Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News May 2024

Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Red dresses swaying in the breeze are a stark reminder of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit peoples.

For Flora Mesher Riley, May 4 marked the seventh Red Dress Day that she has hosted to remember those and others – like her sister Daphne Brown, murdered by her husband more than 50 years ago.

Saturday, dozens of red dresses hung at the Smiths Falls bandstand and in surrounding trees under cerulean skies.

“When I woke up this morning, I saw the rain. My heart sank, but honestly, I said a prayer … a couple hours later, the skies opened up and the sun came out to help us,” Flora said, as she addressed a crowd of about 30 people, including the Lanark Drum Circle, Lanark County and East Region OPP members, Smiths Falls Police Service, Smiths Falls Fire Services, local politicians, family, friends and community members.

Riley is a native of Paradise River, Newfoundland and Labrador. Her family’s heritage is Inuit. She spoke of her sister’s tragedy, as well as that of Loretta Saunders, an Inuk woman who was also from NL, living in Nova Scotia at the time of her murder in 2014. She was 26 and pregnant with a little girl. That’s why children’s dresses were also hung at the bandshell, Riley said.

“The Red Dress Project is about bringing awareness about Indigenous women and girls who have died or gone missing, who have been murdered, or who we are still searching for,” Riley said.

“Jaime Black, a Metis artist from Winnipeg, created the Red Dress Project in 2010. She collected red dresses as a visual reminder of the women and girls who are no longer present. An empty garment of clothing is a marker of those who are no longer with us, Riley noted.

“We want Canadians to never forget the lost lives of all these women and girls. The red dresses swinging in the wind – each one representing a woman who is no

The Red Dress Project is about bringing awareness about Indigenous women and girls who have died or gone missing, who have been murdered, or who we are still searching for.”

- Flora Mesher Riley, organizer of the Red Dress Day ceremony

longer around to wear it. In a way, it is calling the spirits of those women and girls and allows us to use our voices to speak for them.”

The colour red was chosen to unite the spirit of the cause, Riley said, “as a chance to call them back, to bring them amongst us and to hear their voices again. Red represents their life’s blood, which has been tragically spilled.”

The Red Dress Project is part of a Canada wide movement that represents over 1,200 missing and murdered women, girls and two-spirit peoples, according to police, but Aboriginal organizations estimate the number to be over 4,000, Riley said.

Riley said each day is a reminder of how lucky she is to be a survivor of abuse, “but my sister, Daphne Mesher Brown, or Loretta Saunders, weren’t so lucky.”

Riley has been hosting the Red Dress Project at her home in Montague for the past six years. This year, though, she said she wanted to open it to a wider audience.

“I’m grateful to the Town of Smiths Falls for help with the

event,” she said. She also thanked Chris Silvermoon Cutler for her offering of a poem; police forces; politicians; her husband Michael; family; friends; and all who attended the ceremony.

Coun. Jay Brennan, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Shawn Pankow, said he was thankful to be part of such a moving and inspiring ceremony.

“I’m so happy that we have this space here now that we can accommodate things like this,” he said. “I’m happy to be here on behalf of Shawn and my council colleagues.

Brennan read the proclamation from council that the mayor had endorsed in April, concerning Red Dress Day.

Riley offered her appreciation to the Lanark Drum Circle, which shared three songs during the ceremony, and to Sgt. David Laviolette, Indigenous Policing Bureau, East Region PLT Coordinator.

Laviolette said he is a “proud member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the son of a residential school survivor.” He offered

smudging prior to the start of the ceremony, provided some alarming stats of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and two-spirit peoples.

• Between 2009 and 2021, the rate of homicide against Indigenous women was six times higher than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

• Between 2015 and 2020, Indigenous women represented five percent of the population, but 24 percent of homicide victims.

• In 2022, Indigenous women represented over 26 percent of homicide victims, at a rate 6.5

times higher than non-Indigenous women.

• Indigenous female youth are 3.1 times more likely to experience violent victimization.

• Experiences in foster care can be a risk factor; one-third of female foster children in Ontario are Indigenous.

• Between 2015 and 2020, 13 percent of Indigenous female victims of homicide were considered a missing person at the time of their death.

Continues on page 2.

Flora Riley is preparing for her seventh Red Dress Day on May 4 at the Smiths Falls bandstand. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

The Smiths Falls bandstand was the scene of the May 4 Red Dress Day ceremony.

Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Lanark Drum Circle shares songs during the Red Dress ceremony in Smiths Falls on May 4 at the bandstand. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Page Two

Strategic plan to get overhaul in Rideau Lakes Township Public input sought during implementation of new plan

Regional - Laure Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The Township of Rideau Lakes will undergo an overhaul on its strategic plan, as staff will encourage public input.

Shellee Fournier, the township’s chief administrative officer, will lead the project.

“I’ve reviewed the document that was prepared in June (2023),” she said during a regular meeting of the municipal services committee on Monday, April 22. “With my experience in preparing strategic plans, it appeared to be just a bit too narrow in focus and I’d like to see it broadened to cover a lot of areas (in) the municipality from arts and culture, environmental, and infrastructure.”

Fournier said she’d like to hold a three-hour public strategic planning session in June that would include council, staff and interested members of the public. Topics of conversation in-

clude economic prosperity, environment and infrastructure, planning and development, quality of life and recreation, community protection and governance and administration.

They would facilitate a meeting with tabletop discussions with at least one councillor per table and associated staff members by department.

Members of the public would join the table of their interest.

Key goals, objectives and strategies for each sector would be identified, followed by a presentation to the rest of the group. Initiatives would then be prioritized.

Fournier said she would then draft a corporate strategic plan document for council and public comment, review and subsequent approval.

There was $10,000 earmarked for this but it was removed from the 2024 budget with the intention of com-

pleting the work in-house.

