Smiths Falls dazzles during Old Home Week
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
That’s a wrap — at least for 25 years.
Smiths Falls Old Home Week was one to remember, and council and staff took time during their regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, to reflect and thank those who made the once-in-a-generation celebration possible.
Coun. Peter McKenna, who also sat on the organizing committee, praised the community’s energy, saying there was so much involved, so many people, and so much thanks to give that “this is why it only happens every 25 years.” He confirmed the festivities are not quite
over, adding the committee will return with a final report and budget soon.
Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark delivered an enthusiastic thank-you to the people who made Old Home Week shine. She praised colleagues in Public Works, Corporate Services, police and fire departments for their expertise and quick problem solving, and applauded council for its support and financial backing.
Clark called the weeklong festival “a true community celebration,” crediting organizers, volunteers, residents and visitors for packing events despite the sweltering heat. She also singled out the Old Home Week task
force for two years of creativity and dedication that, she said, “paid off in ways that will be remembered for years.”
Her warmest praise went to her own crew for pulling off the “complex choreography” of the week. Every detail came together because of their leadership, coordination and commitment, she said, adding she was proud to work alongside them.
CAO Malcolm Morris said “Stephanie’s coordination and leadership shone in a big way” and offered extra kudos to the Heritage House Museum for its cemetery tour and ghost walk, which drew impressive crowds.
The week’s lineup included Floatfest — Clark’s
personal favourite — drifting down the Rideau as a true highlight.
The time capsule opening brought memorabilia from the year 2000 back to life. The Nightshirt Parade lit up the streets in whimsical fashion, the Reunion Dance kept toes tapping, and Riverbank Musicfest along with concerts by the canal showcased the town’s charm. A first-ever drone show wowed the crowds gathered at Lower Reach Park and beyond.
To relive the magic of Old Home Week, visit Kathy Botham’s Facebook page. She was at every event and captured hundreds of moments that tell the story of a celebration to remember.
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Kathy Botham photo
Page Two
Wildfire risk prompts total burn bans across Eastern Ontario
Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Prolonged heat and dry conditions have prompted municipalities across Eastern Ontario to implement total burn bans as crews battle several wildfires in the region.
Heat warnings have been posted across the region with the humidex pushing the temperature over 40 degrees C.
Our local storm/weather chaser, Connor Mockett, said he’s apprehensive about the immediate forecast.
“Slightly worried about the next couple of days in Central and Eastern Ontario, as thunderstorms look to form on Tuesday and Wednesday in extremely fire
prone areas,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Due to a very severe drought over the course of July and now August, lightning caused fires across the extreme fire danger areas in Ontario are an unfortunate possibility.”
In Kingston, a total burn ban took effect Aug. 9 at 8 a.m. under the city’s Open Air Burning By-law, according to the City of Kingston. All open-air fires, including campfires, are prohibited. Only self-contained cooking appliances, such as barbecues, are permitted.
North Frontenac Township enacted a full fire ban Aug. 8 at 7 a.m., prohibiting all open-air fires, including cooking and campfires, according to township officials. South Frontenac
Township issued a Level 1 fire ban on July 23, which initially allowed campfires and cooking fires, but escalating conditions have led to stricter enforcement.
Local fire officials say the bans are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires amid one of the hottest and driest stretches of the summer. A large fire in Frontenac County and others in the Kingston area have stretched resources and prompted mutual aid calls to neighbouring fire departments.
Violating a total burn ban can be costly. According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, starting a fire during a restricted fire zone or total ban can result in fines of up to $25,000, three months in jail, and liability for firefighting costs. Set fines for specific offences, such as leaving a fire unattended or burning without a permit, range from $200 to $500, and municipalities may impose additional penalties. Carelessly discarding cigarette butts or other
burning material can also result in fines and charges under provincial law.
Across Ontario, more than 586,000 hectares have burned so far this year, according to provincial wildfire data.
Nationally, the 2025 wildfire season has already become the second-worst on record, with more than 7.3
million hectares burned, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Saskatchewan and Manitoba account for the majority of the damage, but significant fires are also active in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador is under a province-wide fire ban and state of emergency, with evacuation orders in parts of the St. John’s region. Smoke from multiple fires is affecting air quality across the country, and more than 40,000 Canadians have been displaced since the start of the season.
