Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News October 2025
SMITHS FALLS - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A proposal from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 to paint two commemorative crosswalks and rename part of Confederation Drive as Veterans Way received enthusiastic support from Smiths Falls council during its Oct. 6 meeting.
Legion member Ken Manwell presented the project as a way to honour veterans year-round, not only on Remembrance Day. He was joined by legion president Bruce Irvine, Smiths Falls Police Chief Jodi Empey, and several other Legion members.
The crosswalks will feature a stylized maple leaf, a symbol that honours all who have served Canada.
Legion Command has issued national guidelines for the design, advising that no poppies or red side bands appear
so it will not resemble the Canadian flag, Manwell noted in his report to council.
Public Works has offered to supply the paint and labour, and local firm Howling Design quoted about $650 plus tax to create the reusable stencil. Manwell said the total project cost is roughly $1,800, including materials and labour.
Two crosswalk streets will be at Beckwith and Main and another at Market and Main, chosen because they bracket the downtown legion hall.
Council members voiced unanimous support. Mayor Shawn Pankow said the crosswalk design is “very respectful” and “a clear statement that this community values its veterans.”
Coun. Peter McKenna, a former member of the Armed Forces, said he was proud to endorse the
request, calling it “a beautiful addition that will enhance the look and spirit of our downtown.”
Staff will coordinate materials and timing with the Legion to complete the painting before Remembrance Day, weather permitting.
Veterans Way
The Legion also proposed renaming the short stretch of Confederation Drive between Beckwith Street North and the new walking bridge as Veterans Way. The site hosts the town’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
Town CAO Malcolm Morris said the renaming will require public notice and coordination with Canada Post and affected residents, but added that staff are supportive and will bring a formal recommendation back to council.
He noted that the crosswalks should be finished in time for this year’s service, while the street renaming will take additional time to complete.
CARLETON PLACE - Heddy Sorour editorial@pdgmedia.ca
When students at Arklan Community Public School laced up for this year’s Terry Fox Run, they weren’t just running for a cause, they were running for family.
Inspired by their vice-principal’s daughter, who is courageously battling the same cancer that claimed Terry Fox’s life, the school community united to raise an incredible $20,485 in her honour, far surpassing their original goal of $12,500.
“This is such amazing community spirit,” said Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell. “Teaching
Manwell added that the legion has contributed more than $75,000 this year to local organizations through fundraising efforts.
Annual Poppy Campaign Branch 95’s annual Poppy Campaign runs Oct. 31 to Nov. 10. Wreaths and crosses for Remembrance Day ceremonies can be ordered by calling 613-283-2101, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m.
and 2 p.m. Those wishing to support the campaign may also call to volunteer during this time, or sign up at the legion. Funds raised through the campaign support veterans and their families year-round.
the kids the value of community goes to show what can be accomplished when people come together.”
The entire school rallied for weeks to meet the goal. They sold T-shirts, ice-cream sandwiches and grilled cheese, accepted online donations, even got creative with side hustles. Some students made and sold bracelets and crocheted pumpkins. One determined Grade 5 student, nine-year-old Maverick Matthews, took to yard work.
“I raked leaves around my neighbourhood, and I made $150,” he said proudly.
“I had kids come and empty their piggy banks,” said
vice-principal Sarah Rudge. Rudge’s daughter, Sam, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the same cancer Terry Fox had, on Sept. 11, 2023, at the age of 16.
Her journey has been anything but easy. When her first chemotherapy treatment didn’t go well, her surgery was moved up. In November 2023, Sam underwent a 13-hour procedure that involved a full knee replacement and partial replacement of her femur and tibia. Doctors were able to save her leg.
“It’s been pretty hard. We used to play together, but since they got sick, not so much. I miss them,” said 14-year-old Piper Rudge,
Sam’s youngest sister. Four months and many hours of physiotherapy later, Sam re-learned how to walk and began a fourmonth course of chemotherapy. By May 2024, it looked as though the cancer had retreated.
In September, Sam visited Arklan with her mother to speak to students about her diagnosis and treatment experience.
“I wanted them to inspire the children to raise money for the Terry Fox Run,” said Rudge. “The kids were great and asked Sam a lot of questions about the experience.”
Continues on page 2
The Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion has received enthusiastic support to install two painted crosswalks at each end of Main Street in front of the legion hall to commemorate its veterans. Royal Canadian Legion photo.
Arklan Community Public School vice-principal Sarah Rudge inspired students to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation by sharing her family’s journey with osteosarcoma. Rudge gets a hug from her two younger daughters, Zoey and Piper, minutes before they dunked her. Heddy Sorour photo.
Page Two
Lower Reach Park, Smiths Falls
Montague's new Public Works and Fire Complex opens at nearly $1M under budget
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The Township of Montague officially opened its new Public Works and Fire Complex on Sept. 20 under
clear skies, ahead of schedule and under budget.
Located at 6547 Roger Stevens Drive, the $7.4-million facility replaces the township’s aging public works garage, which was
Carleton Place’s Arklan School rallies behind VP’s daughter, raises over $20,000 in Terry Fox Run
CARLETON PLACE - HEDDY SOROUR
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Continued from page 1
That year, students raised $11,470, earning Arklan the Ted Kennedy Award in early 2025 for raising the most money of any school in the Upper Canada District School Board.