Coun. Paula Banks suggested the Elgin Hall or Lions Club to host the event, instead of the South Elmsley Hall. She would also like to see pre-registration take place to gauge how many people they would be looking to seat, and to move the event to a larger venue if they needed to.

“I like the idea that we’re now adding the public,” she said. “In the original one, the public did not have a lot of say. And I like the expansion of the different topics, because I also agree it was too narrowly focused on what council wanted and what employees wanted.”

Coun. Jeff Banks said he thought strategic plans “are not a good idea,” as he’s been through several of them as a veteran councillor. “You change the council and the strategic plan goes out the window like we saw with the hub - it just flies out the window. It’s gone.”

He was referring to the

Portland municipal hub plans for the office, library and hall that was kiboshed by the new council following the election in 2022.

Prior to the last plan, Banks said the strategic plan focused on the hamlets of the township. “We couldn’t develop our hamlets because we didn’t have any vacant lots to increase the population. So that wasn’t even a good idea to even have that in the strategic plan.”

Another problem J. Banks had with this plan was “allowing the public to be at the meeting.”

He said he didn’t have a problem with recommendations, (sent in via email), because “we’re going to get about four or five special interest groups in here and that’s exactly how the meeting is going to go. We were elected to represent the public and we’re here for another two and a half years. I think we take their input but I don’t think we allow them at the meeting.

I don’t want the meeting to be overtaken by the public.”

Coun. Deborah Anne Hutchings suggested adding agriculture to the mix.

Coun. Joan Delaney liked having the open dialogue with the public as it gives them transparency. She’d also like to see it at the Lions Hall where there is more room to spread out.

Fournier noted, to alleviate J. Banks’ fears of it being overwhelmed by public input, that she would facilitate the event, and keep the dialogue moving along.

“Focus will be on certain questions,” Fournier said. “I’ll be going around table to table, making sure the group conversations are on track.”

Coun. Ron Pollard agreed with the new approach, saying they probably won’t have a lot of people out for it.

“We’ve never had a big crowd at anything,” he said.

Coun. Sue Dunfield requested protection for the meeting.

“Due to past history, I’m wondering if we can have some security there,” she said. Fournier said if council wishes, they could do that. Councillors approved the option to revisit the strategic plan with a meeting scheduled for June in Elgin. It will be brought back to a future council meeting for final approval.

Red Dress Day a stark reminder of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2-spirit peoples

Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Continued from page 1.

Laviolette said over the past 60 years, in the OPP jurisdiction, there have been 54 homicides involv-

ing Indigenous females with 46 being solved, and eight remaining unsolved. Of these 46 solved homicides, nine were family members, 17 were domestic, 19 were known to them, and one was unknown. Be-

tween 1956 and 2014, there are currently 48 missing Indigenous persons currently in the OPP jurisdiction –eight identifying as females and 40 as males.

An official MMIWG Team was formed in the

OPP under the Investigations and Organized Crime Command, to prepare for the National Inquiry. During the Inquiry, the OPP took a lead role in presenting evidence relating to current OPP practices and policies with respect to major case management, joint task forces and crimes such as intimate partner violence, sexual assaults, missing persons investigations and human trafficking. Many of the recommendations that were identified following OPP testimony, were adopted into the Calls for Justice. OPP attended the National Inquiry and provided testimony related to policing,

Laviolette explained.

The goals of the MMIWG Team includes:

• Enhancing organizational engagement with Indigenous people, communities, organizations, and policing partners.

• Providing learning opportunities for OPP members.

• Further developing culturally responsive service delivery that improves the frontline policing experience and leads to a safer and secure Ontario for all.

• Reporting on OPP progress.

• By responding to the Calls for Justice, and other related recommendations,

the OPP can actively work toward building trust and confidence in policing with Indigenous people and communities.

The OPP began examining the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples in OPP jurisdiction in 2010, Laviolette said.

“This led to the publication of a report on Missing and Unsolved Murdered Indigenous People in 2015.” This report is posted on OPP.ca and is available in English, French, Oneida, Cree, Mohawk, Ojibway, and Ojicree. Canada announced the launch of a National Inquiry into MMIWG on Dec. 8, 2015.

Cartoon by Patrick Labelle.

Daphne Mesher Brown was remembered by her sister Flora Mesher Riley during the Red Dress Day ceremony on May 4 in Smiths Falls. Brown was murdered over 50 years ago by her spouse, and has prompted Riley to host Red Dress events for the past seven years to honour her sister. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Loretta Loretta Saunders, an Inuk woman from Newfoundland and Labrador, was living in Nova Scotia at the time of her murder in 2014. She was 26 and pregnant with a little girl. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

The Township of Rideau Lakes will revisit its strategic plan and is encouraging public input. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Thomas Cavanagh Construction wins the bid for Portland hall and library despite budget concerns

New hall and library bid comes in at just over

Regional - Laure Weir

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The construction of the long-awaited Portland hall and library has been awarded to Thomas Cavanagh Construction for just over $2.57 million.

It was during the regular meeting of the Township of Rideau Lakes municipal services committee that councillors supported the recommendation by Steve Holmes, the township’s director of facilities and parks. Staff will also be authorized to negotiate storm water management construction with the contractor once drawings are completed.

Coun. Paula Banks asked how the scoring system worked to give the public an idea as to how staff came up with the recommendation on the winning bid on the request for proposals.

“Because you’re not recommending the lowest contractor, I thought it would be good for you to explain the philosophy behind it,” she said.

This was a system that was used for the fire station project, so Holmes said he’d

use it for this project.

Holmes explained that each of the nine bids received, Cavanagh scored the highest through a points system that examined the following metrics: team, experience, schedule, and price. The township has a $3M budget for the project, and Cavanagh’s was the second lowest bid.

