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JANUARY 2024

Final Build a Mountain of Food totals eclipse last year’s numbers smiths falls community food bank sees record number of clients

REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Driving away hunger is what the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food strives to do in the 11 communities it serves during the six-week food campaign which wrapped up in mid-December.

Chris Craig, owner of RCL Automotive in Smiths Falls, has been the title sponsor for four years. He said he’s always astounded to see the final numbers come in – especially after the slow starts the drive has had over the years.

“The need is greater this year, by far,” he said on Jan. 8 as the final numbers were tabulated for the 2023 campaign. “There were so many concerns with the price of food escalating this year, and the greater need.”

Jim Wright said they always hope the donations will come, but they never know the final numbers until the end of December.

“We are up food, and we are up cash, which is a miracle,” Wright said.

The campaign collected $354,231.34 in cash dona-

tions this year – that’s up $68,259.32 over last year.

The event hit the two-million pounds of food mark this year, collecting 193,973 pounds, or 1,116 pounds more than last year for an overall total of 2,313,888 pounds of food. The campaign hit the $2M cash mark last year. Following this year’s count, the campaign has reached an impressive $2,042,669.79 over 17 years.

Wright and Craig agree that this has been a welloiled machine over the past 17 years, which got its humble beginnings in Perth.

“We’re just standing on the shoulders of giants,” Wright said, when referencing those who kickstarted the food drive — Hugh Colton, Ed Chouinard, and Ed Roberts.

“It’s really hard to name everyone because there are so many who make this work,” Wright said. “From the grocery store owners to the food bank managers, the hundreds of volunteers, and those who donate … there are so many people to thank.”

The Smiths Falls and District Community Food

Bank is one of the stops on this campaign trail.

Natalia Soteroff is the executive director. “It is very essential to us,” she said of the BAM food drive, as the deliveries of food and cash usually stretch out to April.

This year, they will be lucky to see the end of January – their busiest time of the year.

“Last year, by February we were already running out of essentials. Right now, I’m on Jan. 8 and I’ll be making an order this week.”

Soteroff said their “families have exploded” over the past year. Where they would see smaller families — singles, couples, seniors — they’re now seeing five to 11 people per household.

The food bank has a client list of between 800 to 1,100 per month. She said they’ll probably break 1,200 for January.

“Yes, there are a lot more clients, but there are bigger families now and that depletes us faster now,” she said.

The SFDFB spends between $5,000 to $30,000 per month. “If there is a big sale, we stock up. The aver-

Chris Craig, owner of RCL Automotive in Smiths Falls, is the lead sponsor for the Build a Mountain of Food Campaign.

He’s pictured with Jim Wright on Jan. 8 as the final numbers for the 2023 campaign are tallied. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

age really varies,” she said.

For the last fiscal year – Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 — Soteroff said they spent $188,000 on food alone.

She credits the BAM campaign for donations of nearly $150,000 this year (she counts all donations from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 as part of the BAM total) as well as other donations throughout

the year as critical to keeping the doors open.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is really good to us with a $10,000 donation last year, and $20,000 this year,” she said. “December is a huge month for us.”

As for a wish list, Soteroff said she’d take anything and everything

(non-perishable), but some of the items on her wish list include school snacks (granola bars, juice boxes, pudding), diapers and baby wipes.

“People are so good to us,” she said. “Times are tough right now, but donations are still good.

BAM continues to be absolutely incredible.”

Rural FASD Support Network reaches goal far bigger than financial target 2024 perth polar bear plunge hits $30,000 for this year’s recipient

Dave Lavery welcomes participants and spectators to the 2024 Perth Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1. More than 100 plungers took the leap into the Little Tay to support Rural FASD Support Network as $30,000 was raised during the 30th anniversary plunge. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.

REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca The Perth Polar Bear Plunge was a huge success for the Rural FASD Support Network in more ways than one.

Some $30,000 was raised by 144 participants, but for Rob More, the board chair of Rural FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Support Network, it was

about having conversations that really hit home.

More said he was “exhausted, but over the moon” with the community support as they were expected to reach their $30,000 goal.

“We are so happy with how this all came about. Yes, the money is wonderful, but it was not the primary objective here. There were 46 of us out of the group in

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attendance, with different roles and responsibilities.”

More said it was about making those community connections over the past year while promoting their organization as the recipient of the Perth Polar Bear Plunge.

“To be able to walk away and see all that community support, where Lanark County is saying, ‘We want to help you. We believe in you. We appreciate you and where you’re coming from.’ That is hope! It is a much more powerful thing for people to recognize the Rural FASD name and know who we are and what we represent.”

It’s huge, he said.

“People really and truly care and want to help. We just need to continue putting ourselves out there and be willing to be brave and share our stories.”

Plungers enjoyed a breakfast inside the PerthUpon-Tay Royal Canadian

Legion, branch 244, before braving the plunge.

Rural FASD Support Network became the recipient on Jan. 1, 2023. That’s when More and his team started promoting the event by attending events, fairs and parades in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville counties.

Funds from the plunge are earmarked to continue to build human resources in the organization, More said.

“This is going to be used to continue to maintain the capacity we have right now within our organization,” More said of this year’s plunge funds. This will support the program coordinator, and a youth-coordinator/marketing person. They also rent space at the Open Doors complex, located at 88 Cornelia St., W., Unit A1.

Rural FASD Support Network helped 268 families and as many as 600 individuals in 2023.

The polar plunge started

some great discussions this year, More noted, as they engaged in 8,500 direct conversations by attending 22 events and festivals over the past year to promote their organization and the plunge.

A study published by Canada FASD Research Network called “Towards Healthy Outcomes” identifies 12 sectors that need support for people with FASD to have a positive life outcome.

“Those things include having a doctor, being able to go to school, to have supportive family structure, employment support, and so on,” More explained.

“When someone contacts the office, we help to identify what the individual has and what they are lacking.”

Once that is identified, Rural FASD Support Network will provide the system navigation piece, More said.

“A lot of times, there is another organization that can provide that piece

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that is missing.”

More said family cohesion is a foundational piece of the puzzle.

“You can help the child, but if their parents are falling apart, they’re not accomplishing anything,” he said. “It’s an entire family approach and recognizing siblings are impacted just as much as anyone within that family unit – and that looks different for each person and what their role is.”

