Firefighters save home
Highway 60, just west of Eganville at Foodland, was lined with fire trucks, paramedic and OPP vehicles on a busy Labour Day Monday morning when both stations in Bonnechere Valley Township and the two stations in North Algona Wilberforce Township responded to a fire that caused significant damage to a residence. However, the quick response from the Eganville station was key in limiting damage to the structure which was saved.
Renfrew -- Two people face drug trafficking charges after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit seized illegal drugs in Renfrew last Tuesday, August 27. Street Crime Unit members, assisted by Renfrew OPP officers, stopped a vehicle on O’Brien Road,
shortly before noon. One person in the vehicle was arrested on outstanding warrants and a second person was also taken into custody.
A search of the car resulted in the seizure of suspected crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin, fentanyl patches, cannabis resin and
dried cannabis. Officers also seized three imitation firearms, pepper spray, a collapsible baton, cash and items typically associated with drug trafficking.
Shannon Amikons, 44, of North Algona Wilberforce Township, and James Dennis, 43, of Cornwall have each been charged with: possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; five counts of possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a Schedule 3 substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling; possession of over 30-grams of dried cannabis in a public place and possession of illicit cannabis.
Mr. Dennis is also charged with operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code; having care or control of a vehicle with cannabis readily available; operating a vehicle without insurance; using a plate not authorized for a vehicle; altering, destroying, removing a vehicle identification number, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, under $5,000. The two were held for bail hearings.
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Eganville – Five members of a local family were displaced Monday morning when fire caused extensive damage to their bungalow on Highway 60, just west of the village limits in North Algona Wilberforce (NAW) Township.
The call came in at 10:02 a.m. as a structure fire and because of the location of the property, Bonnechere Valley Fire Department (BV) was dispatched as first response, along with the NAW department’s Golden Lake and Rankin Stations.
“When I pulled up, BV had a line off and were making entry through the door to attack the fire,” stated NAW Fire Chief Kevin Champ. “As our guys showed up, we replaced theirs and sent them home with our great thanks.
“We basically found two rooms involved in the fire,” he continued. “One in the basement and one on the main floor.”
He believes the cause of the fire originated with a space heater on the lower floor of the residence.
Chief Champ said it was a difficult fire to extinguish, adding BV did a great job of knocking the fire down, but there was still a lot of smoke coming from the attic space.
“We had to make sure there was no fire in the insulation,” he explained. “It has that cellulose insulation in it. That’s why we were there so long.”
Firefighters cut holes in the gable end of the house to try and determine exactly where the smoke was coming from.
“There’s significant smoke damage throughout the house despite the fire being limited to the kitchen and attached dining room, and one room in the basement,” the chief reported.
One occupant of the home was at the residence at the time the fire but was outside cutting grass.
The department had 24 personnel on scene with three pumpers, two
tankers and two rescue vans. They were on scene until 3 p.m. Bonnechere Valley dispatched five vehicles from Eganville and Foymount.
Chief Champ understood the homeowners have a trailer they can live in temporarily. He said considering it was quite windy, the results could have been worse.
“BV did a great job getting there and getting it knocked down,” he remarked.
BV Captain Mike Felske said when the first BV firefighters arrived there was lots of smoke visible.
“And the glass was already broken out of the door on the right side of the house due to the heat,” he said.
He said personnel conducted an interior attack with the fire located in one room in the basement and the kitchen/dining area above it. They had 10 personnel respond and were there for approximately one hour.
Welcoming the train back in Barry’s Bay Wyatt Buchanan of Guelph rings the bell on the locomotive after a replica of a steam train was unveiled in Water Tower Park in Barry’s Bay Saturday to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the arrival of the railway to the community. Sponsored by the StationKeepers MV, the replica train was built by volunteers and will provide hours of fun for children visiting the park. Wyatt is the grandson of Conrad and Christine Heinrickson of Wilno.
By Barry Conway Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Barry’s Bay -- If you weren’t anywhere near Opeongo Square in Barry’s Bay on Saturday afternoon, you missed one of the great achievements, if not inspiring moments, of Upper Madawaska Valley local culture.
The StationKeeper MV, a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to preserving the local history of the area, offered up a five-hour outdoor extravaganza that quickly became more than the sum of its many intriguing parts. Of the hundreds who were in attendance, many are still talking about it this week, not only for its many stellar local musical performers but, more so, because as many in the crowd noted, ‘it was the first time in a very long time that Barry’s Bay’s community spirit was on full display’.