“This is a contractor we have to work with for 10 to 12 months,” Holmes said.

“I want to have a good relationship,” and he said he felt this company would go to bat for them.

“The price is competitive, and the company has demonstrated experience of similar projects,” Holmes stated in his report. “These projects include the recent Beckwith municipal building, Pembroke municipal garage, and new auto dealer showroom/garage.

“The proposed project team is clearly defined, and the project manager and site supervisor bring over 35 combined years of construction experience for this project. There are several local sub-trades proposed to be used, including

Arnott Brothers, Cavanagh Concrete, Publow’s Plumbing and McNamee Heating,” Holmes noted.

Coun. Jeff Banks asked about the cost of the storm management plan and if they have to give that project to Cavanagh, “or do we negotiate with them, or do they offer it to somebody else that’s local and might be able to do that work?”

Holmes said it was “unfortunate that storm water management wasn’t included with the design. Typically, it always is and we wouldn’t be discussing it now. It would already be in there.”

Holmes said they can’t go to an outside contractor. “The contractor will be the

$2.5M

one we go with so they will have to perform the work.”

The $45,000 figure he received from Eastern Engineering, the company working on the drawings. Holmes said he was hoping to have all the figures together for council’s consideration. “We will have to negotiate with them. Sometimes you can do it up front.”

The stormwater management is part of the contingency fund, Holmes noted.

Coun. Marcia Maxwell said she couldn’t support the project as she felt it was rushed. “There are things where we are putting out a contract and we still have some unknowns,” she said.

“We’re not sure what we’re getting ourselves into.”

A summary of costs – so far – is $2,828,024, which includes the contractor’s bid, construction and design allowance at eight per cent or $182,000, Hydro fees connection allowance at $30,000 and the $45,000 for storm water management construction.

The committee voted to accept the recommendation by Holmes to award the project to Thomas Cavanagh Construction. It will come to a future council meeting for final approval.

Montague has a new councillor in Trevor Johnson Merrickville business owner appointed to the position April 23

Smiths Falls - Laure Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Trevor Johnson was appointed Montague Township’s new councillor during a special meeting of council on April 23 at Rosedale Hall.

Johnson was nominated for the appointment to the position – left vacant by Morgan Kenny, who resigned in March after being acclaimed during the 2022 election.

“I feel Trevor will bring a fresh perspective to our conversations,” said his nominator, Deputy Reeve Jeffrey Carroll. “His experience with airports and business around them … will be an asset as we look at business opportunities and viability there.”

Carroll said although he’s new to the township, Johnson has “engrained himself” to his neighbours in the community of Merrickville, where he owns a bakery.

“He’s an active volunteer in his (previous) communi-

ties, and I believe him when he says he’s going to do more in Montague,” Carroll said, as there was a lot of endorsement for Johnson, “and something I was hoping for.”

Coun. Gerald Crabtree seconded the nomination, which was unanimously supported by council.

Kenny left the position to spend more time with her young family. “I have an infant daughter who was coming with me to council meetings, and a four-year-old son at home,” she told this publication earlier this month. “I found it was a bit too much on my plate. I wanted to be home in the evenings with my kids. Those first early years are very important.”

Reeve Karen Jennings stated that the appointment will be for the remainder of this term of council, effective April 23, 2024. Johnson was also appointed to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

Johnson owns the Village

Bakery – Violets on Main, where he and his partner, Patti, have been creating delicious food since they dreamed of their vision in 1982. “We’ve combined our extensive baking experience, specialty cake decorating, event planning background, and business experience to help bring our dreams of owning our own bakery to reality,” they said on their bakery website. “We are forever grateful for the family and friends who have given us the strength to go further than we ever could have alone.”

Seven people in total put their names forward for the vacant seat. The six others included: Pat Dolan, Margaret Kubisewsky, Tom

Proposed

Top: View from Water St. and Campbell St. intersection. Bottom: View main entrance and hall from Water St. Photo credit: Screen grab. [Portland Hall and Library Project: 23-08-22 Proposed Conceptual Plans - rideaulakes.ca].

Portland Hall site. Photo credit: Google Earth.

May, Brian Gibbs, Klaas Van Der Meer and Jack Cole.

Trevor Johnson (left) takes his oath of office as a newly appointed councillor for Montague Township on April 23, 2023, at Rosedale Hall. To the right is township clerk Allison Vereyken. Photo credit: Screen grab.

community

New Chambers Street apartment building in Smiths Falls opens to tenants Geared-to-income options for Lanark County residents on wait-list

Smiths Falls - LAURIE WEIR

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

There are now nearly three dozen new homes in Smiths Falls as the Chamber Street apartment building officially opened on Thursday, May 2.

Located at 44 Chambers St. and owned and operated by Carebridge Community Support, the four-storey building features 34 homes for those who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, people with physical disabilities, older adults, and women and their children.

The project benefited from multiple funding sources, including $3.7M from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund, $2.9M from Lanark

County, $500,000 from the St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, and $10,000 from the Town of Smiths Falls. Residents began the transition to the new housing in March this year.

The building has eight units that are accessible as are all the common areas.

“Our government remains committed to ensuring fairness for every generation, by investing in more affordable housing. With this new 34-unit housing project, we will be able to provide access to affordable homes to individuals and families in Smiths Falls who need it the most,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Kanata – Carleton, on be-

half of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities during the May 2 opening.

"The official launch of 44 Chambers is a momentous occasion that underscores the power of collaboration," stated Robert Eves, CEO of Carebridge Community Support (member of Lanark Community Alliance). "Lanark County has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, not only by supporting the construction of the facility but also by actively participating in its operational success. (This) 44 Chambers stands as a testament

to the shared commitment between Carebridge and Lanark County. He highlighted the potential for transformativepartnershipsin community development.

Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow said, like communities across the country, Smiths Falls has a dire need for deeply affordable housing.