Provincial funding is only available, right now, for youth under the age of 18, More noted. But FASD is not something you outgrow.

“There is no adult support right now in the province,” he said, but the conversations they are having at the provincial level “are extremely good.”

For more information on Rural FASD Support Network, visit ruralfasd.ca and for more on this story and another on the Perth Polar Bear Plunge please visit hometownnews.ca. @HometownNewsLC

2

january 2024

Page Two

New year, new location for Redeemer Dance Academy

Smiths Falls - Janelle Labelle editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Redeemer Dance Academy has a new home. It can now be found in Hanley Hall Parish Centre, 30 McGill St North in Smiths Falls. Director and Instructor Leia Antunes is excited about the move. Redeemer was previously based at The Gallipeau Centre, “which was a real blessing,” Antunes says. “ they’re a great location for businesses.”

The 2022-2023 year was the academy’s biggest year of growth; they currently have over 100 registered students and offer 28 classes a week.

The high volume of students and classes required more studio space, and Hanley Hall provided that in a central location downtown.

Redeemer was founded

by Antunes’ friend Chelsea Gardiner in 2014. Antunes was alongside her from the beginning, helping her decide on the academy’s name, and being the only other dance instructor.

The name points to their shared belief in Christ the Redeemer, Antunes says, and adds that everyone is welcome to the academy, “Christians or not, we welcome everyone.”

Gardiner stepped away from running the school in 2018, and at that point Antunes assumed the directorship. It has grown over the years: from two instructors in the beginning, the dance academy now boasts five instructors and three student instructors.

“I want to be a more visible part of the community,” Antunes says. “I would love

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for Redeemer to be better known in Smiths Falls. We are a place of excellent dance training, a great place for a growing child and young teenager to express themselves in a safe environment.”

Hanley Hall is well known as a community-service hub, which Antunes is excited about.

“They provide a Wednesday packed lunch, turkey dinners, pancake breakfasts - and mostly, it is seniors putting this on. I’m so excited that the studio will bring youth and families to that space, to bring their energy and in turn learn from the community how to be a part of what the Hall has been doing for years. I’m happy to become a part of it; to be more aware of what is going on there and ultimately contribute to it.” Antunes shared that the move to Hanley Hall has enabled her to reconnect with many seniors she knew as a child.

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Fire engulfed a home in Lanark Highlands on Dec. 30 leaving a family of four, plus their dog, displaced. A fundraising campaign ensued as more than $10,000 was raised for Sarah and Chris Lynch and their two daughters.. Photo credit: Gene Richardson.

Pick up your copy at: Andress' (Smiths Falls) • Barnabe's (Perth) Mitchell's (Carleton Place) • Jonsson's (Almonte)

Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. Sarah and Chris Lynch and their daughters were displaced by fire on Dec. 30 when their home went up in flames. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs.

Photo credit: GoFundMe.

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A temporary sign hangs outside Hanley Hall. Photo credit: Courtesy of Leia Antunes.

“My family grew up attending that church and my sister’s family are currently active members of the parish,” she says, referring to St. Frances de Sales. Antunes grew up in Smiths Falls, and danced in Perth.

Her dance instructor encouraged her to try out for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet training program at age 12, and she was accepted. She studied at this program for nine years before graduating and moving back home.

Although she has extensive experience, Antunes points out that Redeemer is “not a professional dance school; we are a recreation-

al dance studio - even if you’ve never danced before; this is for you.” They choose age-appropriate and clean music and costumes, and “try to instill a sense of integrity and hardwork and discipline in a happy environment. We welcome anyone regardless of their experience level; we will find a class that they will enjoy.”

You may have noticed their temporary sign on Hanley Hall; Antunes says that will change in the near future. “Now that we’re in a more central location, we’re going through Howling Designs to have a more permanent sign on the building.”

Lanark village family displaced by fire thankful to community for donations over $10,000

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Students enjoying the first ballet class in the new studio. Photo credit: Courtesy of Leia Antunes.

A family of four, along with their dog, is grateful to be alive following a fire that razed their home in Lanark village on Dec. 30.

Chris Lynch, his fian-

cé Sarah and their young daughters escaped the flames with only the clothes on their backs.

A donation fund sprung to life for the young family, and within four days a $10,000 goal was met.

Maddy Moreau was the organizer of the fundraiser.

“In four days, a world’s difference has been made for Chris and Sarah,” she stated on her Facebook page when offering thanks to the community.

“My heart is so full. It’s amazing how a community can, and has, come together to show their support following the devastating event that has taken over their home.”

Sarah said they were appreciative and that she didn’t know how to say thank you, but she’d try. “The girls are safe, we are safe and so is the Crickey girl,” she said. “I feel so lucky and so thankful we all got out safe and

no one was hurt.”

Although the fundraising goal has been met, if anyone wants to further donate can do so directly to their joint account through e-transfer to vdub_guy95@live.ca.

FIRE CALL In an email to this publication on Jan. 3, Lanark Highland Fire Chief Gene Richardson said it looked like a total loss but that it would be up to the insurance company to determine the extent of the damage.

They are also the ones investigating the cause of the blaze, Richardson said.

The call came in at 6:13 p.m. on Dec. 30 with four stations in attendance and 40 firefighters on scene.

“Mutual aid was provided by Drummond North Elmsley Tay Valley (BBDE station) for more (fire fighters) and air cylinders,” Richardson said. “The fire was deemed out at 9:46 p.m. Fire fighters remained on scene until 2:30 a.m. Dec. 31.”

3

january 2024

community Mississippi Mills prepares for growth, prosperity in 2024

downtown almonte completion one highlight of last year REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca The completion of Downtown Almonte, the celebration of the municipality’s bicentennial, and action on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) are some of the highlights in Mississippi Mills in 2023.

We caught up with Mayor Christa Lowry to see what is on her agenda for 2024.

We asked: What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023?

1. Completion of Downtown Almonte Project BACKGROUND: After two construction seasons, the municipality cut the ribbon to officially unveil its revitalized downtown in the fall.

“The downtown revital-

ization project was one of the biggest capital projects in recent history. council and I were very pleased that not only was it completed on time, but below budget,” Lowry said.

The result is new water/ sewer infrastructure to ensure continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water, and improvements to the storm sewers and drainage systems.