Rideau Lakes seeks arena usage data before renewing municipal agreements
Regional - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Rideau Lakes Township wants hard numbers from its arena partners before it heads into budget deliberations for 2026.
Council voted Aug. 5 during the regular meeting of council to request user data from the Town of Smiths Falls, the Village of Westport and the Township of Athens, the three municipalities with which it holds recreation agreements. The motion asks for the number of Rideau Lakes residents registered in 2024 programs that used the respective arenas. The deadline to receive this data is Sept. 30.
The motion was brought forward by Coun. Sue Dunfield and passed unanimously.
For years, Rideau Lakes has paid to subsidize arena access for its residents under a shared-services model that allows local users to register at the same rates as residents of Smiths Falls, Westport or Athens. The challenge, councillors say, is they have no way of knowing how many residents actually use those services.
Coun. Jeff Banks said he’s been asking for these numbers for years.
“We pay them $130,000 to $150,000 a year for Smiths Falls alone and
that’s a big cheque to not be able to see those numbers,” he said. “I think we’ll be surprised at how low those numbers actually are.”
Rideau Lakes CAO Shellee Fournier said the town does not currently collect residency data at the door. Most arena usage is tracked through user groups like minor hockey or figure skating, which register participants directly. Fournier said those groups would need to be contacted and asked to share registration information sorted by municipality.
Coun. Dustin Bulloch questioned the reliability of municipal data and suggested the township consider a resident survey of
its own to determine where people are actually going for recreation, indicated that users may be registered for hockey in Smiths Falls, but may be slated for practises in Westport or Athens.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom said the agreement with Smiths Falls is formula-based, not user-based. It was designed years ago by the township’s auditor and has not been updated in at least eight years. The formula factors in MPAC property assessment, distance to the closest arena, and ability to pay.
Rideau Lakes currently pays about 26 per cent of Smiths Falls’ net operational arena costs under that agreement. It does not con-
tribute to capital expenses.
“We’ve made no commitment to any capital project, existing or future,” the mayor said. “Smiths Falls may eventually come to us with a request, but that hasn’t happened.” Hoogenboom said he believes the request for hard user numbers will be difficult to fulfill and cautioned that informal or untracked use such as walking tracks or public skating is nearly impossible to quantify. Still, he agreed it’s time to revisit the structure. The current agreement with Smiths Falls expires in 2026. A request for information to the Smiths Falls recreation director has not yet been returned. More to come.
There is a total burn ban in effect across several parts of eastern Ontario due to the tinder-dry conditions and extreme heat. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Rideau Lakes Township is requesting user data from its arena partners as it reevaluates recreation agreements. Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre pictured above. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
She’s been known as an artist in the community for the past 30 years, so Maxine Brown (holding the scissors) is thrilled to be opening her tattoo, tarot and psychic reading studio, Maxine Brown INK, at 5 Bates Street in Carleton Place. She had a soft opening in June and on August 11, members of Carleton Place council and the chamber were on hand for the official ribbon cutting. From Left Coun. Mark Hinton, Coun. Linda Seccaspina, Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce General Manager Jackie Kavanaugh, Maxine Brown, and Mayor Toby Randell. Maxine specializes in cartoon designs, and loves it when clients give her free rein to design their tattoo. She also carries her zombie dolls, custom jewelry and hand painted pouches in store. Photo credit: Heddy Sorour.
community
Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release
PERTH - LAURIE WEIR
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A gentle tradition is taking wing once again in the heart of Perth.
Community Home Support Lanark County (CHSLC) is inviting residents to take part in its second annual butterfly release on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Stewart Park. This is a free public event designed to bring people together in remembrance of lost loved ones through the simple, symbolic release of butterflies.
Last year’s inaugural
gathering drew more than 300 people, surprising organizers with just how deeply the concept resonated. This year, they expect an even greater turnout.
“Last year, we weren’t sure what to expect, and we were blown away by the turnout,” said Sam Fyfe, Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator for CHSLC. “People came with photos, stories, and memories. There was such a deep sense of connection. We realized quickly that the community had been waiting
for something like this.”
Participants will have the chance to release Painted Lady butterflies, a species chosen for its gentle nature and symbolic meaning. CHSLC plans to release around 100 butterflies again this year.