Or as a senior citizen in attendance said, ‘I don’t remember the last time I was at a local event where I saw children, families, seniors, locals -- whether permanent or summer residents -- or just tourists passing through, all who were just enjoying themselves outside together.’
StationKeeper MV President, Joanne Olsen, seconded that observation saying she noted that many people told her during and after the event how much they enjoyed not only the local history aspect -- celebrating the 130th anniversary of the coming of the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway (OA & PS) in 1894 -- but how the event somehow seemed to turn into a celebration of the whole town.
She went on to say, that in fact that
was part of the StationKeepers MV original intention.
“It just wasn’t about celebrating the coming of the train; it was about trying to show that we can all work together; so we invited other groups like the food bank to come and we wanted to help them raise funds
without worrying about ourselves raising funds.”
She said the StationKeepers MV covered the cost of the event in part due to the help of various businesses and support groups they had canvased previously, and so they wanted the event to be something more than just
about local history. She went on to say people like Shirley Hill worked tirelessly earlier in the week and spent hours at the library reading to children about the local railroad history.
“That’s the kind of thing this town is good at; having people step forward who just want to help,” she added, noting other groups such as the Madawaska Valley Lions Club, The Barry’s Bay Rec Committee, Home Hardware, The Opeongo Senior Centre, etc. and others who pitched in to make the event a roaring success.
As one local vendor who hails
originally from Hungary remarked, “It had all the makings of one of those grand old European village festivals in the town square.” Others just noted the great difficulty they had in keeping their feet from tapping to the choo-choo chaboogie rhythms amidst the absolutely perfect weather that sustained the event all through the afternoon and early evening. Festivities began promptly at 3 p.m. when local dignitaries including Madawaska Valley Township Mayor Mark Willmer unveiled a new children’s playground installation in nearby Water Tower Park. Fully-funded by the StationKeepers MV without
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By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Eganville
– When Father Michael Lund was growing up in the various locations his military father was stationed, he had a good idea what his chosen career would be.
The new pastor at St. James the Less Church in Eganville, Father Lund said anyone who knew him, be it family, friends or relatives, weren’t surprised when he announced his decision to pursue a vocation in the priesthood.
“My dad was in the army, so we moved all over the country,” he said. “We moved to Killaloe in 2003. So, it’s like home to us now. We’ve been here for so long.” His father, Donald, was stationed in Dartmouth, NS, when he retired and because the family had visited the Killaloe area and loved it, they chose to relocate there.
They became acquainted with the area when Father Richard Philipowski, who was their priest back in Nova Scotia, was assigned to St. Mary’s Church in Wilno. After the Lunds settled here, they learned his maternal grandmother was baptized in Brudenell and were related to the Princes in Wilno and O’Briens from Renfrew.
The third eldest of seven children, Fr. Lund and his four brothers and two sisters were home-schooled after he finished Grade 4.
His deep passion for religion was fostered by Fr. Philipowski, who enlisted he and his brother as altar servers.
“I think just being close to the priest during Mass sort of stirred something in me and a bunch of the older church ladies told me I should be a priest,” he recalled of his calling to the priesthood. “So the seed was kind of planted there and it just stuck with me all throughout high school.”
He credits Fr. Philipowski for being a “great believer”, adding the way he said Mass, the care he took administering the Sacraments, the
encouragement he gave he and his brother, and his example of living a Christian life and being a priest, had a big impact on him.
Following high school, he did a one-year program in faith admission in Saskatchewan.
“It was like faith formation and during that year I made the decision to apply for seminary,” he said.
He enrolled at St. Phillip’s Seminary in Toronto in 2009 at age 19, and did three years of philosophy before being sent to the North American College in Rome for five years.
“I did three years at the Angelicum University and got my Bachelor in Theology and then started on my licence at the Santa Croce University and got a licence in Dogmatic Theology.”
He was ordained in 2017 in his first year he returned to Rome to finish the licence, which was basically like a Master’s degree.
“When I returned to Canada, I was assigned to St. John Chrysostom Parish in Arnprior for a year as parochial vicar, and then I was assigned to St. Michael’s in Douglas, St. Pius V in Osceola and Scared Heart in Cobden as the administrator there for almost five years.
“And this is my latest assignment,” he added.
He said the transition has been good, noting as the diocesan Emcee for Liturgies, he was quite involved in the recent installation ceremonies for Bishop Michael Brehl.