“Although the Town of Smiths Falls has enjoyed a growing population and a very high level of residential construction in recent years, the cost of these units is beyond the reach of the majority of our citizens,” Pankow said. “The project at 44 Chambers St. is a shining

example of what is possible when a multitude of partners work together with a common goal of creating beautiful, dignified homes for dozens of people who have been homeless, or are housing insecure. We all recognize that an affordable home is the foundation of anyone’s security and wellbeing and I am forever grateful to everyone, especially Carebridge Community Support, for making this dream a reality for our community.”

Lanark County council has a 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan and recognizes the need for increased access to local

affordable housing, as its goal is to increase housing stock and rent-assistance programs during that time.

Warden Steve Fournier (Drummond North Elmsley Reeve) stated, “Affordable housing continues to remain a significant crisis across the province and Lanark County, one that has ramifications for all residents but most significantly those that are most vulnerable. The heart of a thriving and prosperous community is access to housing that is safe, affordable and meets peoples’ needs. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we have been able to create 34 new homes for families in our community.”

The warden added: “The heart of a thriving and prosperous community is access to housing that is safe, affordable and meets people’s needs. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we have created 34 new homes for families in the Town of Smiths Falls. Lanark County has invested over $2.9 million in the construction of this building and has committed to funding operations for 40 years to ensure 28 of these new homes can be rent geared-to-income and help those living in some of the deepest levels of poverty.”

Perth greenlights $1 land sale for affordable housing on Halton St.

Perth - LAURIE WEIR

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Affordable housing in Perth has been earmarked for the property at 63 Halton Street, (PerthWorks), prompting only one bid.

The town’s chief administrative officer, Michael Touw, said despite the interest in the property and the affordable housing component, they received a single bid from Carebridge Community Support (CCS), with the developer being the Saumure Group of Companies (SGC)

from Smiths Falls. Representatives from both CCS and SGC were at the regular meeting of Perth council on Tuesday, April 16 as the town passed a motion to enter into an agreement with Carebridge Community Support (CCS) to sell the property for $1 with the understanding that it will be developed into affordable housing.

Robert Eaves (CCS), and Chris Saumure (SGC), were in attendance to hear some of the preliminary concerns.

The RFP included a draft proposal for a 15-unit build-

ing. CCS and SGC submitted the proposal jointly.

“When we first looked at this project it was actually 24 to 30 units,” Saumure said. “It’s more financially feasible. The more units you build, the less expensive it becomes. So, 15 was a very reasonable compromise. We will talk to the planning department and neighbours.”

Coun. Isabel Anne McRae asked what the plan was to engage residents so that everyone wins.

Eaves said that because they’re in the preliminary

stages, he can’t answer these questions about unit sizes and what they’d end up with in the end.

Community Housing Initiative Perth (CHIP) has been active in its support for affordable housing and has developed a working relationship with Carebridge Community Support.

Mayor Judy Brown said she was in favour of the motion as there is a “crying need” for affordable housing. “(Saumure Group of Companies) is a reputable builder and they know what they’re doing. This is slightly different than any other proposal for affordable housing that might come forth, in that the town is basically giving the money for the project. We have no other available land that the town owns that we may give for another project.”

The mayor noted that the issues will be addressed through the process.

Deputy Mayor Ed McPherson wanted questioned whether they would have “true consultation with the residents,” to let them have a chance to speak to the teams behind the project. He spoke of the professionalism of the Saumures.

“I’ve never met a guy who does what he says like Chris … if it was anybody else, I’d be a bit nervous about it.”

But McPherson said if they get through the process and there are a lot of concerns from the public who live near the project, “that we can stop the process. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place.”

Director of planning Joanna Bowes said development is always between a rock and a hard place. “When a good decision is made, nobody is happy – that’s what compromise is,” she said.

Having worked with the Saumure Group of Companies in the past, Bowes said Chris Saumure “does great work and has really good attention to detail. This

project is very lucky to have him on board.”

The CAO cautioned council that this project “is at the very beginning stage.” There is an entire planning process to go through yet, “so the recommendation to council is to proceed with a conditional sale of the land for the development of affordable housing. Just like any other project, this will have to go through the planning process.”

That includes designs, studies and public consultation to adhere to. The RFP process is to see if there is support for the project. By a narrow margin, council agreed to the motion.

Tammy Mulroney, St. John’s the Evangelist Anglican Church; Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow; Robert Eves, CEO, Lanark Community Alliance; Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Lanark County Warden Steve Fournier, cut the ribbon at the new housing building at 44 Chambers St. Smiths Falls on May 2. Photo credit: CMHC Media.

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow speak to the importance of affordable housing during the official opening of the apartment building at 44 Chambers St., in Smiths Falls on May 2. Photo credit: CMHC Media.

This apartment building on Chambers Street in Smiths Falls is being built by Saumure Group of Companies as an affordable housing initiative. Chris Saumure referenced this build during a council meeting in Perth, where his company has partnered with Carebridge Community Support to create a design at 63 Halton St. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Township of Rideau Lakes library launches canoe lending program

Regional - LAURIE WEIR editorial@pdgmedia.ca

You can check out tons of books across Rideau Lakes Township, but how about a canoe?

This pilot project will get paddlers onto Newboro Lake, and was approved by councillors during the Monday, April 22 meeting of the municipal services committee.

Already the township has a recreation lending program that includes the use of snowshoes, pickleball racquets and nets and various sport balls, and Frisbees. If you have a library card, you’re all set.

“Staff have come up with the idea of a Canoe Lending Program. Since 2020, in partnership with the Rideau Lakes Public Library, the township has operated and continues to expand a Recreation Lending Library,” noted Leila Stafford, recreation and volunteer coordinator with the township.