2. Bicentennial BACKGROUND: Mississippi Mills marked its Bicentennial in 2023 with dozens of events taking place in each corner of the municipality all year round. The Bicentennial was a celebration, and also a display of the municipality’s character, history “and all those things that make us really proud as

a community,” Lowry said.

“One of the most meaningful aspects of our Bicentennial was the opportunities to respectfully honour and learn more about our region’s earliest inhabitants, the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation,” Lowry said.

“A special community project called ‘The Seven Gifts’ was a highlight of our Bicentennial Year, created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous People working together.”

3. Action on Intimate Partner Violence BACKGROUND: As a member of Lanark County Council, Lowry said she was so proud to be part of the first community to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in December 2022, (Recommen-

dation #1 of 86 from the June 2022 Inquest into the 2015 murders of Anastasia Kuzyk, Nathalie Warmerdam and Carol Culleton, in neighbouring Renfrew County).

To date, nearly 90 municipalities representing over 70 per cent of the population of Ontario have followed our lead, including Mississippi Mills in January 2023.”

Lowry said it was her honour to use her position as 1st Vice Chair of ROMA – the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to demand change and action on gender-based violence.

“At every opportunity last year, I have pushed for AMO to take on the issue of IPV and hold the province to account. Sometimes it works to be a mosquito in the tent.”

What’s in store in Rideau Lakes for 2024?

a roundabout, a completed fire station, and park improvements are on the agenda

Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom. Photo credit: Submitted.

REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Roundabouts, a fire station, and park improvements throughout the Township of Rideau Lakes are some of the projects the mayor said are his top priority items for 2024.

Mayor Arie Hoogenboom was reached this week to discuss his top three choices.

1. The planned upgrade to County Road 42 along with paved shoulders and a

roundabout at Highway 15.

BACKGROUND: Following over two decades of advocacy by Rideau Lakes, studies now confirm that a roundabout is the preferred option to reduce the risk at the notoriously blind and dangerous intersection.

2. The completion of the $3 million fundraising campaign for additional services to the future residents of the new 192 bed long term care facility in Athens BACKGROUND: Maple View Landings is under construction to replace the current 60-bed Maple View Lodge. When finished, the new facility will boast 192 beds. The redevelopment is also the largest capital construction project in the history of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, with a price tag of more than $80 million — with $43 million coming from the provincial government. A local fundraising goal of $3 million

was set earlier this year.

3. The completion of park improvements (pump track and pickle ball courts) at the Ron E. Holman Municipal Complex and a start on park facilities in Chaffeys Lock.

BACKGROUND: The township received grant funding to engage a qualified designer to develop concept plans for an exterior recreational space at the REHM. An outdoor recreation space is a core element of the hub along with the library and community hall.

Further, Hoogenboom is proud of the town’s leadership on extending rural broadband in partnership with WTC. “This started three years ago and was seen to leverage federal, provincial and private sector funds with a small municipal contribution of about .17 cents on the dollar to roll out better internet or in many cases no internet services. This

saw improvements to about 1,000 households which in turn increased property values and allows many more cottages to be converted to year-round residents with the ability to work from home effectively at competitive costs. The partnership just wrapped up and we will be receiving a final report from WTC soon.”

As for accomplishments in 2023, Hoogenboom’s top picks include: The finalization of the decision to build a new fire hall in the South Elmsley Ward — its design, tender and award well below estimates at $1.8 million; the completion of a new environmentally progressive zoning bylaw to complement the township’s new Official Plan, and the decision to increase the township’s mandatory septic inspection program to 300 properties per year including many island properties.

Mayor Christa Lowry. Photo credit: Submitted.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024 Here are Lowry’s top three agenda items for the new year.

1. MM2048 – planning for growth BACKGROUND: Mississippi Mills is undertaking a large project called MM2048 that involves virtually every service and department.

“We’re looking at everything from roads to childcare to water and wastewater to recreation to festivals and events to economic development to quality of life and everything in between, all at the same time,” she explained. “The project is about setting a course for our community well into the future in response to the growth we will continue to see in Mississippi Mills.”

An initial Public Information Centre was held in April 2023 with broad engagement by the community.

“Our next Public Information Centre will be held on Jan. 18, 2024 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the John Levi Community Centre in Almonte. This second PIC is an important part of the municipality’s ongoing Master Plan projects and Planning Studies. This event is joint public consultation for: the Transportation Master Plan, Water & Wastewater Master Servicing Plan, Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments relating to Bill 23, and the Private Road Study.”

2: Economic Development Strategy – planning

For Your Information with Kathy Botham

for prosperity BACKGROUND: Through strategic planning, council identified Economic Development as a key priority this term and will create an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the municipality that will set the community's economic vision and create a tangible plan for our economic future as the municipality continues to grow.

Background work and engagement with stakeholders and partners take place in 2024.

3: Housing First Project with Carebridge – including everyone as we grow BACKGROUND: Given the Housing Crisis that is being experienced across the country, Mississippi Mills approved a “Housing First” pilot project and established a Memorandum of Understanding with Carebridge Community Support to develop affordable housing at 34 Victoria St. in Almonte. Since then, council has approved funding to assist with professional services for the project and Cadho, a non-profit real estate developer, has been engaged to provide project management support.

Lowry noted that council is cautiously optimistic that funding opportunities through the CMHC, provincial government, Lanark County and other funding sources may begin to align this year “which would allow us to build these much-needed homes.”

4

january 2024

community

Smiths Falls mayor touts Hershey’s return, community food hub, housing town square opening, volunteer appreciation, and library renovations also made the list

Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow shares highlights of 2023 and what he’s looking forward to this year. Photo credit: Submitted.

Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Smiths Fall had some encouraging progress on several fronts in 2023, and we caught up with Mayor Shawn Pankow for an overview of what’s to come, while looking back on several accomplishments.

The installation of new play structures in both Victoria and Hyland-Corbett Parks, the redevelopment of Catherine Street and holding tax increases to a minimum despite inflation leading to a 10 per cent increase in the operation budget are at the top of the list, he noted.

Pankow top picks: 1. The return of Hershey’s BACKGROUND: In February, Canopy Growth Corp advised the town that they would be vacating their flagship facility at 1 Hershey Dr., would be consolidating operations across the street at 99 Lorne St. and approximately 350 people locally would be losing their jobs.

“It was a difficult day for our community and very upsetting news to know that such a large number of people would be forced out of work,” Pankow said.