The event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with registration starting at 5 p.m. The official release is scheduled for 6 p.m., following a few commemorative words from Town Crier Brent McLaren, a new addition to the program this year.
Brooke Henderson and Twins pitcher Ricky Castro make relationship public
Smiths Falls - Laurie Weir
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Smiths Falls LPGA star Brooke Henderson has gone public with her relationship with Minnesota Twins pitcher Ricky Castro. Castro, 26, first posted photos with Henderson on July 21, paired with the George Strait song, “Check Yes or No”. The images showed the couple at a baseball stadium in Wichita, Kan., where Castro plays for the Twins’ Double-A affiliate, the Wichita Wind Surge. On Aug. 7, Henderson posted one of those photos to her own Instagram account, marking her first public acknowledgment of the relationship. The LPGA Tour standout’s longtime friend and fellow Olympian, swimmer Bailey Andison, commented “Hard launch!!!” followed by rocket and heart emojis, a playful nod to the couple’s official reveal.
Castro, a right-handed pitcher from Naperville, Ill., played collegiate baseball at Purdue and Tulane before joining the Twins organization. Henderson, 27, is a 13-time LPGA Tour winner and two-time major champion. Both she and Andison have represented Canada at the Olympic Games.
MEET RICKY CASTRO
AGE: 26
HOMETOWN: Naperville, Ill.
POSITION: Right-handed pitcher
TEAM: Minnesota Twins organization
CURRENT CLUB: Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A)
COLLEGE: Purdue
University; Tulane University
SIGNED: Joined Twins organization in 2022
2025 SEASON STATS
(DOUBLE-A WICHITA):
• Record: 3–3
• ERA: 5.05
• Innings pitched: 71.1
• Strikeouts: 66
• WHIP: 1.39
Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather with family or friends, and take in the natural beauty of Stewart Park as the community pauses to remember those who are no longer with us.
A Wish on the Wind Butterflies have long held spiritual significance in many cultures, representing hope, transformation, endurance, and peace. According to legend, if you make a wish and release a butterfly, it will carry your thoughts skyward. It’s a quiet, graceful tribute to someone you miss.
Fyfe said attendees last year found the event comforting and meaningful, with many approaching staff to share memories or express thanks.
“They were telling us about who they were honouring and why this meant so much,” Fyfe said. “It became more than a community event; it became a community ritual.”
While the event is free, donations are gratefully accept-
ed to help support CHSLC’s range of services, which include palliative care, grief support, transportation, and volunteer outreach across Lanark County. Organizers have already seen strong early interest through the event’s Facebook page, which went live June 12. With support from both new and returning participants, the release promises to become a tradition of remembrance and resilience.
Last year’s butterfly release was a successful event for Community Home Support as the community remembered and honoured loved ones. Here is Heather Griffith releasing a Painted Lady butterfly at Stewart Park last summer. This year’s release is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to register at Stewart Park, behind Town Hall, starting at 5 p.m. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Photo credit: Ed Bailey / Wichita Wind Surge (via Instagram)
Rideau Waterway Land Trust celebrates the creation new nature reserve second
protected area established in 2025
Regional - SUBMITTED editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Thanks to the generous support of private landowners who value conservation, as well as contributions from the community, corporate donations, and provincial and federal grant programs, Rideau Waterway Land Trust (RWLT) has successfully established a new 76-acre Nature Reserve near Elgin. Notably, this is RWLT’s second Nature Reserve created in 2025.
Anonymous landowners made this generous donation of land, ensuring that 76 acres of ecologically valuable forest, wetland, and meadow habitat are now permanently protected. This initiative guarantees that the property, which includes the most northerly occurring stand of Pitch Pine reported in Ontario, will remain undisturbed,
continuing to support a variety of associated plants and wildlife. Pitch Pine is ecologically significant in Ontario as it is restricted to the Frontenac Axis and cannot be found elsewhere in the province. It is also considered a nationally imperiled species according to NatureServe's Global Conservation Status Ranks. Its presence is a valuable indicator of the area’s rich natural biodiversity. The unique features of the property make it an ideal candidate for native seed collection, supporting forest biodiversity projects, and for environmental education. RWLT is excited to collaborate with community groups and educational institutions to facilitate learning opportunities for youth in the coming years on this special property. With the completion of this initiative, RWLT
now conserves 24 Nature Reserves in the Rideau Corridor, totalling 1,475 acres.