But around the same time the award was announced, Sam received devastating news: the cancer had returned, this time in her lungs. Still, it was the students’ determination that gave her strength.
“They’re so young, and they really care,” said 17-yearold Zoey Rudge, Sam’s sister.
“My school only raised $300, and Sam went there.”
In May of this year, Sam had a lung resection and initially seemed to be recovering. But just weeks later, she had trouble breathing and collapsed. She was rushed, unconscious, into emergency surgery in Ottawa to remove a mass on her lung.
After several weeks at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospital, Sam recovered enough to return home. However, she had developed leukemia and now requires weekly blood transfusions, regular scans and ongoing hospital visits. Still, she continues to fight.
This year, Sarah Rudge said she never expected the school would nearly double its previous total. “I figured we could beat our total from last year. I never imagined we’d get to $20,000.”
When the final total was announced, the students’ joy was explosive.
The school had promised that if the goal was surpassed, students could dunk or pie a teacher or local dignitary. Top fundraisers Shaye and Sullivan McNulty, who together brought in $1,600, were the first to step up, gleefully dunking UCDSB superintendent Casey Nelson and the mayor.
demolished in 2024. Construction began later that year and was substantially complete by mid-September 2025, nearly a month earlier than planned.
The new complex features three drive-through bays for the fire department and four double-depth bays for public works, along with offices, a training room, change rooms, a decontamination area, accessible washrooms and a staff lunchroom. A 30,000-litre cistern provides water for firefighting operations, and the building’s energy-efficient propane systems offer both in-floor and forced-air heat.
Reeve Karen Jennings thanked township staff, council and the construction team for their work in bringing the long-planned project to completion.
“This new building is more than just a structure. It is a symbol of our community’s commitment to safety and an investment in our future,” Jennings said.
Clerk Administrator Allison Vereyken also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project, noting it had been in development through
several terms of council.
Vereyken said Argue Construction completed the project nearly $984,000 under budget, saving ratepayers money through careful planning and efficient execution.
Some of the rock excavated from the site was crushed and reused to build the base for an accessible walking trail at Montague’s 22 Acre Park on Rosedale Road South.
While the new building will house both departments, the township’s administrative staff remain at the municipal office, where exterior renovations including new siding, soffit, fascia and eavestroughs are underway.
“This project is a great example of teamwork and forward planning,” Jennings said. “We are proud to call Montague Mighty Montague.”
The public gathered on the sunny Saturday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the new facility and a barbecue lunch hosted by the Rapid Response Team, which received a $1,000 donation from the township in appreciation of its service.
Layout/Design: Tara McNeil
SMITHS FALLS - Laurie Weir
Montague Township photo.
Submitted by reader, Julie Chaput-Pepper.
Nearly 400 children, aged five to 11 from Arklan Community Public School, took part in their annual Terry Fox run. They raised more than $20,400, blowing past their previous record of more than $11,000 and way past their $12,500 goal. UCDSB photo.
Sullivan McNulty and his sister Shaye were the top fundraisers at Arklan Community Public School, contributing $1,600 to the incredible $20,485 raised. As a prize for his efforts, Sullivan, with help from Sarah Rudge, poured ice-cold water over Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell. Heddy Sorour photo.
Montague Township hosted a ribbon cutting on Sept. 20 to officially open its new Public Works and Fire Complex. Don McConnell cuts the ribbon. Laurie Weir photo.
Rideau Lakes council crisis deepens as province is asked to step in
REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Rideau Lakes Township council is facing its most serious governance crisis in decades after a volatile October meeting spiralled into chaos, triggering a police call, a staff walkout and a request for the entire council to be dissolved.
The Oct. 6 council meeting collapsed midway through the agenda after nearly two hours of heated debate over seven Integrity Commissioner (IC) reports; four involving Mayor Arie Hoogenboom and three tied to councillors Marcia Maxwell and Ron Pollard, and former councillor Joan Delaney.
The session opened with council voting to move the IC items to the top of the agenda so Coun. Jeff Banks could leave early. The tone quickly deteriorated. Voices were raised, motions amended, and accusations of bullying and retaliation filled the chamber.
Deputy Mayor Deborah Hutchings chaired the discussion on the mayor’s cases, which included breaches of confidentiality and an “inappropriate” remark about her fragrance sensitivity.
“I accept that my joke was inappropriate,” Hoogenboom said. “I made a personal apology and I’m prepared to accept the penalty that’s recommended.”
Council rejected the IC’s three-day suspension and voted instead to dock the mayor 90 days’ pay.
Other reports found the mayor had improperly discussed a confidential investigation and misrepresented provincial support for his veto powers. Councillors debated removing him from his seats on County Council but learned through the CAO that wasn’t possible. Heads of council are rep-
resentatives on County Council, Shellee Fournier told members.
When discussion moved to reports against Maxwell and Pollard, tempers flared again. Maxwell’s penalty was raised from seven to 90 days’ pay. Pollard called the entire process “nothing short of a disgrace.”