The sports’ equipment lending program has been

well received by the community, she added. There are five canoes to be loaned, all from the former day camp program and are no longer being used.

The canoe lending program will begin the long weekend in May and end on Labour Day weekend. Two canoes, along with life jackets, paddles and safety equipment would be moved from Sand Lake Park and stored at the Newboro Harbour on the community canoe rack. Staff have contacted insurance and they will allow the program to start providing the township has an agreement form with the user and conduct regular equipment checks.

The canoes would be available to be loaned out to the public during the harbour master’s hours (Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Paddles, lifejackets equipped with whistles, bail buckets and safety gear would be loaned out as well. Borrowers would be required to return the canoes by 6 p.m. of the day of loaning and would only be permitted to utilize them on Newboro Lake, Stafford explained.

Coun. Marcia Maxwell asked about the locking of the safety equipment after the harbour master has left for the day.

“The plan is to have locks that lock without a key so when you’re done using it you just lock it back up again and the harbour master can verify (equipment return)

community Perth Enrichment Program celebrates 10th anniversary

the following morning,” Stafford said. There will be take-out and return boxes.

Coun. Joan Delaney said this was a good proposal. “I was concerned about the insurance because the possibility of something happening is pretty high with a canoe.”

Given that this is a pilot project, “we’re not sure how this is going to go,” Staford said. “We’re trying to limit risk by not allowing them to portage the canoes or remove them from Newboro Lake.

Stafford added, “If this program works out well and it’s not too onerous for the harbour master and folks are able to use them respectfully, once the library in Portland has been completed – although the Big Rideau is not always the best for paddling — they would be happy to have a couple canoes at the Portland library that folks could loan out through the regular lending library as well.”

Coun. Paula Banks asked about beach toy lending for Portland.

Stafford said they have “big dreams for our recreation lending libraries.”

Maxwell asked if they could go through the locks with them.

“Just as long as they don’t stick it on their car and take it out to Sand Lake,” Stafford said.

Council supported the recommendation at committee and it will come to a council meeting for final approval.

RCAF celebrates 100 years — June marks 71 years in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The RCAF was formed April 1, 1924 and for the 100th anniversary, 20 countries joined the celebration of Canadians by lighting up 300 buildings and landmarks globally, making a Guiness World Record in a Festival of Significant Lights.

Since June 23, 1953, the Smiths Falls Air Force Association of civilians, retirees and cadet leaders have developed youth from ages 12 to 18 to learn good manners, respect for all ages, team building and sharp minds, as we offer space to store their equipment, and have a smoke-free and alco-

hol-free environment to do global peacekeeping. Why did we sell our property on Abbott Street in Smiths Falls in 2023?

The building needed many repairs and renovations (the kitchen was upstairs and the dining room, Harvard Lounge, downstairs), COVID 19 diminished the support group to 18 people. It is now at 30, and our aim is 600 members from the 80,000 people across Lanark County. We have three cooks retiring for the TGIF dinners and games and seek three new cooks. Special events, membership dues every June of $65, weekly dinners, and Dart Club tournaments

PERTH - LAURIE WEIR editorial@pdgmedia.ca

It started with a dream over 10 years ago and now they’re celebrating a decade of enriching the lives of people in Perth and surrounding communities.

The Perth Enrichment Program (PEP) Seniors’ Therapeutic Centre has been serving older adults, providing programs to help them stay at home longer. PEP has also been providing respite for their caregivers.

Established in 2014 by a local physician, Dr. Bob VanNoppen, and registered nurse Suzanne Rintoul, PEP emerged in response to the escalating needs within the Perth and Smiths Falls communities and the directives outlined in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care’s Seniors Strategy.

PEP embodies a holistic approach to care, guidance, and therapy tailored to empower older adults to maintain their well-being and independence at home for as long as possible.

It has a community-based adult day program, named to infuse a “little pep” into seniors’ lives, and is dedicated to offering support and enhancing the functionality of older adults. Operating within a secure environment, the team’s structured and comprehensive therapeutic program ensures safety and engagement.

As well, caregivers receive invaluable respite, knowing their loved ones are in capable hands while attending the day program.

from September to April provide staple revenue.

To increase our cadet size from 55, our beautiful new location is across from the high school, at Settlers Ridge Mall in Smiths Falls (Brockville Street). They meet every Wednesday evening and Sunday mornings.

On May 4, the cadets celebrated the milestone anniversary with a bake sale and barbecue. They formed a march that led guests to the open house at the new location, which was enjoyed by many families and friends. It was followed by a wine and cheese event with entertainment. The evening capped off with a spaghetti dinner.

Families come from Jasper, Perth, South Elmsley, Brockville, Almonte, Kemptville, Merrickville, and Ashton for youth activities, weddings, baby showers, graduations, retirement parties, classes, seminars, and electoral offices.

Come enjoy our high ceilings, white walls and floors for 110 guests served by a convenient kitchen and a bar, offering a choice for alcohol-free guests.

The Cadet motto, “Lest we Forget,” sustains good character. Fifteen years of train-

She told a story about Gladys, one of her clients, who inspired her to open a day program for seniors.

“Gladys would come for an appointment, and tell us she was in a hurry and wanted to be in and out as quickly as possible. She would then run to get her groceries and hurry home to her caregiving responsibilities. Despite Gladys’ rush to get home, she always took the time to tell us a good joke,” Rintoul said.

Gladys had inspired Rintoul so much that she approached Dr. VanNoppen about the plan.

His response? “That’s great – so let’s do it!”

gram such a success. VanNoppen said PEP is all about people and their caring for each other.

“And so, when I think of PEP, I tend to think of the people more than the idea or the program or the place.” He spoke of the partnership with Rintoul.

PEP celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 25 at the Perth-Upon-Tay Royal Canadian Legion.