This project was supported in part by the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, facilitated by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA). The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program is a collaborative effort that brings together land trusts, conservation organizations, and local communities to achieve lasting environmental sustainability.
“I’m pleased that our government’s investment in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership has helped the Rideau Waterway Land Trust establish its second new nature reserve this year,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
“These partnerships are supporting the great work land trusts like the Rideau Waterway are doing with private landowners to create new opportunities to protect nature. I commend everyone involved with this project, which ensures more of our spectacular natural environment will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
“This new nature reserve will permanently protect 76 acres of ecologically significant land. That’s nearly the size of 38 Canadian football fields — an incredible area set aside for conservation
and environmental education,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, we are helping conservation organizations preserve more of Ontario’s natural spaces and expanding opportunities for people to connect with nature, while supporting tourism in our own backyard.”
The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario. This unique program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, leverages non-governmental dollars to acquire, restore and manage privately owned natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands and forests. For every dollar of provincial funding provided, grant recipients match it with a minimum of $2 from other conservation partners, including individual donors, foundations and other levels of government. Since 2020, the Ontario government has invested $58 million into the program, which has helped to protect over 430,000 acres (174,310 hectares) of private land across the province –more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto.
Rideau Waterway Land Trust (RWLT) is a registered charity dedicated to preserving ecologically significant lands within the Rideau Corridor, in perpetuity. Their interest area includes the
Rideau River Watershed and part of the Cataraqui River Watershed, which are both located within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere region in Canada. The Rideau Canal is a designated National Historic Site, Canadian Heritage River, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
RWLT works with property owners and community organizations from Kingston to Ottawa to acquire and protect critical lands for the benefit of the community and future generations. They
also provide recreational access to nature through two community-use lands: Rock Dunder Nature Reserve and James H. Fullard Nature Reserve. If you are interested in learning how you can support their conservation efforts, or for more information, email info@rwlt.org.
RWLT would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all donors, supporters, and granting organizations for making these successful projects possible. Nature has a future because our community cares!
Lanark County plowing match draws local leaders to the field
hand at plowing.
Politicians will be trading council chambers for wide open fields this weekend as the Lanark County Plowmen’s Association hosts its annual plowing match on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Beachgrove Farms in Balderson.
The event, hosted by Paul and Cory Thompson at 2960 Drummond Concession 7, will feature competition plowing, a vendors’ market, canteen lunch, silent auction, live music by Dave Brown and Friends, antiques, livestock displays, and agricultural demonstrations.
A highlight of the day is the “VIP class,” where politicians, media, and local dignitaries try their
Drummond North Elmsley Reeve Steve Fournier has been rallying his Lanark County council colleagues to take part, assuring them it’s “as easy as riding a bike” with “a 10-minute lesson prior.”
The good-natured challenge has drawn some spirited responses: John Matheson, Tay Valley Township deputy reeve, said, “I’ll be there ready to plow.”
Rickey Minnelli, Mississippi Mills deputy mayor, replied, “I will harrow what you plow!”
Tay Valley Township Deputy Reeve Fred Dobbie joked, “Fuel up the tractor, I’m in. There’s always a first time for everything.”
Lanark County Warden and Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell confirmed, “I’ll be there to plow and speak.”
Drummond-North Elmsley Coun. Ray Scissons said, “I hope to attend and plow.”
The official opening ceremony is set for 12:30 p.m., with remarks from Randell and Fournier. The Township of Drummond North Elmsley and Lanark County have each donated $500 to support the event. Admission is $5, and everyone is welcome to attend and support the local agricultural community. For more information, contact the Lanark County Plowmen’s Association at 613-857-7644 or lanarkcountyplowmens@gmail.com.
Rideau Waterway Land Trust photos.
REGIONAL - STAFF editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Photo credit: Submitted.
lifestyle
HEO District 4 referee suspensions raise questions about due process
Regional - Heddy sorour editorial@pdgmedia.ca
A growing number of referees in District 4 of Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) are raising concerns about what they see as arbitrary rule enforcement and a disregard for the district constitution and HEO policies. They say the result is confusion, frustration, and anxiety among experienced officials.