“It’s been a good transition, but it’s been busy,” he admitted. “I’m still not quite settled in yet, but I’m getting there. And the people have been very co-operative.
“It’s been a good few weeks that I’ve had here,” he added. “I’m looking to carry on my predecessors’ work and ministering to the people of God here.”
Father Lund acknowledged church secretary Karen McKibbon has been very helpful in helping him settle in.
“It makes the transition a lot
easier,” he noted.
Father Lund received great support from his family and friends when he announced his decision to enter the seminary, re-iterating it really was no secret that was what he wanted to pursue. He said both sides of his family are steeped in the Catholic faith, but no other immediate family has pursued a religious vocation.
“I do have a great, great aunt who was a nun back in PEI, where my dad’s family is from. On my mother’s side, there was also a nun, who I never met and who we found
out was actually at the convent in Killaloe for a bit.”
Impressed With Bishop’s Ordination
Fr. Lund will always remember being part of the recent ordination of the new Bishop for Pembroke Diocese.
“It was a great privilege to be there, and such a moment of joy for the whole diocese,” he remarked.
“We had a great bishop in Bishop Guy Desrochers, and we were very sad to see him go.
“For a time, we were like sheep without a shepherd. You need some-
one in that position,” he added. “You wait patiently for Rome to do their thing, and it takes time, and you wonder how long it will take. Then you finally get the good news.”
Being part of the consecration and having the opportunity to welcome the new bishop to the diocese was a great honour, he said.
“And I was so happy with how the ceremony went; it was beautiful.”
Acknowledging most churches are seeing declines in attendance, he tries to do the liturgy and celebrate the Sacraments well, so that if any new people or past members are there, that God works in their hearts.
“It has borne fruits, but we can’t just rest on that. We have to come up with ways to reach people, especially those who are not coming to church now, or who have fallen out of the habit, especially after COVID, to try and reach out to them and draw them back.”
The 34-year-old priest, who is also responsible for St. Ann’s, Cormac, and Nativity of Our Lady, Pikwakanagan, describes himself as “quite traditional”, enjoying the traditional elements of the church, especially when it comes to the beauty of the liturgy.
“I think it can be a very powerful tool for attracting people, and just by doing things right, like saying the prayers the Church has given us to say.”
He said smaller practices like blessing candles at Candlemass, or doing Rorate Masses during Advent, which is a candlelight Mass held before dawn, is very beautiful.
While he sometimes deals with people experiencing great turmoil in their lives for whatever reason, he feels fortunate to be able to assist people through the grace of God.
“It gives some place where I can be of help to people. It really is quite something how He works.”
Loved Time In Rome Fr. Lund thoroughly enjoyed studying in Rome.
“There’s so much history there and
I like history. Especially as a Catholic, there’s hundreds of churches there, and many of them could be a museum on their own in terms of beautiful artwork.
“So it’s very easy to fill an afternoon just walking around visiting churches,” he added. “And there’s also other historical sites.”
For two years, he a was tour guide at St. Peter’s Basilica, which he said he really loved.
“We offered free tours as part of the program, so any English tourists that happened to be there we’d take them in and give them a tour. It’s just such an impressive church. I loved seeing people’s faces when they walked in the door.”
The first year he was there was when Pope Benedict resigned, and Pope Francis was elected.
“I was there in St. Peter’s square the night he was elected, so I saw the white smoke come up and saw him come out on the balcony to greet the world for the first time as Pope Francis.”
He said the square was packed with people that spilled well out into the street leading into it.
“It’s impressive, it’s a core memory,” he said.
When not involved in his spiritual duties, Fr. Lund enjoys being a member of the Eganville District Sportsmen’s Club.
“I like to go to the shooting range with some buddies,” he said. He said he also enjoys playing the fiddle and was part of a fundraising dance for St. Michael’s parish in July that was a great success.
“I play a little bit of fiddle, so I was happy to do that.” When he was in Rome, he got interested in photography and enjoys it as a hobby.
“And I really enjoy fellowship with my brother priests. Some of us younger priests have been intentional since COVID to make sure we meet up regularly to just play board games, share a meal together, say some prayers.”
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Eganville – A former Eganville businessman who owned and operated a successful service station and garage for many years and also served as the part-time municipal clerk in the former Grattan Township, passed away Tuesday, August 27 at the Caressant Care Nursing Home in Cobden.
