 Van Buren St. Call 613 258 7438 to schedule an appointment.
September 30, 2015
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In an effort to help others avoid such fates, Doug took over Kemptville's Vitality Fitness Training two years ago. Vitality is an independently owned and operated fitness club in "Old Town" Kemptville, whose mission is to provide a friendly, non-intimidating and social atmosphere to help people of all fitness levels find solutions to, and achieve, their health and fitness goals. "Each and every day, I never fail to be impressed with the positive impact that active lifestyles have on our clientele. Whether clients are participating in individual workouts, group classes or personal training, It's all truly inspiring to see." Many may find fitness clubs daunting and intimidating places, however. "The good news is," according to Doug, "it doesn't necessarily take a 'gym membership' to achieve a realistic and beneficial level of physical activity. The secret is to find what motivates you. A half-hour walk after dinner, kayaking, hiking or skiing through the Ferguson Forest, finding a friend or loved one to be active alongside you; whatever works for you. It's all good." "The battle against smoking is slowly being won. More and more, though, we're going to be hearing how 'Sitting is the new smoking.' We can win this fight too. You owe it to yourself and to those around you." Vitality Fitness Training is located at 24 Prescott Street, Kemptville. For more information, please go to www.VitalityFitnessTraining.com or call (613) 668-8951.
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The North Grenville Times
The Voice of North Grenville
Double-think on renewable energy in North Grenville By John Brauneisen Municipal staff and the elected members of North Grenville should be ashamed of the decision taken in rejecting the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Municipal Centre. This decision was based on a staff report that recommended that Council not proceed with the project. Earlier this year, Council approved more than a 6% increase in the municipal portion of the tax levy and then an additional 2% each year for the next 10 years. When confronted with an opportunity to diversify the municipal income stream, Council has rejected the opportunity. The provincial government, in August of 2015, formally encouraged municipalities to enter into renewable energy generation utilizing solar energy. As early as 2010, an assessment of municipally owned roof space was completed to determine which, if any, of these roofs were suitable for solar panel installation. As it turned out there were several roofs, including the Municipal Centre, were suitable. Nothing was done in response to this feasibility assessment. In January, 2015, the Municipality received a proposal to lease municipal roof space for the installation of solar panels from a company based in North Grenville - Sun Smart. Some Councilors attended a meeting at the Sun Smart building where the proposal was explained, both the benefits and risks. The response to the proposal came from the Director of Planning and Development, Forbes Symon, who said that the Municipality doesn't accept unsolicited proposals. As a result of external prompting, the Committee of the Whole agreed to receive a presenta-
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OTTAWA’S LARGEST U-PULL-IT September 30, 2015
tion from Sun Smart on August 24, and adopted a resolution to have staff prepare an administrative report with a recommendation to Council. The report was prepared and delivered to the Committee of the Whole on September 7. It is worth noting that no one from the Municipality bothered to inform Sun Smart that the report was compiled and was to be presented for the meeting. Over a 35 year period the residents of this Municipality could have seen an inflow of revenue in excess of $1.5 million dollars. There was no attempt in the staff report to council to identity other municipalities in Ontario that had already placed solar panels on suitable roofs and what their operating experience has shown. Some of staff's more serious concerns included Insurance and Risk Tolerance. If the proponent's solar panels cause a fire that results in the total loss of the Municipal Centre, then the proponent should be held liable for the loss. If a coffee maker in the food concession starts a fire that results in the total loss of the building, the same principle should apply. Safety of Fire Personnel was also a concern. In principle, this is no different than any other piece of electrical equipment, or equipment that contains a poisonous substance or hazardous chemicals in the Municipal Centre and what might happen should there be a fire in the building. The next concern was Solar Panel Installation, and here staff implied that the roof may not be able to accommodate the load imposed by the weight of the panels. They add over 100,000 pounds to the roof, or an additional roof loading of approximately 2 pounds per square foot. The building
code requires that the roof be capable of sustaining a snow load of 46 to 48 pounds per square foot. From a structural perspective, the additional loading of the roof because of 2,300 solar panels will not result in the roof collapsing. At the end of the 20 year contract with Hydro One, the solar panels and equipment would be given to the Municipality for future use. Solar panels have an operational life of 35 to 40 years. Staff are sceptical that power rate paid after 20 years could be 20 cents per kilowatt hour of energy. Do staff appreciate that the Hydro One retail consumers currently pay 20 cents per kilowatt hour at peak times during the day. The province announced in 2013 that power rates would increase by 50% over a seven year period. Saying no to solar power does not mean that Council does not support green energy initiatives in North Grenville. Council has approved a request by the Burritts Rapids Renewable Energy Association [BRREA] to form a partnership with the Municipality for the purpose of developing, operating and sharing revenue from a small hydro generation installation at the Burritts Rapids dam site. In June, 2015, the BRREA submitted an unsolicited proposal to Municipal staff. For putting its name to the project, North Grenville would be given 51% ownership and stand to receive significantly more than $2 million dollars over the 40 year FIT contract. How did municipal staff react to this proposal? On June 15, staff submitted a report recommending that the municipality accept the proposal made by the BRREA. Staff rationale for supporting this project has been that it is a community-
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based, non-profit organization, which is seeking a means to support sustainable energy projects and generate revenue to contribute to community wide projects. The report goes on to say that increasing the Municipality's level of support for this project to a partnership status has been reviewed by staff at a preliminary level and is seen to have significant merit. The staff report does not attempt to identify possible risks to the Municipality that Council would want to take into consideration.
Since June of this year, the Municipality has entered into an agreement with the BRREA and Equinox Hydro Inc to form Burritts Rapids Power Inc. The project development cost is on the order of $5 million dollars and this money is coming from Equinox Hydro. This company is a for profit company and will get its investment back in the first 20 years or less of a 40 year FIT contract. Equinox Hydro Inc is headquartered in Montreal and appears to be a subsidiary of Equinox, a Toronto property developer.
North Grenville Council and staff appear to have a very different approach when it comes to supporting renewable hydro power and not supporting renewable solar power.
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