Total EMC Distribution 474,000
Happy Canada Day R0012183596/0627
Connected to Your Community
2004 CHEV AVEO LS Sedan Manual, 104,250kms, power windows
$
3,995
Have a safe and fun long weekend. We will be closed Sat., June 29th.
R0012162352_0620
Only
710 Barnes Street, Kemptville 613-258-9955
WWW.FINDAHUGEDEAL.COM Tax and license fee extra
Proudly serving North Grenville, Merrickville-Wolford and surrounding area June 27, 2013 | 72 pages
www.insideottawavalley.com
Highway 15 North, Smiths Falls 613-283-1880 www.rallyhonda.com
Inside NEWS
Community Living North Grenville celebrates the past and plans for the future. Page K12
CANADA DAY Photo by JENNIFER WESTENDORP
Clothier Street gets the full treatment Construction is in full swing on the sewage and water for Clothier Street, downtown Kemptville, which is causing havoc for local businesses. Find out what is happening on Canada Day all around North Grenville. Page K17-K18
Local businesses significantly affected by construction By JENNIFER WESTENDORP jwestendorp@perfprint.ca
COMMUNITY
Don Mercer looks back at four years of bringing food science to the table in a way that everyone can enjoy . Page K23
EMC News – The downtown business sector is suffering. Construction on the sewage and water for Clothier St. has left a big hole in local proprietor’s wallets. “It has definitely cut down on business and traffic,” said Michael Rowland, owner of Rowland’s Leather. He said it would help if people chose to still go out to the shops in that area, despite the inconveniences relative to parking and walking. “We’re a pretty established business,” said Rowland. “We’ve been around for 40 years and we’ll be around for years to come. I’m worried about the smaller, newer businesses and wonder whether they will be able to ride out the storm.”
Rowland’s Leather is fortunate to have another location in Merrickville, which will ensure the continuation of revenue. The Kemptville store is turning lemons into lemonade by focusing on the production end of business and making use of their customer-free time. “We’re almost to the point where people are not coming in,” said assistant Gina Race. “We have had days where no one came in at all.” Rowland confirmed sales are down by 50 per cent. “That’s the half with the profit in it,” said Rowland. Despite the loss of business, Rowland is pleased that the sewers are being replaced. He is eagerly awaiting the end result, which will benefit everyone in the area. Debbie and Rick Graham also
own a business on Clothier St., Graham’s Bakery, which is a landmark business in the community. They supply fresh bread to various local establishments, including O’Heaphys Pub, which has likewise been affected by the construction. “It impacts us twice because the construction affects us and our customers, who then buy less bread,” said Debbie. Debbie and Rick explained the situation has proven difficult, but they are bearing it. Debbie even made her own signs and posted them to direct people how to get around the construction to the bakery. They stated business was down 30 per cent due to the construction. “A lot of our customers are seniors and they get confused as to where to go,” said Debbie. “They find it difficult to walk the long
distances around the construction.” Their deliveries have also been affected, prompting a few drivers to give up and park a couple blocks away at the former Giant Tiger parking lot. “I had to drive over with my truck and pick up the stuff myself,” said Rick. However, Rick worked in construction for years and understands that when you’re replacing sewers from a decades-old infrastructure unexpected issues will arise. “These guys are doing the best they can,” said Rick. Patti Lindsay, who owns 416 Tire and O’Heaphys Pub, feels the construction has definitely impacted people’s decision to come downtown. “A lot is going on at once,” said Lindsay. “A lot of people are
coming into 416 Tire complaining about the inconvenience of all the detours.” Lindsay said the signage could be improved upon to direct people a little better. Parking in the area has become a premium, which has affected the parking lot for 416 Tire as well. According to Lindsay, O’Heaphys pub has suffered a noticeable drop in business, resulting in employee’s hours being cut back. “It’s patio season,” said Lindsay. “No one wants to sit outside and listen to construction.” Lindsay said she realizes the construction is necessary, but wishes the municipality had chosen a less optimum time for businesses, such as early spring or late fall. See CONSTRUCTION K10
REALTOR OF THE WEEK
Connections Realty Inc.
®
(Brokerage)
Barbara Reade
A Division of Hinton Auto Connection Ltd.
Cell 613-812-0542
barbarareade@cogeco.net www.rcrhomes.ca 613-283-4900 Proudly Independently Owned and Operated in
R0012175357_0627
Sales Representative
HAPPY CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND!
2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SLT
4x4 Fully loaded incl., leather, pwr., sunroof, auto, only 94,000 kms
SALE $14,995 $
00
109. Bi-weekly
($0 down, 16 months O.A.C.)
www.hintondodge.ca
Serving Perth for over 18 years
1 mile East of Perth on Hwy 7, 613-267-2300
www.callanmotors.com Highway 7, Perth 1-888-592-3317
Happy Canada Day! CLOSED SATURDAY AND MONDAY Visit us online at
famousforfairness.ca
6," /ÊUÊ 1 ÊUÊ ÊUÊ Ê / °
199 Lombard St, Smiths Falls 1-613-283-3882