As tensions rose, a Ken Maxwell (Coun. Maxwell’s husband) in the gallery shouted, “You people are a disgrace!” before leaving. Later, resident Wendy Alford, resident and member of the Rideau Lakes watchdog group, also stormed out, saying she’d had enough.
Fournier ended the meeting moments later, unplugged her laptop and declared that the meeting was adjourned, citing a toxic work environment.
Hutchings called 911 as the mayor told her to hang up. Police confirmed they responded to the phone call, but did not attend the office. No charges were laid.
Public outrage and political fallout
In the days that followed, residents voiced anger and embarrassment. Alford said the sanctions were “vindictive” and aimed at punishing the mayor for vetoing a controversial building retrofit. “It’s time the province looks at this council and steps in,” she said.
Ken Maxwell said, “Evil triumphs when good people say nothing. They weren’t letting up on the mayor. It was crazy.”
Online reaction described the meeting as “a circus” and “a total meltdown,” though some defended the majority’s actions, saying accountability was necessary.
Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark said he contacted the Min-
istry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to request assistance “in restoring proper governance.” He said the public outcry should serve as a warning about the toll of dysfunction on staff morale and the township’s reputation.
On Oct. 9, the township announced all future meetings would move online after staff exercised their right to refuse work under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
A day later, Hoogenboom went further, publicly asking the province to dissolve council and call an immediate election.
When contacted by this newspaper in early October, a spokesperson at the ministry’s office said there would be an announcement coming soon. A week later, and we still have not heard from them.
When council reconvened virtually Oct. 14, Coun. Dustin Bulloch urged members to delay IC debates so regular business could proceed. His suggestion was voted down, and councillors again led with penalties. They increased Pollard’s total suspension to 105 days without pay.
Calls for civility
Bulloch shared plans to bring forward a motion supporting the national Elect Respect campaign for civility in politics.
“Staff have made it abundantly clear they can no longer tolerate this toxic working environment,” he told Hometown News.
“All members of council, myself included, need to reflect on our conduct and commit to respect, decorum and professionalism.”
He said he hopes the turmoil becomes a turning point. “I believe we can do better.”
To read more about Rideau Lakes, visit HometownNews.ca
Smiths Falls council imposes 2-week pay suspension for Coun. Quinn
Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A councillor will be suspended two weeks pay for breaching the code of conduct.
Town council has accepted the Integrity Commissioner’s findings that Coun. Dawn Quinn breached the municipal code of conduct and has voted to impose a sanction following discussion at the Oct. 6 committee meeting.
The report, prepared by Integrity Commissioner Tony Fleming and first presented Sept. 22, concluded that Quinn was in conflict when she participated in a funding decision that benefited Davidson Courtyard, a location connected to her business. The item was deferred at that time to allow council more discussion on possible sanctions and to give Quinn a chance to respond publicly.
Town clerk Kerry Costello introduced the matter again on Oct. 6, noting that council was required to formally receive the report and decide whether to
impose a sanction. She also reported that legal and Integrity Commissioner fees related to the file totalled $2,592.22, which will be posted on the town website for a minimum of five years as required.
Quinn told council she believed the complaint was unnecessary and could have been resolved through conversation.
“I’m not sure who filed this report, and that bothers me,” she said. “If the person had come and talked to me, this could have been cleared up easily. My business is part-time and closed Mondays, and I’m not trying to expand it. I’m very sorry for the waste of time and money.”
Several councillors responded that while the process was unfortunate, the findings needed to be respected.
“It’s never a waste of time,” Coun. Peter McKenna said referring to the investigation into an integrity breach. “We’re held to high standards.”
Coun. Jay Brennan said he accepted the Integrity
Commissioner’s conclusion, with regrets, noting the importance of transparency in decision-making.
Coun. Jennifer Miller and Coun. Chris McGuire also voiced support for the Integrity Commissioner’s work, emphasizing that the process upholds accountability and public confidence.
McGuire suggested adding a training component for council members on conflict-of-interest rules, but others, including Mayor Shawn Pankow, said additional training was unnecessary at this stage.
Pankow acknowledged the difficulty of the situation.
“Conflict-of-interest rules are in place to protect the integrity of council’s decision-making,” he said. “While this isn’t an easy decision, it’s important to respect and uphold the process.”
Council passed two motions; one to formally receive the report and post it publicly, and a second to apply the sanction recommended by the Integrity Commissioner.
Smiths
Mayor, resident clash over compost site report as water safety debate continues
Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The public debate over contamination at the town’s compost site escalated after Mayor Shawn Pankow publicly reassured residents on Oct. 2 that the town’s drinking water is safe, only to be challenged hours later by local resident Nate Morris, who says the mayor’s statement misrepresents the province’s order for a full delineation study.
In a detailed post on his mayoral Facebook page on Oct. 2, Pankow said “suggestions being circulated on social media” that toxins are migrating from the Highway 43 compost site into the town’s drinking-water system are “false and unwarranted.”