“However, in between the dozen media calls that came in, I started receiving calls from parties expressing interest in the 750,000 square foot facility.”

Amidst the darkness of

the disappointing news, a sense of hope emerged that this building would not sit vacant for long, and the $300 million investment Canopy made in renovating and expanding the original Hershey factory would soon lead Smiths Falls to its next opportunity, the mayor noted.

On Aug. 17, the mayor shared that rumours circulating about Hershey’s return were true. Hershey Canada had purchased the building and would soon be back, hiring people and re-starting operations in Smiths Falls.

“It was a very exciting day hosting the press conference in our new town square and sharing Hershey chocolate bars with everyone there,” Pankow said.

“What was old, was new again and we have so much to look forward to.

2. Town Square opening BACKGROUND: The grand opening of the town square and the beautiful bandstand built in memory of, and with the financial support of community builders and philanthropists Tom and Pat Foulkes, the mayor said they were blessed to have their family in attendance to share in this special moment.

“This structure is the marquis feature in what is now one of the most attractive and appealing locations in town,” he said.

3. Volunteer appreciation “I was honoured to hand out awards to numerous people whose selfless giving makes Smiths Falls such a great community,” Pankow noted. “The most heartwarming moment of the evening came when I presented Community Ambassador Robbie Hull with the Charles Gilhully Award. Robbie is an incredible young man who doesn’t let his challenges hold him back … this Special Olympics athlete has volunteered with the Smiths Falls Junior A Bears, at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. He is an altar server at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, is a regular at YourTV and is such a role model for people living with disabilities through his continued advocacy for the Foundation for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research Canada.”

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and this initiative has now led to a commitment to provide this service to our community,” the mayor noted.

“I regularly attend the food hub’s community lunches every Monday at Hanley Hall and understand the positive impact this has on our community.”

While food may be the focus, it is the fellowship and support shared between the volunteers and those present that confirm how needed this service is, the mayor said.

“Although the frequency of meals and availability of additional services are not yet finalized, my dream is that The Falls Food Hub will bring daily meals, drop-in services and connections to a variety of health and social service-related supports on a very regular basis.”

3. Carebridge Community Support BACKGROUND: The new community housing built by Carebridge Community Sup-

port is nearing occupation.

“Before Christmas, I heard from some of our citizens who have received offers to move into this beautiful new apartment building at 44 Chambers St.,” Pankow said. “Thanks to the $500,000 donation from St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, a $3.6 million contribution from Lanark County and a commitment to monthly rent supports from the county, 28 of the 34 units will have rents-gearedto-income. This means each tenant will have deeply affordable rent and a home that meets their needs, even those with limited mobility.”

The mayor said this project could have landed anywhere in Lanark County and he is thrilled to see this new, life-changing living environment for Smiths Falls citizens thanks to the leadership and commitment from Community Carebridge Support and everyone who made this possible.

What’s on the agenda for Perth in 2024?

Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca What’s on the agenda for the Town of Perth in 2024?

We reached out to Mayor Judy Brown and discovered her list of priorities includes development, transportation, and housing.

Here are her top picks.

1. Satisfactory conclusion to the land development issue with Caivan.

BACKGROUND: Caivan is the developer that is seeking zoning and bylaw amendments in the Town of Perth to build a 940-unit subdivision that will hug the Perth Golf Course. Public outcry has been swelling in opposition to this development.

The matter has been referred to the Ontario Land Tribunal, where a case management conference was scheduled Dec. 14. A second CMC will be held Feb. 12 where a decision will be made regarding party status

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Pankow noted that “Robbie seems to have a permanent smile on his face and his perseverance and overall outlook on life should motivate all of us to face each day with hope and optimism.”

LOOKING FORWARD 1. Library renovations BACKGROUND: The long -overdue renovation to our library will lead to a completed renovated and expanded children’s library on the third floor, including complete accessibility and major improvements for a more comfortable environment and energy savings.

2. The Falls Food Hub BACKGROUND: Located in the Chambers Street Plaza, Pankow said he has been part of a group dedicated to delivering regular community meals and additional services to our citizens for the past five years.

“A partnership with The Table Community Food Centre (Perth) emerged over the past couple of years

Janica Roberts

for a community group of 190 participants. There are 25 identified participants.

Following this, a four-week hearing has been scheduled to start on Monday, Aug. 19 through Sept. 13.

Community concerns include the absence of plans for affordable housing, infrastructure, traffic management, safety measures, preservation of heritage, environmental impact, and the potential burden on community services, including childcare facilities and the local hospital.

2. Analyzing with council regarding taxes – the balance between using only taxes, reserves, or reducing services.

BACKGROUND: On Dec. 12, the town council passed its 2024 budget following extensive deliberation and consideration over multiple meetings between November and December.

“We know that significant financial pressures continue to persist for many of our community members as we approach 2024,” stated Brown in a release from the town. “We value the feedback provided by the public, the prudent and thoughtful input from town staff, and the collaborative efforts of council in delivering the 2024 budget.”

Council approved a four per cent property tax increase and six per cent water and sewer rate increase as part of the budget. For the owner of a residential property in Perth assessed at $300,000, the total annual impact of the combined rate changes will be approximately $157 per year.

3. Finding ways to provide more affordable housing within the town,

The Town of Perth has a busy agenda for 2024. When speaking with Mayor Judy Brown, she outlined the top priorities. Pictured are council members: (front, left to right, Dep. Mayor Ed McPherson, Brown; (middle) councillors Dave Bird, Isabel Anne McRae, Barry Smith; (back) Jim Boldt, and Gary Waterfield. Photo credit: Courtesy Town of Perth.

(and providing more active transportation options).

BACKGROUND: Housing options are popping up throughout the town with councillors hearing from various developers in December on nearly 200 units for eight apartments for Drummond, Wilson, and Harris streets. There are also plans for a 36-unit building on Joy Street that is being hung up on parking issues. More to come on the plans for all these developments in the coming year.

On the transportation plan, Brown helped develop a new service, Ride the LT, which is a once-aweek service for residents in the Town of Perth. She coordinated this with Lanark Transportation. “We heard loud and clear that yes, there was a need,” said Brown, who is also a member of the working group.

In a Dec. 20 media re-

lease, the town announced its plans to move forward with the Active Transportation Plan by awarding the contract to Parsons Incl, after an RFP was issued.