District 4 includes teams from Carleton Place Minor Hockey Association, Almonte Pakenham Minor Hockey Association, and Perth Lanark Minor Hockey Association, as well as teams from Osgood, Richmond, Munster, Stittsville and West Carleton.
The dispute began in February 2024 during an Ottawa B Hockey League playoff game. Veteran referee Rickie Smith, with 15 years’ experience, made a call resulting in a penalty shot for one team and a gross misconduct for travesty of the game against the opposing team’s goalie for shooting the puck at the players celebrating on the ice after the goal was scored. The call was filmed by a parent, and the video supported Smith’s decision.
Despite this, the HEO Assistant Referee in Chief
(RIC) overturned the call, citing a rule unrelated to the incident. In an email, he told Smith: “This is the last warning. Get into the rule book and learn the rules and how to apply them properly. I can’t have officials, particularly adults, working at this level for playoff games that don’t know the rules or how to apply them.”
The assistant RIC made the decision without speaking to Smith, reviewing the video, or consulting District 4 RIC Lou Matura, who had reviewed the incident and agreed with Smith’s call. Matura says HEO’s own policy requires video review and a formal hearing before overturning an on-ice decision, and only if a team contests the call.
Smith, his two linemates from that game, and two other experienced referees were suspended for the rest of the season without explanation. All had been re-certifying annually as required.
“I’ve been re-certifying every year for 15 years. This was the first time anything like this happened and it was my last chance,” Smith said.
Matura, a level-three referee with over 50 years officiating and 15 years as District 4 RIC, says he has never had serious issues with the sus-
pended officials. “There have been times I didn’t agree with a call, but that’s normal,” he said. “Every referee is different, and the teams are different at every game.”
District 4 Chair Amanda Waterfield says the suspensions followed several complaints, but the officials say they were not told of any specific allegations until six months later and have never received documentation or been given a hearing.
The controversy deepened at the District 4 annual general meeting in May 2024. Asked if he would return as RIC, Matura said yes, but days later was told the role would be split into administrative and on-ice/training duties. Believing association presidents had suggested the change, he agreed to keep the on-ice side. Two days later, Waterfield announced a new RIC. The appointment appeared on LinkedIn before any application process began, and association presidents later said they were unaware of the change.
Matura and his wife Kelly, the district assignor, resigned soon after. He says the decision to split the role without a presidents’ vote violated the District 4 constitution, which requires
Perth Fair returns with a bang
labour day weekend, aug. 29 to sept. 1
PERTH - STAFF
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
Get ready to dust off the cowboy boots, or just a comfy pair of sneakers, and head to the Perth Fairgrounds on Labour Day weekend where tradition, family fun and rural displays collide from Friday through Monday.
As one of Ontario’s oldest agricultural fairs, founded in 1845, the Perth Fair is going full throttle in its 178th year, with something for everyone. Livestock and horse shows feature everything from miniature horses to heavy-horse competitions. Inside the exhibit halls, you’ll find horticulture displays and homecraft competitions
in baking, quilts, preserves, woodworking and more. For adrenaline junkies, the lineup includes a demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, and even lawn-tractor races. The midway offers classic rides, games and fair treats, with bracelet specials on Friday afternoon and tickets available all weekend. Children’s entertainment, local music acts and a lively Beer Garden keep the energy high.
The entertainment schedule includes The Derringers on Friday from 9 to 11 p.m., Riley New Band on Saturday at 9 p.m., Jamie and Brendan McMunn with Family Tradition on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., and The Quest
such changes to be approved by association presidents. Waterfield gave a different account: “In regards to the departure of our District RIC and Assignor, both these positions were left vacant by the incumbents and these positions had been posted last summer and again this spring for applications.”
Matura says the postings came only after association presidents were informed of the situation. “I could have asked for a stipend for my work as RIC, but I never did. I’ve always seen it as my way of giving back,” he said.
closing out Sunday from 9 to 11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge for Saturday night’s show.
Admission is about $15 for adults, with a reduced rate on Monday, and children six and under get in free. Weekend passes are available for those planning to take in multiple days of fun.
The Perth Fair offers classic small-town charm with a turbocharged mix of barnyard competition, horsepower, homemade pride and entertainment. Come for the prize-winning vegetables and preserves, stay for the music, rides and mayhem.
More info at perthfair.com.