“The town’s drinking water is safe,” the mayor wrote. “Although rigorous environmental testing identified the presence of cad-
mium, lead and zinc in soil, and traces of petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in groundwater, a professional geoscientist has confirmed none of this has migrated from the compost site.”
Pankow said the town hired Russell Chown, P.Geo., of RLC-HydroG, to prepare a 13-page technical review memorandum addressing environmental impacts, contaminant hydrogeology and impact delineation. The report, released October 1, concludes the site is suitable for use as a compost facility, compliant with the source-water protection plan, and poses no significant risk to drinking water.
The mayor emphasized that the review found contaminants in soil and overburden groundwater were “limited and localized,” and that delineation at the site “is considered adequate.”
Background: What’s at issue
The Highway 43 compost site sits within the town’s drinking-water protection zone and borders a wetland to the east. A delineation study is a mapping process used in environmental investigations to determine how far contamination has spread through soil and groundwater and whether it is moving toward nearby wetlands or water sources.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) ordered the town to complete such a study on Nov. 14, 2024, after elevated levels of metals and hydrocarbons were detected during March 2024 testing.
According to the town’s consultant, sampling included test pitting, drilling, soil and groundwater testing, installation of monitoring wells and surface-water sampling. The review con-
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cludes impacts are “limited and localized,” and that the site remains appropriate for composting if managed according to best practices.
Morris disagrees. He maintains the data show eastward drainage toward the wetland, which he says has never been directly tested.
Morris calls for full delineation
In his email of Oct. 6, Morris said the “partial delineation study” completed Oct. 1 did not confirm whether contamination is migrating into the wetlands, nor did it identify the source. He attached a slide deck outlining what he described as “remaining delineation work,” and asked council to instruct its consultant to complete that testing “as soon as possible.”
“The assurances that contamination is not migrating into the wetlands were not based on any actual testing of the wetlands,” he wrote.
“Since these were the two
stated objectives of the delineation study, additional work is still required.”
Mayor rebuts email claim
Within two hours, Pankow responded, copying councillors, media, and the consultant, saying Morris had “misunderstood” his Facebook post.
“To confirm, I have not indicated that the town will be completing a delineation study,” he wrote. “Your public comments indicating such are incorrect and misleading.”
The mayor said RLC-HydroG’s work fulfills the town’s obligations, adding that the only further requirement is annual testing and reporting to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“Mr. Chown’s report clearly confirms the work completed to date fulfills all requirements and that there is no risk to our drinking water,” Pankow said.
Ongoing divide and
what’s next
The MECP has not yet confirmed whether the Oct. 1 technical review satisfies its 2024 delineation order. Pankow maintains the town’s obligations are complete aside from routine monitoring. Morris argues that until the wetlands are tested and the contamination source identified, the study remains unfinished.
“We are not going to stop asking for a proper delineation study, one that identifies the source of the contamination and tests whether it has migrated into the wetlands, until such a study is completed,” he said. “That is the only responsible position to take on this issue.”
Editor’s note: Hometown News has reviewed additional correspondence related to this story, but it has not yet been independently verified. Watch HometownNews.ca for updates as more information becomes available.
Montague allows home built without permits to stand as storage for a year
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A home built without permits will be allowed to stand until next September.
Montague Township council voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to allow a home built without permits on a rural property near Smiths Falls to remain standing for one year as a storage-only structure.
Property owner Ben Stoddard appeared before council to explain how the 24-by-24-foot building was constructed without the required approvals. He said financial pressures pushed him to start the project last year after his business began to decline.
Stoddard told council he had built “a small room” last year without permits and said he regretted the decision. He described the structure as sound but too close to the road allowance, and asked for more time to remove it safely.
He said his family had invested about $20,000 of personal savings into the structure as a temporary solution while they figured out their next steps.
Coun. Gerald Crabtree asked why he built it without required permits.
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now been stripped and utilities disconnected, and that no one is living there.
“It’s cold and empty except for a lazy boy I left to sit in,” he said. “I just need time to dismantle it safely.”
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“My business was slowing down, I was paying rent on a place, paying for my storefront, and a mortgage on the land,” Stoddard said. “At the time, it was kind of fight-or-flight. I just needed to get something up.”
Stoddard said the 30day demolition deadline originally imposed by the township was unrealistic. He told council the building had been finished with cabinetry, tiles and electrical service, and that tearing it down within a month would have required “taking a dozer to it.”
He said the interior has
Township staff first became aware of the building in April 2025 following a public complaint. An Order to Comply was issued under Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992, requiring demolition or proper permits. The original deadline for compliance was Sept. 29, later extended to Oct. 31, 2025.
Allison Vereyken, Montague’s treasurer and deputy clerk, said staff had worked with the owners for months and confirmed the building was no longer being used as a dwelling. She recommended allowing it to remain for one year, as storage only, to give Stoddard time to dismantle it and store the materials safely.
Council adopted staff’s recommendation to reduce the standard $5,000 penalty for building without a permit to $1,000, citing the owners’ cooperation and the staff time already spent on the file.
“We want to ensure that no one is living in it,” Vereyken said. The township’s concern relates to potential legal
exposure if an unapproved structure were occupied and a safety issue occurred.