“As we began practicing at the Isabella Street clinic we were in awe of the number of older adults in the community. We were very shocked to hear over and over again that these older adults were in fact caring for their spouses,” said Rintoul, during the evening of celebrations.

ing prepares cadets to be fighter pilots or astronauts.

At the Department of National Defense, 16,000 openings in the air force are wanted. Cadets do drills at two local airports. Donations go to uniforms, charter buses to Kingston and Trenton to ride helicopters and planes. Graduates receive a one-year membership to 15 RCAF wings across Canada!

Public support and Royal Canadian Legions are vital to cadets. Every April the Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion prepares delicious cadet dinners with pomp and ceremony of bagpipes, poems, and speeches. Legion members gather to regularly support the RCAF cadets.

Article by Lori J. Nichols, The Membership Chair, Public Relations for the RCAF, Smiths Falls.

“Bob and his wife Babs built the Elliot Street Clinic (in Perth) and very generously made a wonderful space that would be the home of the PEP - Seniors Therapeutic Centre. After many months of planning, we opened the doors in April of 2014.”

Over the past decade, the team has embarked on a journey fueled by compassion, dedication, and a shared vision of ensuring that seniors can thrive in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible, Rintoul remarked.

“As we reflect on the past 10 years, we are reminded of the countless lives we have touched, the smiles we have brought, and the challenges we have overcome together,” she said. “Our mission to provide caregiver support and empower seniors has been the reason for our driving force.”

She extended her “deepest gratitude to Dr. VanNoppen, whose tireless dedication and leadership, not only as a board member but totally happy to support however possible, have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s success. Together he and his lovely wife Babs have helped to organize fundraisers such as the Highlands Hunt, Tradesman Tournament, to the exhilarating Docs on Ice Tournament. His unwavering commitment has been an inspiration to all of us.”

Rintoul also expressed her appreciation to clients, staff, board members, volunteers, and business owners who have made the pro-

“Suzanne and I have been two people with a great idea, and I can’t even imagine how things would be different if we had not shared it and developed the administrative ability to act on our idea,” he said. “But most of all, Suzanne, thank you for your passionate care for the elderly, your love for them, your drive to see them be helped, your connection to them. That is what really matters and I can’t say thank you enough for your heart for them. I think that is where your strength comes from.”

VanNoppen shared his appreciation for Jen Perkin, board chair, who has been with the organization from the beginning, helping to navigate the twists and turns along the way. He spoke of his gratitude to Pauline Fitchett, the former executive director (a position now filled by Rintoul), and her “good heart” and “cheerfulness.” He also thanked current board members Don Rouse and Becky Bellamy for their experience and deep community connections.

VanNoppen said they wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for funding from the Ministry of Health over the years, as well as the support received from the Smiths Falls and Perth physician-led Family Health Organizations, who “have been instrumental” in the team’s success at PEP.

“I would like to thank my wife Babs for helping me so much, letting me spend so much time and money and brain space and emotion on PEP, for her courage and sense of what is important in life,” he said. “A wise person once said, ‘No person can live happily who regards themselves alone, who must turn everything to their advantage. You must live for others if you want to live for yourself’ … and you live that out.”

Perth Mayor Judy Brown and PEP’s executive director Suzanne Rintoul enjoy the 10th anniversary celebrations of PEP on April 25. Photo credit: Submitted.

The 585 Rideau Squadron took part in the RCAF 100th anniversary celebrations in Smiths Falls on Saturday, May 4 with a march in front of their new location at the Settlers Ridge Centre, Smiths Falls. It was a day of celebrations as the organization hosted an open house that included a barbecue, wine and cheese and spaghetti dinner. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

lifestyle

Silent phones, vapes out: Ontario prioritizes education & well-being

Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

In a welcomed move, Ontario's Minister of Education, the Honourable Stephen Lecce, has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle two pressing issues affecting our schools: youth vaping and cellphone distractions. This comprehensive strategy marks a pivotal moment in Ontario's educational landscape, reaffirming a commitment to provide students with an environment conducive for learning and growth.

The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. For the first time in nearly a generation, the successful negotiation with all teachers' unions has averted potential disruptions, ensuring stability in our classrooms. This achievement

speaks volumes about the collective dedication to our children's education and underscores the government's resolve to prioritize their academic journey.

Youth vaping has emerged as a growing concern, permeating school environments and threatening the health and well-being of our students. Minister Lecce's decisive action to implement a strict anti-vaping policy, coupled with immediate consequences for offenders and enhanced support systems, sends a clear message that such behaviors will not be tolerated. Moreover, the introduction of vape detectors in schools underscores a commitment to proactive enforcement and prevention.

Equally significant is the Minister's stance on cellphone usage during instructional time. Recognizing the

detrimental impact of digital distractions on learning, the new guidelines aim to restore focus and prioritize foundational skills like reading, writing, and math. By restricting cellphone use to designated times and emphasizing in-person engagement over virtual distractions, Ontario's policy aligns with best practices to optimize educational outcomes.

Critically, these measures extend beyond mere enforcement. The commitment to increased support services, training for educators, and engagement with parents underscores a holistic approach to address underlying issues driving disruptive behaviors. By fostering a collaborative environment that values accountability and partnership, Minister Lecce invites all stakehold-

ers—parents, teachers, and students—to actively contribute to positive change within our schools.

As with any transformative policy, success hinges on collective effort. Minister Lecce rightly calls upon parents to engage in open dialogues at home, reinforcing the importance of respecting school staff and adhering to the new guidelines. This partnership between home and school is essential in cultivating a culture of mutual respect and academic excellence.

In restoring common sense and refocusing on academic achievement and safety, Minister Lecce's initiative lays a solid foundation for Ontario's educational future. It heralds a new era where students can thrive without undue distractions, equipped with the skills nec-

essary to navigate an increasingly complex world.