“Perth residents are active, and this is an opportunity for us to look at how we can build more opportunities for active transportation throughout town,” said Cathy McNally, Director of Community Services. “We’re really looking forward to working with Parsons Inc. as their team has an incredible amount of experience working with municipalities, specifically tailored to active transportation.”

Engagement with community partners will take place in early 2024, along with a public information session which will include a presentation of the Draft Pedestrian and Cycling Network.

Further details, including meeting dates, will be released as they become available.

5

january 2024

community

Health Hub, park rejuvenation and more on tap in Carleton Place for 2024

Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell talks about what is in store in the town for 2024. Photo credit: Submitted.

Carleton Place - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca What’s in store in 2024 for the Town of Carleton Place?

We touched base with Mayor Toby Randell, who said the town prides itself on providing citizens with terrific services and amenities while keeping the tax rate at or below the cost of living.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve our services and find ways to do so with as minimal an impact on our taxpayers as possible,” he told this publication on Jan. 8.

“Our staff have done a remarkable job of this in the past and I can assure you that we on council and staff will continue to do so in 2024 and beyond.”

What are some of the highlights from 2023?

1. Grand reopening of Bridge Street BACKGROUND: A new road surface, lighting, sidewalks, and trees were installed. Pedestrian crosswalks, accessibility improvements and corridor enhancements (bike racks, benches and planter boxes) also took shape.

“The resulting celebration was a terrific milestone for our community,” Randell said. “Added to the reopening of our Main Street bridge at the end of 2022 and we have a revamped downtown core, that is not only beautiful, but also more inviting and accessible than its predecessor.”

2. Tourism BACKGROUND: During its Strategic Planning session, Randell said council emphasized the want and need to invest in tourism, while giving back to the community through these same events.

“With an increase in funding and a renewed vigor coming out of the pandemic we had record numbers at all our events throughout the year,” he said, which included Roots and Revival, Summerfest, Canada Day, movie nights, Pumpkinfest, the Santa Claus parade and afterparty, and Festival of Small Halls (two events) were all grand successes,” he said.

3. Parks BACKGROUND: The town did a lot of work in its park systems in 2023. Below are some of the started and completed works last year, with some of the

leg work undertaken ending with more refurbished parks in 2024.

“Pay close attention to the multi-use pad in Carleton Junction and McLaren Diamond, both of which were collaborations between the municipality, private citizen groups and the business community,” Randell said. “These types of builds were bigger and better than if just done solely by the town and the sense of pride that comes from these collaborations can’t go unmentioned. I hope we do many more types of these partnerships in the future.”

• Train Station Park – multi-generational park including a new play structure.

• Ferrill Park – new play structure installed.

• Carambeck — new play structure installed.

• Findlay Park – new play structure installed.

• Commons Park – new play structure RFP completed, and structure ordered for spring installation.

• Hendry Farm Upgrade – new play structure RFP completed and structure ordered for spring installation • Cardel Park and Water Tower Park (NuGlobe) – levelled and seeded – Cardel received finish grading and hydro seed.

Cardel and NuGlobe design plans and public consultation in December.

• Carleton Junction – multi-use sports pad and landscaping works and installation of shade structures.

• McLaren Diamond – new infield installed.

WHAT’S UP IN 2024?

1. Parks and tennis courts BACKGROUND: Extensive parks work being completed (as mentioned above) as well as revamped tennis courts at the arena will take place this year.

The mayor said there is a study being completed on the usage and revitalization of their underused Centennial Park and beach. This is a great property with tons of potential, the mayor noted.

2. Hospital Emergency Department opening and Health Hub BACKGROUND: Although not solely municipal items, the town has had a big hand in both of the following projects.

“The opening of our new Emergency Department will be a huge deal in the late spring,” Randell said.

“We cannot say enough about the hard work of the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital and its foundation, who have spent years bringing us to this milestone.”

The construction of a new Health Hub will be taking place this year and

will bring stability to our entire region’s health needs, the mayor noted.

“There is no shortage of information on the need for family doctors in Carleton Place, Beckwith and the surrounding area and we believe this Hub will provide the insulating space that new doctors are looking for while the mere mention of its build has already attracted new family doctors to the town.”

Randell thanked the town’s doctors, developers, and municipal partners in Beckwith for collaborating to see this project through.

“One I will be proud of being involved in for the rest of my days,” he said.

3. Water Treatment and Wastewater Plant expansion BACKGROUND: Randell said the continuation of the expansion of both our Water Treatment and Wastewater Plants will be moving forward.

“These are massive undertakings that will set our community up for both current residents and future growth for the next 20 years.”

Community Housing Initiative Perth asking town council to prioritize affordable housing Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca A local group trying to tackle affordable housing in Perth is asking council to prioritize it.

In a press release, the Community Housing Initiative Perth (CHIP) said they are frustrated by a motion approved by Perth town council in December that could subject a possible site for affordable housing at 63 Halton St. in Perth to a request for proposals (RFP).

“While CHIP has asked the town to transfer the land for a nominal fee, the motion means CHIP could now be competing with private developers or other parties for the surplus land which has sat vacant for years,” the release states.

CHIP noted that the move is delaying the project that they have been working on for over a year for a 10-unit affordable housing structure on the site. “The hold-up could result in CHIP missing deadlines for funding from Lanark County and losing its ‘place in line’ to partner with Carebridge Community Support, the non-profit Affordable Housing provider that has completed similar projects in Almonte and Smiths Falls,” the release stated.

The town’s chief administrative officer, Michael Touw said the town has had several groups and individuals approach them regarding potential surplus municipal land that they could build affordable housing

units on, Carebridge being one of those groups.

“At a staff level, we have been clear from the beginning with all the groups that municipalities in Ontario are required to go through a public process to go through disposal of public land,” Touw said. “This includes having council officially declare it surplus — which they have done with this property — get a formal appraisal (which is underway now), and then offer it through a public process, like an RFP.” Touw added: “We can’t just give municipal land or assets to an individual or group on a whim. It is to ensure that any process is public, transparent, and fair. It might seem that it slows down processes like this, but it also means I can’t just give a piece of public land to my friend.”

The CAO said Lanark County is also releasing an RFP shortly offering funding for the development of affordable housing.

“Council chose to take the first step in the process in December (getting an appraisal), and then to have discussions with the county around their program so that we could potentially piggyback on that or offer something even better if someone is located in Perth,” Touw explained.