See you at the fair.
Ribfest set to sizzle in Smiths Falls
SMITHS FALLS - STAFF
editorial@pdgmedia.ca
The smell of ribs on the grill. The sound of live music drifting across the water. The joy of summer in full swing. Ribfest is back.
The fourth annual Smiths Falls Ribfest returns August 22-24, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. Held at Centennial Park, this family-friendly festival offers something for everyone.
Admission is free.
Set against the scenic Rideau waterfront, Rib-
fest invites you to savour slow-smoked ribs, cool off in the beer garden, browse the Maker’s Market, and let the kids burn off energy in the dedicated kid’s zone. If you’re local or visiting for the weekend, this is a must-attend summer celebration.
The live music lineup starts Friday night at 5 p.m. with local favourite Danielle Hewitt, followed by high-energy crowd-pleasers Ambush. Saturday’s entertainment includes Green House Revival and Abandon Eden, while Sun-
day brings a full day of music with The Continentals and Fraser Bedford.
With rib masters firing up their smokers and vendors bringing their A-game, you’ll want to show up with an empty stomach and a full appetite for fun. Bring a lawn chair, find some shade, and enjoy the vibe.
For more information, stop by the Smiths Falls Visitor Centre at 30 Lombard Street, call 613-706-2646, or find more information on the Smiths Falls and District Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
Terry Foley, president of Stittsville Minor Hockey, called Matura “well respected around the district,” and noted younger referees value his mentorship.
Other officials also spoke out. Level-three referee Peter Kenney emailed colleagues urging action: “The current leadership in District 4 has failed to take responsibility for their actions, and it’s time we all take a stand.”
At one point, about 35 senior referees made themselves unavailable, jeopardizing the season for young players. Some returned for
the 2024-2025 season out of love for the game; others quit permanently. Neither Matura nor the suspended referees have been told the outcome of HEO’s investigation or had their concerns addressed.
Waterfield maintains the matter is closed: “Some officials did step away; however, we were able to move forward with the 2024-2025 hockey season with our officials, growing our base and offering many new officials the opportunity to grow.”
Follow the story on Hometownnews.ca as it develops.
Lu Matura as Referee. Photo credit: Submitted.
The Travelling Sommelier
We’re halfway through summer, but it feels more like the tropics than Canada. Even my voyage from Sydney, Australia to Rome in the spring wasn’t this hot or humid. This is the final chapter of my half-aroundthe-world odyssey, and I’ve included a list of reliable, great-value summer wines under $10.50 from the LCBO, bottles I’ve enjoyed for years for both their taste and value.
Summer Wine Picks
Tall Horse Chenin Blanc LCBO#36825 — $10, 12.5% abv
Western Cape, South Africa
Fresh and vibrant with mango, pineapple, passion fruit, honey melon and a light spice. Crisp, zesty finish. Perfect with fish tacos or on its own during a hot summer afternoon.
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc LCBO#269597 — $10, 11.5% abv
Chile
Lightly yeasty with grapefruit, green apple, herb and citrus notes. A versatile, crisp white that works well with grilled fish, seafood pasta or vegetarian dishes.
Julia Florista Rosé
Portugal
Salmon-pink with aromas of strawberry, cherry, citrus and wildflowers. Balanced with citrusy acidity. Lovely with charcuterie or a patio lunch.
Candidato Oro Tempranillo Garnacha LCBO#523811 — $9.55, 13% abv
Spain
Earthy aromas of smoke and cedar, hints of fig and honey. Medium-bodied with cherry, plum and smoky oak. Great with stews or braised meats.
Tavernello Sangiovese Cabernet LCBO#13602 — $10.30, 13.5% abv
Italy
Dark red fruit, caramel, nuts and spice. A food-friendly, budget-friendly blend ideal with grilled beef, burgers or meaty pasta dishes.
Crete
After Rhodes, our next Greek island was Crete, home to the Minoan ruins at Knossos, the legendary palace of King Minos and the Minotaur. We docked in Chania and wandered its narrow streets lined with small shops and cafés. I
loukoumi sweets with nuts and fruit and sampled local wines: a white Malvasia called Spirit of the Angels — fragrant and well-balanced; a Moscato semi-dry; pleasant but less memorable, and a Kotsifali rosé — light yet well made, with strawberry and cherry aromas.