We applaud Minister Lecce's leadership and urge all stakeholders to rally behind these pivotal

reforms. Together, let us champion the cause of education and safeguard the well-being of our children, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.

Flowers of the Field bloom year-round at Brockville flower farm

Regional - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Just outside of Brockville sits a working organic flower farm. Brenda Visser, the owner, comes from a long line of gardeners: her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in the Netherlands. Visser is a Master Gardener and has taught at St Lawrence College. She spent many years growing in rented land, and in her basement and finally took the plunge and purchased a commercial greenhouse in 2019 so she could grow year round. She now runs a working flower farm, specializing in tulips. But it grows so much more than that too. She spends as much as 8 hours a day working and says this is no longer a hobby for her. She would like to give a big shout out to Jeannette at Leeds and Grenville Small Business Centre who helped her bring her dream to life.

Her mission? People need beauty. Visser feels it’s her mission to bring beauty to a world so full of ugliness sometimes. Each year she plants 20,000 tulip bulbs in January that sell from January to April. Although her specialty is tulips she grows all kinds of lilies and other flowers to create unique bouquets and arrangements all year round. Her flowers have a longer vase life because there is no middle man, and are cut fresh from farm to vase.

Visser is very mindful of the environment. She tells me how most imported flowers are grown with chemicals, but she uses no chemicals on her flowers. She had to start from scratch on her 9 acres, so she knows how to develop her soils naturally. She says

it takes about 3 summers to rebuild a good soil. She is also concerned with growers who are not paid a proper living wage. This is why she loves having a local farm. She loves supporting local volunteer groups with her flowers as well as weddings, funerals

and custom orders.

Visser says she loves her life and is more of a grower than a designer. She does have some students that help her manage it all. She says she has lots of room to grow, and would like another greenhouse, and more leased land for future expansion. She wants to open more markets as time goes on. You can find her flowers available at the Brockville and Ottawa Farmers Markets. Visit her website at www.flowersofthefield.ca to learn about open farm days.

Article by Rita Davidson

Photo credit: Submitted.

Food & Drink

The Travelling Sommelier

LCBO Production & Distribution

Column by Brian Preston | The Travelling Sommelier | brianpreston@hotmail.com

Have you noticed in the past few years that LCBO has gradually been reducing the number of stores that receive Vintages products and the increase in the online offering to order these products and have them sent to your local LCBO retail store for pick-up? While some will say that this is fine, I can see that my choices for getting a product at my rural store when I want it are being dramatically reduced while major cities are well stocked every month in their many LCBO stores. We used to get a larger selection of Vintages products at many rural locations where you could drive around a short distance and pick them up. Not anymore! Here is the e-correspondence I sent on this topic, and the reply I received from LCBO in Toronto.

“Customer (Brian Preston) (January 2024)

Hello, I am The Travelling Sommelier, in the busi-

ness in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for over 20 years. I have noticed a trend in the last couple of years that Vintages Release products are increasingly narrower in their distribution. Major cities like Toronto including towns in the GTA are always well served, Ottawa somewhat less now when I only see a couple of stores listed. In the January 6, 2024 Release, I see Kemptville and only the main store in Kingston (King/Barrack) with any wines from this release which has been the most restrictive to date! I reside in Portland (near Smiths Falls), and of the 12 wines I wanted to purchase for myself and wine shows that I conduct in the region, there are no wines available anywhere except Kingston and Kemptville! That excludes virtually all of your rural LCBO stores catering only to major centres. Has LCBO policy shifted to sup-

ply only major cities and a few hubs in other parts of the province? If so, what was the rationale in making this policy shift decision?

Vintages Release program response (Benjamin, LCBO Customer Care Advisor)

I can confirm that the products from this past Saturday's release were distributed to stores in the eastern region of the province, including several outside the Kingston and Ottawa region. It is possible that they may not have been received yet when you checked last week.

I'm not aware of any recent shift in policy to limit regional distribution of Vintages products. The store allocations are largely determined by capacity and sales volume, which means that the majority of stores with full assortments of the New Release products tend to be in larger municipalities, though there are many stores in smaller towns or cities that receive some or all of the release collections. In addition, significant inventory of every Vintages Release is directed to the warehouse that supports our e-commerce platform in order to provide full access to the Vintages portfolio to customers throughout the province, either for delivery to their local stores or to their homes.”

So, if share the view that I

do that we are poorly served in rural locations across Ontario by the Ontario government’s liquor monopoly corporation, please send LCBO a line or two so they get the message that rural LCBO stores and customers are being discrim-

culture

inated against for the sake of cities and their customers that have many LCBO outlets nearby that are well stocked every month.

Let’s look at this another way using Canadian red wines priced at $19 to $25 at LCBO. In Smiths Falls, there are currently 102 wines in this category and only 29 are available here! This points to another problem we have in Ontario, and that is how our wine producers are not getting the shelf space that foreign wines do. But that is a topic for another day.

Third annual Indigenous Cultural Fair returns to Carleton Place

Carleton Place - Submitted editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The third annual Indigenous Cultural Fair will take place in Carleton Place on May 11 from 10am to 3pm. Admission to the event is free. The organizers extend a warm welcome to everyone and emphasize that spending time at the fair is a valuable way to show appreciation. This community-led event raises funds for Art for Aid, an organization run by Indigenous artist Colleen Gray in Lanark County. Art for Aid collects and ships art supplies and supports winter outdoor learning programs in remote First Nations communities across Northern Canada. Art supplies can be expensive and difficult to obtain in many of these communities, and the organization believes art is both healing and cul-

turally significant. Donations of art supplies, such as googly eyes, ribbon, pipe cleaners, watercolour paint, and paint brushes, will be collected for direct distribution to Indigenous schools, along with monetary donations to cover shipping costs.