John (Jack) O’Grady, the former proprietor of Jack’s Garage on Queen Street, died peacefully at the home last Tuesday, where his wife, Joyce (Hemphill), is also a resident. His passing came two days shy of his 90th birthday on August 29.
Mr. O’Grady was the second youngest of seven children of P.J. (Patrick John) and Clara O’Grady, who raised the family in Hagarty Township, near the location of the former charcoal plant.
“The old farmhouse he was born in has been moved to Madonna House in Combermere and has been reconstructed there,” his son Danny said. The family moved to the Eganville area to attend the Eganville Roman Catholic Continuation School (ERCCS) high school, settling on the farm where his late brother, Preston, and wife, Kathleen later lived on Sand Road. He attended ERCCS and after graduation, he worked for his two brothers, Archie and Arnold, at the former O’Grady Bros. garage they opened in 1953. Back then, he worked Saturdays and would then get the following Wednesday off, so he filled that day in teaching woodworking at the high school. He said in those days, most men were jacks-of-all-trades, (no pun intended) and woodworking came naturally to his dad. When the school closed in 1967, his days of teaching also ended. After his brother Arnold left for a position with the
Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. O’Grady remained working with Archie for 20 years before opening his own business.
He had many employees over the years who helped with the repairs and pumped gas, including his two sons, Danny and John, and his wife, Joyce, who did the office work.
“I spent a couple of summers pumping gas, but when I took my release from the Canadian Forces in May 1995, I came home to manage the business. And Mom was there from day one doing the books and John was there right out of college.”
Jack and Joyce originally lived in an apartment above the former Don McFarlane and Sons business on the western edge of the village. They later moved to a bungalow across the street and then to their now home that Wm. Verheyen built for them on Foymount Road.
Mr. O’Grady had been a resident at Caressant Care for about four years, the first two on the retirement side of the facility with his wife and the last two on the long-term care side. He said the first six months after their move was a bit challenging for his parents, but they eventually came to consider it their second home.
“They were very happy, and the staff know them personally,” he said.
He said one of the real bonuses is at Caressant Care the retirement and long-term residents are in the one building.
“We knew at one point one of them would be going to the long-term side and it worked perfectly the last two years. Mom was allowed to go back and forth and visit him. It was just great.”
Longtime Municipal Clerk
Mr. O’Grady served as the municipal clerk of Grattan Township for many years, following in the footsteps of
Well-known retired Eganville businessman Jack O’Grady passed away last Tuesday at Caressant Care, two days shy of his 90th birthday.
his father, who also performed the duties.
“P.J. got sick with cancer and when his health was failing, dad filled in behind the scenes,” son Dan said. When his father died, someone else briefly assumed the role, before he succeeded his father in the position he held for many years.
“He wasn’t out front like the councillors and reeve, he was happier to be behind the scenes,” Dan explained. “But with the length of time he was in that position, and the way councils and reeves turn over, he was the constant for decades.
“He was their counsel,” he added. “He told them they could do it, but it would be difficult with the money.”
Many township residents were not well off, so council worked hard to control spending. He said his dad did a lot of work securing funding.
“It was funny to watch because when the garage was open, there’d be meetings in the back bay.”
The late Mr. O’Grady was an active baseball player for many years, a catcher with the Eganville Eagles and was known for his receiving skills and his solid hitting at the plate.
The late Mr. O’Grady is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce, sons Dan (Francine), and John (Carolyn), daughters, Kathryn (late David), and Patricia (David); grandchildren Alexander, Jacqueline, Genevieve, Colleen and John; great-grandchildren Troy and Evelyn; one sister, Sister Zita O’Grady of the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. He was predeceased by brothers Pat (Sheila), Archie (Florence), Arnold, Preston and his sister, Grace.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday afternoon in St. James Church with Father Michael Lund officiating.
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local Initiatives Reporter
Renfrew – In June 2022, it appeared Renfrew’s iconic yellow CP Caboose, a fixture at Howie Haramis Park since the late Mayor Howie Haramis arranged for the 70-plus year-old railway caboose to become a tourist attraction in 1993, was near the end of the line.
The council of the day was close to selling it for scrap metal, hoping to get back a few thousand dollars.
However, that was then and this is now and on Labour Day Monday, several volunteers gathered at the freshly repainted caboose to celebrate the placement of the black decals clearly identifying the caboose as a giant welcome attraction for visitors exiting Highway 17 on their way into Renfrew.