Deputy Reeve Jeffery Carroll, who chaired the meeting, supported the approach as a fair balance between compassion and accountability.
Crabtree said the decision represented good faith on the township’s part while reinforcing that building permits must still be obtained.
Council unanimously agreed to permit the structure to remain as storage for one year from the September 2025 demolition-permit date, ending September 2026. The building must remain unoccupied and be dismantled or removed by the deadline under the existing permit.
Vereyken said the Stoddards agreed to the terms during the meeting.
Montague Township has issued eight enforcement actions related to unpermitted dwellings since 2023, including four Orders to Comply in 2025, three in 2024 and one in 2023, Vereyken said. She added that the township’s policy is to work with residents before issuing formal orders whenever possible but to act when compliance stalls or health and safety concerns arise.
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Court date pushed to January in Tay Valley’s case against Blueberry Creek community
PERTH - LAURIE WEIR
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A Superior Court hearing over the future of Blueberry Creek Nature Centre’s short-term rental has been
delayed until January 2026. Tay Valley Township is seeking an injunction to shut down the rental on the Highway 7 property, which also houses a not-
for-profit forest school.
Reeve Rob Rainer said the case is narrow in scope.
“Of note, the current matter before the court concerns only the use as a short-term rental, and that there are no matters currently before the court regarding the use as a forest school,” Rainer said in a Sept. 25 email response to questions from Hometown News.
Asked if council has a policy supporting outdoor schools, Rainer said there
is no formal policy, adding the township “supports such schools so long as their siting and operations comply with applicable law.” On legal and planning costs tied to Blueberry Creek, Rainer declined to provide a figure, directing the question to Ontario’s freedom-of-information process. He also rejected owner Robyn Mulcahy’s allegation of harassment.
“There is a disagreement over whether operation of the short-term rental is legal, and the Court has been asked to decide on this,” he wrote, adding this is the first matter the township has taken against Mulcahy in court.
Mulcahy disputes that framing, saying the township has threatened to take her to court five separate times since 2017, even before filing this application. She added the township has never once asked about the centre’s safety protocols, despite citing floods and bridge access in its filings.
She said the short-term rental, which has been in operation since 2017 without issue, helps underwrite a community service.
Mulcahy said the town-
ship’s latest affidavit, which relied on photos of past floods and raised questions about bridge compliance, misses the point. She said she had asked the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to replace the bridge as far back as 2018, and annual delays forced her to close the rental and operate offsite each spring. She said she has long suspected the work was intentionally delayed until the studio dispute was resolved, a process that dragged out for more than five years. She said she cannot speak about the studio issue as it is closed under a confidentiality clause.
Mulcahy estimates she has spent more than $400,000 since 2017 on lawyers and related costs.
Preparing for the injunction fight alone has forced her to retain experts the township hired first.
“We’re looking at roughly $80,000 just for this hearing,” she said. “All to prove what should be a simple question: do we meet the definitions for the zoning we’re in, yes or no?”
For Mulcahy, the January hearing is about more than the rental.
“This has never been
about safety. It is about a nine-year pattern of harassment,” she said. “Tay Valley Township only launched the legal case against us after our new bridge had been completed, our legal case against them settled, and the MTO finalizing a timeline to widen the culvert at Highway 7. What it does mean is families will have to pay more for a notfor-profit community service, and cut our free community use.”
Mulcahy has also written to Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, asking for an investigation into what she called a pattern of legal harassment and misuse of public funds by Tay Valley Township. In the letter, she raised concerns about municipal lawyers serving as both township counsel and integrity commissioners, which she described as a conflict of interest.
Hometown News has requested a comment from the ministry but has not received a response.
The court date in January will decide whether the short-term rental continues and whether the nature centre can keep its current funding model.
Robyn Mulcahy. Laurie Weir photo.
Laurie Weir photo.
Community effort restores historic turbine at Clayton Taylor Park
REGIONAL - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A piece of Clayton’s industrial past has been given new life thanks to a community-driven restoration at Clayton Taylor Park.
The park’s historic water turbine, damaged when a tree fell on it in 2024, has been repaired and reinstalled following months of volunteer labour and support from local tradespeople. The project was highlighted during the Oct. 1 Heritage Advisory Committee meeting of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.
Coun. Jane Torrance first raised the turbine’s condition with staff, which set off a series of site visits and consultations. Director of Development Services and Engineering, Melanie Knight, told the committee the restoration quickly became a story of the community stepping forward.
“We managed to get a couple of volunteers who are experts in this field,” Knight said. “They did the work. We just helped coordinate and make sure we
were there for it.”
Led by Mike Dupuis of Canadian Hydro Components, the turbine was removed in late 2024, taken to a shop for repair, sandblasted, repainted and structurally reinforced. It was returned to the park this year and reinstalled in its proper orientation facing the water.
Local contractors and volunteers contributed at little or no cost, Knight said, including crane operator Earl Manson, steelworker Ryan Arbutnott of Valley Steel, arborist Alan Goddard and contractor Frankie Minnille. Public works crews also cleared overgrown gardens, removed invasive buckthorn and trimmed nearby trees to protect the site from future storm damage.