Zion-Memorial United Church will once again host the cultural fair from 10am to 3pm. Activities will also be held at the Carleton Place Public Library and in the town park behind the library. Indigenous artists and artisans will sell their unique handmade wares in the church hall. There will be a wide variety of dream catchers, jewellery, books, paintings, cards, and beadwork, at various price points. The fair is taking place on the day before Mother’s Day, so attendees are encouraged to consid-

er purchasing unique gifts from the artisans.

From 10am to 12pm, the Fair will feature free, authentic Indigenous children’s games grounded in traditional and contemporary cultures. These include Inuit leg wrestling, axe throwing, pick-up sticks, Anishinaabemowin language-based word searches, and rock painting. The organizers are seeking Indigenous youth and young adults to volunteer as game station leaders. No prior experience is necessary, and interested volunteers can contact Lisa at lisaannegarrett@ gmail.com. Volunteer opportunities are also available for non-Indigenous people.

The library will host a reading session with Indigenous authors Judi Merle and Karole Dumont at 1pm. After the readings, there will be time for ques-

tions and book sales.

In the trees beside the church, there will be a red dress display to honour murdered and missing Indigenous relatives, along with information about the Moosehide Campaign to end gender-based violence. Legacy of Hope will also be present to highlight their work with residential school survivors and education.

Two group art classes led by Indigenous artist Naomi Blondin are planned for the Fair. Pre-registration and a fee are required to cover workshop materials. Details can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

The Fair will feature drumming by the Lanark Drum Circle. Attendees are welcome to bring their own drums or simply come to listen and participate vocally. The songs are described as sacred prayers and a powerful form of healing.

American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the drumming session. More details will be posted on the Facebook event page.

The organizers look forward to seeing everyone on May 11 and encourage attendees to keep an open heart and listen. They conclude with a greeting in Anishinaabemowin: Gide’ aabijitoon bizindaman.

Photo credit: Submitted.

Customer service remains strong as BMO celebrates 150 years in Smiths Falls Bank has been ‘a safe depository for surplus cash’ over the years

Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

In April 1874 the BMO branch opened its doors in Smiths Falls for the first time, and 150 years later, it’s still a mainstay in the town’s downtown core.

On Tuesday, April 23, staff gathered to celebrate the milestone with cake and coffee and some reminiscing.

Smiths Falls Coun. Steve

Robinson was on hand to show the town’s support with a certificate of congratulations.

“On behalf of the mayor and council we’d like to congratulate the Bank of Montreal on 150 years of service to our community,” he said.

Branch manager Charles Leitch said he’s proud of his team at the Smiths Falls branch, and has been in Smiths Falls for just under a year.

Tara Tedford has been a customer service representative for 35 years (June 1) and she’s seen a lot of changes.

“I came before there were bank machines and there was a staff of 20-some people. But the biggest change has been the automation.”

People still want to be face-to-face with a customer service rep, she said.

Julie Sehl is the regional vice president, who was also on hand for the celebration.

She’s been with BMO for about 20 years.

“I’ve been in the industry for a lot of years and have seen a lot of changes – a lot of them are really good,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of people moving more to digital platforms which makes it easier

for them to bank from home and they don’t have to come in. It’s very different even from when I was growing up. You had to go to the bank.”

Sehl said it’s been a really nice shift. “We are definitely focused on advice and guidance – really truly, how do we help out clients. How do we make real financial progress, is our guideline. That’s important to me and it’s important to my staff because we want to make sure we’re helping our customers.”

Sehl said she was “very excited” to be part of the 150th celebrations.

Old newspaper clippings depicting milestone anniversaries, and some equipment used in the past were on display.

IN THE BEGINNING

The Bank of Montreal opened in Smiths Falls at a time when the community was still a small village of a few hundred people – eight years before the incorporation of the Town of Smiths Falls. It was the first bank to be opened in town.

According to an article in the Record News, April 23, 1942, when the branch was celebrating 60 years, it stated that “through the years, the

bank has proved a safe depository for surplus cash and a readily available source of credit for sound purposes.”

Some of the earlier branch managers (prior to 1964) included: A. L. Thomas, who was succeeded by R. Frasher in 1877; A.P. Tregent from 1879 to 1884, followed by F. A. Bethune, 1884 to 1903.

Subsequent managers were listed as H. B. Wilson, 1903-25; G. C. Dewar, 1925288; B. N. Sylvester, 192834; G. C. Chubb, 1934040; L. R. Coles, 1940-50; H. C. Constable, 1950-54, and R. L. Fisher, 1954-57.

W. Ronald Richardson was manager from 1957 to 1964. His successor was Henry J. Anderson, who came from Finch.

In its heyday in Smiths Falls, the local branch

had about 25 people employed. Now, they have six staff members.

Of note, it was in the 1970s that the BMO coined the phrase, “Let’s Talk.” It was an invitation to customers to discuss the bank’s products and services – mortgages, loans, travel services, and more. The campaign reflected the bank’s customer-centric philosophy and its focus on finding new ways to address the needs, wants, and goals of Bank of Montreal customers. The radio advertising campaign featured the voice of Leslie Nielsen, a popular actor and comedian of the day.

Other notable slogans were “Doing more for you,” in 1985; “We’re paying attention,” in 1992, and “It is possible,’ two years later.

BMO Smiths Falls celebrates 150 years in business. The bank has been at the same location in town all these decades, opening in April 1874. Staff enjoyed cake and coffee on Monday, April 22. They include: (left to right) Tara Tedford, CSR; Cheryl Stevenson, personal banker; Charles Leitch, branch manager; Jenny Lackey, CSR; Judy Chapesky, financial planner, and Julie Sehl, regional vice president. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

Coun. Steve Robinson presents a certificate as the Town of Smiths Falls’ BMO branch staff celebrate 150 years of service. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.