“It is incorrect to say that the town going through a transparent, public process is putting at risk county funding or that council is only interested in making

money on it. The county has assured us that this particular piece of property has no bearing on the outcome of their process. And yes Carebridge has expressed interest. But so have several other non-profits,” Touw said.

CHIP co-chair Reverend Ken Davis said that the town has a process that needs to be followed to put out a generic RFP. “The Town has not specified any parameters for this RFP, such as directing proposals for ‘not-for-profit’ or ‘rent-geared-to-income’ housing, which is so desperately needed in our town. And the RFP doesn’t come with any deadline as to when it must be written or responded to by groups like ours. Our concern is that this will represent a delay that jeopardizes both a chance to work with Carebridge in Perth and miss out on $1.5 million in potential funding from La-

nark County.”

Touw stated that council is working to ensure that everyone who might be interested in developing affordable housing there will have an opportunity to put in a proposal.

“In the RFP that will likely be released later this month, there will be criteria around affordability, number of units, etc.,” Touw said.

“To say otherwise is deliberately misleading and misinforming.”

In October, CHIP presented to town council asking the town to donate the land, waive development fees and grant a 20-year suspension of taxes as other towns have done to kickstart similar projects.

CHIP co-chair David Kroetsch asked, “When will the Town of Perth step up and support the development of truly affordable housing here?”

Draft Concept – Architect design still under consideration. Photo credit: https://chip-housing.ca.

6

january 2024

lifestyle Rachel Houlton: Animator, artist, bard — her essence is creation

Rachel Houlton at work. Photo credits: Sally Smith.

Regional - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca If you want to know who Rachel Houlton is, look at her card.

It says “Eclectic Artist”.

Watch her working, look at her art, see what’s up on her wall and listen to what she says. When you do that, it’s clear her life path has followed her art path — not only is her art eclectic, so has her life been.

She’s been drawing for four decades…and she’s only 45. So at the age of five, just after My Little Pony became a huge success in the toy market, she picked up a crayon and began to draw horses; she still does, but today she gets a bit of money for her work.

Back then, a hug and encouragement.

Her schooling took her from Mississauga to Nova Scotia and then back to Upper Canada to pursue visual arts at Cawthra Park Secondary School; there, not only did she draw, but she sang and played the clarinet, too. She says there was some pressure to get her to switch to music and drama…but she stuck with art.

She went on to Sheridan College; after some hiccups she was accepted into the art fundamentals

program and was only one of four women accepted, as well as the only woman in her class the first year.

It could have been intimidating, but as she went on “I got my own desk,” she says, with a laugh, “and got to see other women!”

Everything was changing in her chosen animation course at that time, she remembers. “We went from Bolex cameras to doing everything on computers. It was a huge transition period.”

Then to work. She applied at a number of studios intentionally not wanting to work in downtown Toronto, and was accepted at both Collideascope Digital Productions in Halifax (now closed), and Actua!

Studio in Barcelona, Spain.

She chose Halifax.

She stayed for 23 years.

Last May 2023, she moved back and lives now between Smiths Falls and Merrickville.

“I miss the ocean,” she says a bit wistfully, and her son and his family are still there. But…she’ll visit.

Also, about a year ago, she decided to focus more on fine art. So she continued with commissions in watercolour, graphite, some Christmas cards on the side, auction pieces.

And music began to creep back into her life. She was given an harmonium (similar but not the same

as an accordion) with the understanding that when she could afford to buy her own instrument, she would pass this one along to a promising player.

But she’s hanging onto it at the moment, and plays at live action role-playing events (LARP) as a singing bard. She says she’d like to continue with belly dancing and burlesque sometime (her burlesque persona is Rainbow Rita).

“It was a lot of fun,” she grins, and laughs her distinctive Rachel laugh.

Her artistic range is broad — some oil, watercolour, chalk, acrylic, graphite, Pitt pencil (which is a pastel medium), but it’s usually “acrylic and watercolour.” And she’s been working with Claycrete, a moldable material; she

adds all the natural grasses, twigs, pinecones, rosehips and acorns she picks up on her walks and designs intriguing sculptures.

“I have bins of stuff…” rolling her eyes.

She’s continuing with animation for the moment, and says, with a bit of pride, that she’s worked on three of the nine seasons of Warner Bros. Teen Titans Go. “It’s nice to see my name on the screen,” she says “but it’s their stuff, what they want.” So, she’s pulling away from that.

Like many creative people who are passionate about their work, who use colour spectacularly, who can look at something, or see a situation and immediately envision a picture or an object, who are on ‘go’ all the time — she

loathes marketing herself. And while marketing is more easily done on Facebook, her site isn’t quite finished yet, but is getting there.

“I wish I had someone behind the scenes to do that”…a bit of a sigh, here.

Back to the beginning.

At an early age, she distinctly remembers a moment when a kid saw her first production called Oliver’s Adventures.

Oliver was an alien creature “with no mouth. He gets an ice cream, looks at the camera, puts it on his head and smears it around.

“A small girl saw it —and she laughed.

“Just realizing the impact of my drawings shown at a certain speed…it was a special moment for me.

“I remember it.”

Smiths Falls Library in temporary digs Smiths falls - Sally Smith editorial@pdgmedia.ca Amanda Foster has a stack of postcards in her small make-shift office — thousands of them. They’re piled on a plastic bin and there are other plastic bins on the floor, in front of, and beside her desk. The postcards are to let Smith Falls’ residents know the library has moved.

It didn’t move far — and it’s not for long — but now it’s on the bottom floor of the newly renovated old Post Office on Russell. Before it was in the lovely old Library building on Beckwith, one of the last remaining Carnegie Library buildings in the area.

She’s a little apologetic there’s no order in her office but outside in the long hallway there are about 3000 books in orderly rows on shelves in the ‘meantime’ Library.

Foster is the Chief Executive Officer as well as the Chief Librarian at Smiths Falls Library.

And although the library

has moved, and the space is much smaller with fewer books…“we still have lots of people in.”

The old building on Beckwith is reclaiming unused space on its top floor…it’s going to be about 30 percent larger. “We’re extensively changing the children’s area,” Foster says, but admits the rest of the building is still “challenged.”

In the Russell Street building, though, “programs haven’t changed.”