The park’s concrete base proved sound, which reduced overall expenses. Costs that did arise — such as sandblasting, painting and landscaping — were covered through small budgets from the Heritage Committee and Parks and Recreation.
The turbine now stands restored and freshly paint-
ed, with additional work planned. Staff will prepare new planting designs for spring 2026, and the committee will oversee the creation of interpretive panels telling the story of the turbine, the damage it sustained and the community’s role in saving it.
Councillors praised the effort, noting it showcased the best of Mississippi Mills.
“This is what excites me about this community,” chair Michael Rikley-Lancaster said. “When you’re just unsure and the right people come forward, it gets done at reduced rates and, for a lot of it, next to no cost. I commend the team, and thank you, Councillor Torrance.”
Torrance said sometimes it’s easy to be the person with the idea. “It’s when you have a team that’s actually going to do it. So thanks, Melanie. You and your department really hit it out of the park this time. It’s fantastic and a great news story.”
Committee members also agreed to send thank-you letters to those who gave their time and expertise.
The turbine that was damaged by a fallen tree at Clayton Taylor Park has undergone a significant refurbishment, with more work to be done in the spring. The gardens and nearby trees were also given some much-needed attention. Mississippi Mills photo.
Belong
By Brian Preston
We recently dined on a Saturday evening with our good friends at Belong Restaurant and Cafe owned by acclaimed Chef Brad Long located in nearby Sharbot Lake, which offers a modern take on locally sourced fare, which also partners with The Maberly Bake Shop, a well-regarded spot in Maberly known for its fresh, homemade butter tarts and other baked goods. Their modern restaurant building and two-sided outside deck overlook
Sharbot Lake where we dined while watching the setting sun in the west across the lake. The weather is unseasonably warm this year and it was enjoyable for diners both inside and on the covered deck. The place was filled so reservations are in order. The high ceiling inside means that the acoustics are not the best for relaxed conversation when it is at capacity, but you could still converse easily. Inside seating for 36 with two patio areas seating a total of 42.
Long’s online bio reads that he is s recognized as one of the top chefs in Canada. His talents are highly acclaimed by some of the country’s toughest food critics – VQA Restaurant Awards of Excellence, and Globe and Mail Top 10 restaurants of the year. An active advocate for sustainable farming and ethical treatment of livestock, balancing work and family is vital to Long. When he isn’t creating menus, speaking with farmers or checking the freshness of new produce, he relishes family time with his wife Sheryl
Now that the hot, humid days of summer are behind us, it is time to set aside the lighter lagers and reach for beers that suit the cooler months. These are heavier-bodied and full-flavoured ales and richer lagers. Here are a few selections from Ontario, Germany and England worth sampling this fall. If I had to choose one season, it would be autumn when the air is crisp, the bugs are gone, and fields and orchards are bursting with fresh harvests. I have also included a couple of ciders: one from Prince Edward County, just south of us on Lake Ontario, and another from
and their five children. He is familiar with the Frontenac region having a place there and that is partly why he opened the dining room in 2023 after COVID and left Toronto. The crowd I canvassed came from Chicago and other US locations cottaging in the area and one couple has been there several times over the summer. Others, like ourselves, come from towns in eastern Ontario and one lady was from Ottawa.
The menu varies and you can also order cocktails and drinks that may not be on their printed menus! The evening we were there featured a supper menu consisting of:
• Fried buttermilk chicken on mashed potatoes with honey glazed carrots
• Grilled pork loin on garlic mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage with pan jus
• Pan seared Steelhead trout on shaved cucumber and carrot slaw, buttered baby potatoes
• Short pasta tossed in garlic and wine with grilled shrimp, sweet corn and red onion
• The Carnivore: 80z grilled beef patty, shaved parmigiana, extra virgin olive oil, topped with two fried eggs
• Also on offer as a side was water blanched and tallow fried chips.
There were a range of local beers and cocktails listed. You can also ask
for cocktails that may not be featured on the drinks menu. I had a lovely London Fog Martini (1.5oz Earl Grey Gin, 1oz Gretzky cream liquor & vanilla simple syrup). You could tell the quality because there were bits of the vanilla pod on the last sip that gave it that extra vanilla quality taste! One in our party had a Harrowsmith Frosty Mugginz beer which was only 4.6% abv and refreshing. For the meal, we shared a bottle of Angove Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from South Australia. It was bold but the tannins and fruit acidity were in perfect balance making the wine mouth-filling and smooth on the palate, going well with our selected meals.
The chef certainly knows his craft. He knows all his suppliers and gets fresh, quality products which often vary as the menus change as do the seasons. Some of us had the buttermilk chicken and one of us had the grilled pork loin. All were excellent. The meats were moist and flavourful and the buttermilk coating on the chicken was crunchy chewable but not hard, allowing you to savour the depth of flavour in the quality chicken as well as the complementary spices in the buttermilk coating. All was a harmonious blend in the mouth. Same for the grilled pork loin – tender, moist and flavourful with a tasty char
roasted coating, diced apple chunks with soft spice undertones. The meal portion sizes were very good and a few take-out boxes were seen going out the door. Price to quality and quantity here is very good. Next time we go, I am hoping that they have the trout because it looked fabulous, with eye-pleasing presentation on the plate with the other ingredients. Several other diners had the fish. Another sign of a chef that takes the care to prepare and plate properly. The staff do it all justice too as they know the meals to describe them and the service is quick to keep the food hot/warm for your full enjoyment. If anything, I would have liked to see a bit more jus on the buttermilk chicken as it was so good.