The wines came with Kalamata olives in extra virgin olive oil, flavourful and smooth. I also stopped for a local favourite: thick Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, tea biscuits on the side and a strong espresso, all for under 10 euros, proof that some of the best travel moments are simple ones.
Corfu
In Corfu, I made my way to the Asian Art Museum in the former St. George Palace, once home to British High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland. The collection spans paintings, pottery and clothing from China, Japan, Tibet and the nomadic tribes of Asia. Outside, a cricket match played on the commons along the seawall. I watched from a shaded café with a cold Corfu Beer Green La-
the warm afternoon. The Red Label reportedly has more depth, but the Green hit the spot. Out of their usual mesa plate, the server brought barbecue chips, not traditional, but satisfying. On the way back to the ship, I stocked up on nougat with kumquat, kumquat jam and syrup-preserved kumquats. Taranto, Italy
We crossed the southern Adriatic to Taranto, founded by Spartans in the 8th century BCE. I toured the Manduria wine region, famous for Primitivo di Manduria, deep red, full-bodied, with rich fruit. We tried a rosé, pink from eight hours on the skins, with bright fruit and fresh acidity, perfect with local cheeses and salami. Dessert was an offdry late harvest Primitivo, rich without being cloying. I bought a Primitivo Riserva 2022 for 17 euros, elegant, complex, with soft tannins, and shared it later on the balcony with friends over cheese, fruit and conversation.
Valletta, Malta
Just 50 miles south
much-anticipated stop. I had hoped to see St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its Baroque architecture and Caravaggio masterpieces, but the line stretched around the block. Instead, I lingered over an al fresco lunch of seven kinds of fresh shellfish and three large prawns atop creamy risotto, paired with Girgentina, a crisp, citrusy Maltese white made from an indigenous grape. The limestone-rich soil gives it a bright, floral character that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Rome
Finally, Rome. After touring the Colosseum, a few of us stopped for lunch, veal scallopini and a bottle of Birra Ichnusa, an unfiltered Sardinian beer
hoppy, refreshing style. That evening, our farewell banquet unfolded in a garden hall under the stars: three courses of pasta, roast meats, port and a classic tiramisu, with carafes of local house red and white passed down the long tables. An unforgettable end to a journey that blended history, culture, food and wine. The best travel stories are as much about the flavours as the sights. As I unpack my souvenirs, I find bottles wrapped in sweaters, tins of olives and a small stash of sweets. I know they will be gone too soon. The memories, like the taste of a perfectly chilled glass of wine on a sunlit terrace, will last long after summer fades.
Brian Preston
Photo credit: Submitted.
Wisdom & Wellness
Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for Canadians looking for a respectful and flexible alternative to traditional burial. Families are drawn to its simplicity, affordability, and the many ways it allows them to honour a loved one’s life in a personal and meaningful way.
SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION OTTAWA: A dignified, affordable and simple alternative to traditional funeral services
Making end-of-life arrangements for a loved one is deeply personal and often emotional. It’s a time when compassion, guidance, and transparency matter most.
Simple Choice Cremation Ottawa is dedicated to offering families in Ottawa and the surrounding regions respectful and affordable cremation services.
Simple Choice Cremation Ottawa, previously known as Cremation Basics Ottawa, has a proven track record as the preferred cremation provider in Ottawa, according to Mitchell Laframboise, the Funeral Director of Simple Choice in Ottawa, who is a 15-year licensed funeral director and proud to serve families in his hometown.
“At Simple Choice Cre-
mation, we focus on helping families through challenging times,” says Laframboise. “We offer basic and affordable cremation services without traditional funeral services and their related costs,” he says. “Simple Choice Cremation specializes in lowcost cremation options. You meet with a licensed funeral director to complete all the paperwork and arrange the transfer of your loved one from the place of death to our cremation centre.”
With cremation becoming a preferred choice of disposition among people considering end-of-life options, Simple Choice Cremation Ottawa is an innovator when it comes to removing the mystery and making it easy for families
to experience dignified, professional service – while saving thousands of dollars and remaining in control of their memorialization options.