Events and programs may be curtailed a bit, there could be storytime in the park this summer, maybe some off-site programs, March Break scaled down, but even though smaller, it’s not a big change. She does caution, however, if you want a space to study — “bring your headphones.”

The hours are the same — Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. Phone number is 613-283-2911.

Foster says the expecta-

Building Confidence, Discovering Potential.

Register for Kindergarten today! www.ucdsb.on.ca/register

Amanda Foster, CEO and Chief Librarian, stands in the ‘new’ Library space; she hopes to be back in the Beckwith Street site by next Christmas.

Photo credit: Sally Smith.

tion is they will be at this location for about 10 months, maybe a year, and hope to be back on Beckwith before Christmas next year…”but so much could happen,” she says, certainly able to keep up with delays but hoping there will be few.

Even through the hassle and the move Foster asks the people of Smiths Falls not to hesitate to ask if there’s something they want. Come in by the Russell Street door and “bring suggestions,” she adds, smiling.

7

january 2024

lifestyle

Food & Drink

The Travelling Sommelier Bridge Masters Brewing Company Column by Brian Preston | brianpreston@hotmail.com

Raspberry Social. Photo credit: Bridge Masters Brewing Company [facebook.com/bridgemastersbrewing].

This Fall I discovered Bridge Master’s Brewery in Perth at 29 Beckwith Street East after visiting the Perth Royal Canadian Legion across the street. There was this lovely building with a patio and tables by the old Bridge Master’s house alongside the Tay River and Canada’s oldest swing bridge.

I was greeted by Jaana, the General Manager, and met the brewmaster, Brendan Cline, working hard with the vats where you could smell the malts and brewing process going on for the next batches of brew. The brewery opened in April 2023 by owner and sommelier, Peter Blier, in what used to be the old Wampole Pharmaceutical Building, known for cod liver oil, etc., and with very handy shipping by the Tay River next door! This has turned another historical place into an added stop on the Perth Walking Tours that the town can be proud of.

Now let’s get into the beers! First, I tried their first and lightest beer, Walk Don’t Run at 4.7%abv, a German style Pils (pilsner): straw to pale in color with a malty sweetness in aroma and flavor and just the right touch of hop bitterness with Noble-type hop aroma and flavor. Brendan uses Pilsner MalZ common to German beers like Pils and IPAs known for its subtle sweetness, stable haze protein and always good in winter sippers. Other hops he uses include North American Simcoe, Citra, New Zealand Nelson and Galaxy, along with some British and Canadian malts. Each adds a different taste and textural quality to the beers. Go to their website to read the labels with the stories behind

the labels on the cans. Better yet, visit and buy them as I was quite impressed by Brendan’s mastery of the brewing arts and the variety of brews he makes.

Next up was Steamer St Louis’ Cream Ale, a smooth rendition true to a cream ale style that I like. Then it was on to Little Red Wagon Amber Ale at 5.5%abv, with a rich, malty backbone displaying complex flavours of biscuit, toffee, and hints of dark fruit that showcase the brewmaster’s skill. Lastly

I tried the Raspberry Social, a Raspberry Hibiscus Wheat beer at 4.7%abv.

If you want something unique and very pleasing as a dessert beer on its own or with dark chocolate, this is the one! There are other beers on their website so check it out.

While I was there, Brendan was making ‘Wee Heavy’ style beer he is naming ‘Kilty Pleasures,’ a Scottish peat smoked malt barley strong beer. I can hardly wait to try this one. On the horizon he will be putting out a Stout with chocolate espresso profile, and a West Coast IPA Keller beer. He has enough going on without ranging into Seasonals just yet as wants to meet his customer demand with his production capacity.

They are open 7 days a week with a restaurant menu featuring, for example, Thursday pop-up dinners where pints are $7 with a $5 munchie menu – 6 types of hot dogs by Chef Jamie Troutman of Stone Cellar. They also serve Perth’s own Top Shelf Distillery drinks and wines by Scheuermann Winery in Westport, and they have merchandise and gift items.

It is a happening place, so come out and support your local business!

Indulge your taste buds at Westport's Woodfired Café a culinary journey of smoked bbq mastery REGIONAL - Brian Preston editorial@pdgmedia.ca One of the recent eateries to open in Westport, Ontario, is The Woodfired Café, owned and operated

by Andre Desjardins who is the BBQ pit master and quite the wizard with all things smoked. I have eaten there a few times over the summer and fall, and I get pulled back to try the new specials as well as his most popular sandwiches, shaved beef brisket and Montreal smoked meat, the latter of which I had on homestyle sourdough bread with a European grainy mustard to give that sweet and tart taste to the sandwich.

But don’t stop there. I found a new favourite in The Holy Smoke Trinity Wrap – a delicious sandwich which I had on a grilled tortilla wrap (you could also choose homestyle sourdough or rye), consisting of a generous portion of smoked brisket, pork and chicken, chipo-

tle mayo and his yummy house BBQ sauce, with cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato. It was to die for with all those smoked meats and endless, juicy flavours. Each sandwich is served with a very tasty potato salad to which he adds a few specialties of his own. Desjardins says, “My goal is to appeal to as many people as possible with my smoked BBQ; not too much and not too little.”

He smokes onsite using his offset smoker which has a fire box on one end and a cooker on the other so that he can control temperature and even smoking low and slow to get a good depth of bark ring in the outer layer of the meat leaving the interior cooked but juicy and chock full of flavor. His main smoke woods are maple, apple and oak.

There is always a Soup of the Day, and when I was there, I had a bowl of Smoked ham and Bacon chowder. It had a range of veggies with the usual po-

tato cubes immersed in a creamy, multi-layered, flavourful chowder broth, and the chunks of smoked ham and bacon completed the experience.

See his website at thew o o d f i re d c a f e . w e e b l y. com for the full menu which consists of Breakfast, Sandwiches and Specialty mains, as well as numerous hot and cold coffees, lattes and teas. He also carries a selection of locally baked pastries and he does candied thick-cut bacon which is scrumptious! There are brisket hand pies and pulled pork pan pies now, which he hopes to expand. He also makes creative specialty desserts that vary, like an old fashioned butter tart with pieces of candied bacon drizzled with chocolate! He has teamed up with a local baker and is planning on expanding the baked goods. He also carries a selection of soft drinks, and in the summer, they serve ice cream

Photo credit: Brian Preston.

milkshakes. Over 90% of his breads and products are gluten free.