One diner that arrived after 6:15 p.m. mentioned that the kitchen had run out of red cabbage and the apple sauce,
and was served regular cabbage. Best to reserve between 5-6 p.m. to be assured the menu items are all available. At first glance the desserts appeared pricey but we saw the large cookies and huge blueberry scones that come with Crème Anglais. People came in for take-out at the front counter during dining hours. When we left we were pleasingly full and totally enjoyed the ambience of the place too. This is definitely a place that I recommend if you want to go to a place on the lake and take in not only the sunset, but the great food and service. While we dined for supper, they have lunch menus and serve a special Sunday Brunch menu. Check out their website for details: 1004 Medical Centre Rd., Sharbot Lake reservations at 613-279-8646; info@belongsharbotlake.ca
The Travelling Sommelier
Column by Brian Preston | brianpreston@hotmail.com |
Germany gave us the Reinheitsgebot purity law, which originally required beer to be made with only three ingredients: water, barley and hops. Yeast was later added to the list, along with wheat. Oktoberfest itself began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The festival still runs annually for 16 days, ending on the first weekend in October.
the United Kingdom, long known for its cider-making. Normandy in France is also famous for cider and Calvados, a wonderful apple brandy. But that is a story for another day. These are just a few options available at LCBO stores. Get out and explore to find something new that suits your taste. And do not forget the great Belgian beers for this season, including Trappist ales like Chimay or Leffe Brune, a robust brown ale with aromas of roasted caramel, chocolate and dark fruit, and notes of raisin on a slightly sweet finish. It pairs beautifully with a hearty beef casserole.
DAB Ur-Bock, Dortmund, Germany
LCBO #43741 | $2.85 | 500 ml | 5% abv
This amber-coloured Bock beer offers a rich, malty flavour with subtle caramel notes. Full-bodied and smooth, it features roasted malt sweetness with hints of dried fruit and a gentle bitterness on the finish. Though technically a lager, it is darker and maltier, with just enough hops to balance the sweetness. Enjoy it with a grilled T-bone steak.
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, Germany
LCBO #75291 | $4.25 |
500 ml | 5.6% abv
Cloudy golden amber
with a thick, lasting head, this unfiltered German wheat beer is known for its banana and clove aromas, high carbonation and soft, bready mouthfeel. Expect flavours of dried citrus and floral notes with a mildly bitter finish. The word “Hefe” refers to the yeast left in the beer, giving it its characteristic haze and flavour.
Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold Lager, Germany
LCBO #308403 | $2.90 | 5.5% abv
Brewed with pure spring water, this slightly cloudy golden lager pours with a fine lacy head. Expect aromas of cereal and roasted nuts, and a medium-bodied palate with floral and dried fruit notes. Brewed using centuries-old yeast, Hallertau hops and Bavarian barley, it pairs well with bread, salad, sliced meats and blue cheese.
Clausthaler Premium Non-Alcoholic, Germany
LCBO #589549 | $2.45 |
500 ml | 0.05% abv
An award-winning non-alcoholic lager brewed under the German Beer Purity Law. Crisp, lightly sweet and balanced by grassy
hops, this brew offers great flavour without the alcohol.
Abbot Ale, England
LCBO #16329 | $3.20 | 500 ml | 5% abv
Amber in colour with a lasting head, this medium-bodied ale features floral, oatmeal, malt and hop aromas, with a creamy taste and clean, bitter finish. English abbey ales draw inspiration from Belgian traditions but use local ingredients, producing a variety of strong ales and golden bitters. One fan described Abbot Ale as “how it would feel if monks threw a party: kind of sweet, a little mellow and spiritually satisfying.”
Expect a toffee nose and a blend of cherry, chocolate and apple on the palate.
And finally, it would not be fall without cider.
Here are two — one local and one international — that highlight the range of flavours available this season. The best ciders blend several apple varieties to balance sweetness, acidity and dryness.
County Cider, Ontario
LCBO #15808 | $3.95 | 473 ml | 6.5% abv
From the heart of Prince Edward County, this fresh and lively traditional cider is made with apples grown in County Cider’s own orchards. Crisp and light-bodied, it has notes of ripe apple, citrus and a hint of spice. A great dry cider with just a touch of sweetness.
Strongbow Original Dry Cider, United Kingdom
LCBO #560532 | $3.90 | 500 ml | 5.3% abv Clear gold in colour with a thin head, this cider offers aromas of apple, brown sugar and cinnamon. The palate is light with lively carbonation and subtle sweetness followed by a short, crisp finish. It has a refreshing apple flavour that is not overly sweet or acidic, balanced by a touch of tannin from bittersweet cider apples.