Simple Choice Cremation offers a wide selection of keepsakes to help maintain a tangible connection to those we’ve lost. From personalized keepsake jewelry pieces to hand-blown glass art and pendants, the collections offered by Simple Choice ensure there are options to suit every taste and budget. Most pieces across the collections can be personalized with a fingerprint, text, a laser-etched photo, or your loved one’s handwriting or cremated remains.
Mitchell emphasizes the importance of understanding your options, noting,
“Cremation opens up many opportunities for honouring your loved one’s memory, including unique memorial offerings like miniature keepsake urns and DNA Preservation. We’ll work with you to find the option that feels most meaningful for your family.”
Simple Choice Cremation Ottawa is not a traditional funeral establishment. It provides a warm environment that is ideal for families who are choosing cremation and do not wish for a traditional funeral, but are not willing to sacrifice a high level of service.
Mitchell notes, “The story of Simple Choice Cremation is one of unprecedented growth and service excellence.” He adds, "Since
opening its first location in Windsor in 2014, Simple Choice Cremation has grown to become the preferred cremation provider across Ontario.”
“The genesis of Simple Choice was the vision of Philip Janisse, who provided families of Windsor and Essex County with a simple, dignified, and professional alternative to traditional funeral services,” Laframboise explains. In January 2024, Cremation Basics Ottawa acquired the Simple Choice Cremation license.
For individuals and families considering estate planning, Simple Choice Cremation also offers pre-planning options. “The advantage of pre-planning with Simple Choice Cremation is that
you can secure your wishes, ensure that your financial obligations are met, provide you and your family with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your end-of-life plan is in place, and save money by purchasing services at today’s cost,” says Laframboise. Our dedicated team of After Care specialists are also available to provide you with any grief and estate settlement service assistance. This includes access to invaluable grief resources and credentialled counsellors through our Bereavement Assistance Program. You can contact the team at Simple Choice Ottawa today by calling 613-692-5353 or through the website at simplechoicecremation.ca
Your family's cottage is where multiple generations get together to have fun enjoying each other's company, reconnecting with nature, and making memories that last a lifetime. An escape from the every day making the most of our Canadian summers.
Many cottage owners may envision these benefits continuing for generations after they are gone, but without effective estate planning and preparation, an executor may be forced to sell it due to the capital gains tax payable at death resulting from the
unrealized appreciation in the value of the cottage.
Cottage owners, especially those who have owned their properties for decades, may not be aware that the tax bill at death could be several hundred thousand dollars before that cottage could be transferred to their children.
This tax liability will grow as the value of the cottage continues to appreciate.
One of the key benefits of estate planning is providing your executor with the tools needed to respect your last wishes; ensuring the vision you have for the ultimate transfer of everything you own can be fulfilled.
Although your will provides your executor with the authority to manage your estate, including the distribution of your assets and directs your executor to pay off your liabilities and file your final tax return, it does not fully consider the amount of income tax and other expenses your estate may incur, nor does it ensure there is sufficient cash on hand to pay all liabilities without liquidating assets.
As a result, your executor may be forced to sell assets you otherwise had hoped to preserve for your family. One of the most treasured assets that could be at risk would be that family cottage or other recreational properties.
Capital assets like land or cottage, or even registered assets including RRSPs and RRIFs can pass from one spouse to the other without tax, however, these rollover provisions do not apply when passing assets on to your children, grandchildren or anyone else.
This leaves your executor with the difficulty of having to pay an income tax bill greater than anything you have faced in your lifetime. Tax is payable on the value of all registered assets and capital gains becomes due on the deemed disposition of all capital assets, including a family cottage, recreational property, income properties, non-registered investments and business interests. The impact of such, may require assets be liquidated to satisfy the tax man.
But hope is not lost and solutions that can make the
difference do exist.
Estate planning assesses the impact of income taxes on your estate, both today, and in the future. It also presents you with options and strategies that can either significantly reduce your final tax bill, or provide the tax-free income needed to pay those taxes when the time comes. It
can also provide guidance on minimizing or completely avoiding the Estate Administration Tax. Furthermore, it does it without limiting your financial security or lifestyle. It is simply a matter of using your current assets in the most effective and efficient manner to minimize your endowment to the tax
man, meaning more goes to those you love.
Don’t leave your affairs to chance, speak with a Certified Financial Planning professional today.
Shawn Pankow CFP, CLU, CHS, CEA Certified Financial Planner Pankow Financial Solutions