Desjardins has developed a number of Westport and local area regulars including me, and he does catering for BBQ events and special lunch trays.

The Woodfired Café also sells BBQ brisket and BBQ pulled pork by the pound. Their phone number is 613-273-8900.

Be sure to check the website for hours and further contact information.

Photo credit: Brian Preston.

8

january 2024

business Carleton Place's Your Independent Grocer welcomes new ownership andersons say they will focus on being ‘fresh, full and the destination’

carleton place - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca Your Independent Grocer in Carleton Place has new owners.

Mitch and Crystal Anderson said their deeply rooted commitment to prioritizing customers will set them apart, positioning them as a premier destination for grocery shopping.

In an interview with this publication on Jan. 8, Mitch said he and Crystal are looking forward to continuing the exceptional customer service that people have come to expect, and respect, at the Carleton Place location.

“This is super exciting for us,” he said.

Owning a grocery store has been a journey in the making for Mitch. He said he’s always known he wanted to be a store owner.

“This has been my end goal,” he said. “I just really wasn’t into moving my entire family (three children aged 11, 16, and 21) somewhere. My kids are happy in school finally, and we have good friends in our neighbourhood. I really didn’t have an interest in owning a store in Vancouver or Toronto. I was very picky in choosing where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do.”

It worked out for the Andersons as they look to move from Kanata to Carleton Place.

“I’ve always wanted to be in Carleton Place,” he said, “and have my own little piece of property.”

There are no big plans for YIG as the Andersons make the changeover. The name change will happen the weekend of Feb. 25. (Watch their socials for more on this front.)

“I’m not looking to make any big changes,” he said. “It’s focusing on the customers – be fresh, be full, be the destination grocery store in town.”

He said there is competition but “no one is going to beat us on customer service. That’s where we’re going to shine.”

Community relationships will continue as Mitch said they’ll “remain tight” with

“Thank you once again to our community, our team and the opportunity to be a part of something special in our hometown.”

Andress’ Your Independent Grocer has been instrumental at many local functions with financial and food support. They are well known for going above and beyond for their community.

For the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food fundraising campaign, it’s been a lifelong partnership.

“Dan this year did a oneshot donation of 10,000 pounds. They also sold well over the 1,200 bags (of prepackaged food),” co-organizer Jim Wright said. “They are going to be missed. They did so much for the Build a Mountain of Food campaign.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County also offered their thanks for a supportive relationship: “Thank you for your many years of generosity and kindness to our agency and the local children we serve. You had a very positive impact on Smiths Falls and the area and will be missed!”

Sylvie Jonsson is the new owner of the Smiths Falls YIG, who will take over physically on Feb. 24, but will be

present in both the Smiths Falls store and the Kemptville store until then, noted Carley Hess, social media manager at the Kemptville YIG. In a media release from Loblaws, it was noted that Jonsson brings over 35 years of experience in store management as co-owner at Jonsson’s YIG in Kemptville.

“Sylvie is a friendly enthusiastic co-owner with natural leadership skills which have been valuable in mentoring new team members and driving sales,” the release noted.

“Sylvie’s hard work ethic through five renovations and close community involvement has helped build a stronger business and partnerships in the area with the local food bank and multiple schools.”

In addition, Jonsson is a bilingual co-owner who has core business skills and valuable management experience in many departments. She is a Blue Culture Ambassador who supports and participates in the Go Further Women pillar.

“Sylvie is excited to become [a] YIG franchisee and is eager to connect with staff and customers in the Smiths Falls community.”

Your Independent Grocer in Smiths Falls has a new owner

Sylvie Jonnson is the new franchise owner of the Smiths Falls Independent Grocer. She is pictured with her husband, Steve Jonnson, who is the owner of the Kemptville YIG. Photo credit: Sylvie Cousineau Jonsson/Facebook.

Smiths falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca After 15 years in Smiths Falls, Dan and Wanita Andress have retired from Your Independent Grocer.

“It has been an incredible journey filled with meaningful experiences, growth and cherished memories,” they said in their farewell Facebook post on Dec. 31.

The duo credited their team’s hard work, commitment, and passion as the driving force behind their collective achievements.

“We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community members who has made our time here so rewarding,” the post stated.

the Lanark County Food Bank — The Hunger Stop, the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital, and local schools for which they do snack programs.

“We’re going to keep those relationships going,” he said.

They will also continue to support the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign, and look at ways in which to foster their relationship with the Carleton Place Jr. A Canadians.

THANKS FOR YOUR MENTORSHIP Mitch offered a huge thanks to his mentor, former store owners Jeff and Joyce Mitchell, who have recently retired.

“Jeff has got to be one of the best mentors that I ever had the pleasure of working with,” Mitch said. “Jeff has definitely taught me a lot; shown me the ins and outs of the business, and I think we’re going to be very successful because of those teachings.”

Mitch said the “customer first” mantra has been strong and steady over the years.

“If we don’t have customers, we don’t have business,” he said. “We have to strive to keep the customer happy and strive to maintain the best customer service possible. I think that is what will differentiate us from the other grocery stores in town.”

Mitch and Crystal Anderson are the new owners of the Carleton Place Your Independent Grocer. Photo credit: Mitch Anderson/Facebook.

In the meantime, there are no major renovations in store – at least not as far as he knows as that’s a corporation directive.

“We’re not going to be blowing up the store … or moving the mayonnaise to aisle 9,” he quipped. “We’re not moving anything around, so that will make everybody happy.”

IT ALL STARTED WHEN… Mitch started working night crew for Loblaws Pinecrest as a teenager in high school and moved to Roger’s YIG after graduation. He’s moved up the ranks since then, holding more senior positions at Loblaws Barrhaven, Brown’s YIG, and finally at Mitchell’s

YIG as the store manager.

Mitch applied for an opportunity to join Jeff and Joyce Mitchell as store manager at Mitchell’s YIG and continued to succeed as store manager.

Crystal started working in the bakery and deli department for her grandfather’s franchise, Roger’s YIG in Ottawa. Eventually, Crystal left the grocery business to become a sole entrepreneur as a cake decorator, where she has learned many skills as a business owner but will now be winding down the cake operations to join Mitch in focusing on the YIG franchise business.

YIG is located at 455 McNeely Ave., Carleton Place.

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