Enjoy your fall beverages and remember that they pair well with seasonal foods like stews, casseroles, and roast pork or beef. Cheers!
Brian Preston The Travelling Sommelier
Restaurant & Cafe in Maberly
The County Cider Company Facebook photo [facebook.com/CountyCider].
Brian Preston photo.
culture
Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show
35 years of exceptional gift choices
ADVERTORIAL - SUBMITTED
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show is the perfect place to find gifts with originality, quality and attention to detail. Skip the gift cards, big-box stores and crowded malls, and make this your first stop for holiday shopping. More than 30 artisans, crafters and food vendors will showcase their original creations in a relaxed, friendly and festive atmosphere.
The show brings together new artistic talent alongside returning favourites, offering a wide variety of handcrafted items for the special people – and pets – on your
shopping list. Shoppers will find gifts for under the tree, items for gift baskets and stocking stuffers, and a few treats to keep for themselves. Featured items include sun-catching fused glass, pottery, scented soaps and scrubs, beeswax candles, flavoured honey, repurposed silver-plated jewellery, silver-crocheted wire with gems, cookies and sweet confections, decadent jams and jellies, local maple syrup, teas for healthy living, whimsical gnomes, games for family fun, children’s books, leather goods including wallets, belts and purses, metalwork, felting, miniature quilts and sew-
ing projects. This is just a sample of what the many talented vendors will offer.
For a full list of participating vendors, visit www. valleyartisanshow.blogspot. com or check the show’s Facebook page. While in Almonte, visitors can also enjoy a stroll down the main street with its boutiques, antique stores and restaurants, or take in the scenic views along the winding Riverwalk pathway.
The Christmas in the Valley Artisan Show returns Nov. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the John Levi Community Centre/ Arena Upper Hall, 182 Bridge St., Almonte.
FINANCIAL MATTERS: RDSPs offer long-term financial security for people with disabilities
If you or a loved one is living with a disability, the Government of Canada is waiting to invest up to $90,000 into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for you or that loved one!
People living with disabilities commonly face greater challenges in life, including reduced longterm financial security.
A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a unique financial instru -
ment that can significantly enhance the future income of people living with disabilities. RDSPs have been available since 2008, yet approximately two-thirds of people currently eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) are not yet the beneficiary of a RDSP. There are also many additional Canadians who would be eligible for the DTC but have not yet applied, especially consid-
ering updated eligibility requirements changed in 2022 that opened the door to additional people living with disabilities to qualify. The Canadian Government contributes to RDSPs in two ways, through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB). For eligible Canadians aged 18-49, with an annual income under $37,847 the government will add $1,000 CDSB an-
nually to a maximum of $20,000. It is also possible to get up to $10,000 in retroactive contributions. The CDSB is also available for minor beneficiaries with the parental taxable income determining eligibility. For those with an income between $37,847 and $57,375 a proportionate CDSB is paid.
For individuals or families with a taxable income under $114,751, a contribution of $500 annually will receive a CDSG of $1,500. The next $1,000 contributed will result in additional grant of $2,000. That means an annual investment of $1,500 coming from the beneficiary, family or friends will result in the addition of $3,500 CDSG. The maximum lifetime CDSG is $70,000.
A RDSP can be invested in a variety of investments. Understanding these are long-term investments, let’s look at an example of someone opening a plan for 10-year-old child who has recently deemed eligible for the DTC. Assuming the parent’s income is under $37,847, this beneficiary is eligible for the annual CDSB of $1,000. The parent is able to contribute $1,500 annually to maximize the CDSG. Collectively, that means the plan will receive $6,000 annually.
As the condition impacting the child has been present from birth, eligibility for the DTC could be from birth, meaning he or she is eligible for up to 10 years of retroactive CDSG and CDSB. Thanks to that caring and generous grandparent, they are
able to maximize retroactive CDSG with a one time $15,000 contribution.
When you add the $15,000 contribution, the $35,000 CDSG and $10,000 CDSB, this child now has $60,000 invested for his or her future. The addition of an additional $1,500 annually for the next 10 years adds another $35,000 CDSG as well as the $10,000 CDSB.
Assuming even a modest rate of growth of 6% annually, by age 20, this young adult now has approximately $186,000 in his or her RDSP. Withdrawals should be deferred for a minimum of 10 years from the date the last CDSG or CDSB have been received to avoid a clawback of the government contributions.
There are numerous rules around withdrawals, but to keep it simple, this person, now age 30, with a RDSP now valued at $330,000, could start a Lifetime Disability Assistance Payment (LDAP) of approximately $500 monthly and/or Disability
Assistance Payment (LAP) of up to $39,000/year. Although this person may be reliant on Ontario Disability Support Program as their primary source of income, these withdrawals from their RDSP will not impact this support.
The longer someone waits to start withdrawals from their RDSP, the greater this additional cash flow will become.
Using the previous example, if this person deferred any withdrawals to age 50, the value of $330,000 at age 30 would grow to approximately $1,050,000 in 20 years! At that point, the beneficiary could draw a LDAP of approximately $32,000 annually. RDSPs are incredibly beneficial for people living with disabilities. They are complex and professional financial advice is important to maximize the benefits.