When the former council (20182022) received a report in 2021 detailing the costs involved for a total restoration of the once fully accessible caboose, the estimates went as high as $500,000 along with other options including selling the unit, renting it out for functions or overnight stays, or scrapping it altogether. None of these options sat well with Sandi Heins, a member of the previous council who also served as mayor (1998-2020). She was a strong supporter of maintaining the caboose and restoring the exterior
to its former glory. The town closed the caboose years earlier due to its inability to allow full access to persons with disabilities. As a result, there was never a dedicated annual budget allocation for routine maintenance and other associated costs and both its interior and exterior became more of an eyesore than a tourist attraction. As a result, Coun. Heins made a presentation at council in the summer of 2022 and convinced her colleagues to support a grassroots volunteer group that pledged to raise almost $33,000 to strip the lead paint, repair any structural deficiencies, and repaint the rail car. The group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the town that had the town assume the upfront costs with the Friends of the Caboose pledging to repay the town.
Since 2022, the volunteer group has organized several fundraising activities and has repaid $23,978.25. At a recent Renfrew council meeting, council reviewed the MOU and agreed to assume the additional cost of design and placement of the signature graphics. The group has continued its pledge to repay the remaining $9,021.75. When they gathered on Labour Day Monday, Ms. Heins set out a table with a pitcher of ice water and a bowl of lemons for the occasion.
“Two years ago, this caboose was in such terrible shape and someone remarked it was a lemon,” she said.
“There were so many naysayers who said it was time to let it go, but several local residents and businesses pledged their support for the restoration. So today, we toast this great accomplishment and thanks to all our wonderful community support from near and far.”
Dave Lemkay, a fellow volunteer and group member, said there was so much hard work behind the scenes that people might be surprised when they visit the caboose.
“All of our members worked hard to get to this place today,” he said.
“It was the business community and residents who did not want to see Renfrew lose another piece of history. Although we can’t open up the inside of the caboose for the general public, the entire roof has been repaired after it collapsed from years of neglect. I want to especially thank Dave Bennet of Marshalls for all their in-kind work.
It’s fair to say that Dave and his wife, Sharron who is here today, donated tens of thousands (of dollars) of in-kind work to restore the interior and exterior.”
Mr. Lemkay encouraged residents and visitors to visit the CP Caboose anytime of the year.
“This caboose is a reminder of our past and how the railways helped
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local
Renfrew
Journalism Initiative Reporter
– For the third time
this year, Mayor Tom Sidney has ignored the wishes of a majority of Renfrew council by attending closed council session last week where a team of external auditors presented the findings of the town’s disastrous Ma-te-Way expansion project.
The purpose of the closed session was for council to determine if there were grounds to launch civil litigation or refer suspected criminal activity to the Ontario Provincial Police.
During the August 27 meeting, Councillor John McDonald introduced a Motion Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure asking Mayor Sidney to refrain from attending any future closed council sessions relating to the project’s fraud investigation. The vote, which is non-binding and has no legal mechanism forcing the mayor not to attend the specific meetings, passed 4-1.
Only Reeve Peter Emon, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Sidney’s absence, voted against the motion while Councillors McDonald, Jason Legris, Andrew Dick and Clint McWhirter voted in favour. Councillor Kyle Cybulski was ab-
sent. The vote met the mandatory two-thirds majority of council vote allowing for the suspension of the Rules of Procedure.
When Coun. McDonald introduced his motion, he read from a prepared statement and said he did so for the protection of the corporation.
“I’m bringing forth this motion today to simply protect the interests of the Corporation of the Town of Renfrew as it pertains to the Ma-teWay Expansion,” he said. “Further, we need to protect the interests of our taxpayers. Currently, we have forwarded the Ma-te-Way Expansion findings as a complaint to the OPP. As such, the town is now the ‘complainant’ in the middle of an active ongoing investigation.”
He argued because the town has already spent close to $200,000 on the expansion and fraud investigations, he felt he was exercising due diligence by passing the motion requesting the mayor not attend the upcoming or any other future closed meetings due to his involvement with the planning, implementation of the expansion and his leadership roles during the previous term of council (2018-2022). He argued the presentation of the final report Ma-te-Way Report
by WSCS Consulting two weeks earlier identified and confirmed the complete incompetence, negligence and absolute lack of due diligence by the previous council leadership, council itself and some town staff.
“My concern currently is Mayor Tom Sidney was previously in a leadership position that was an integral part of the decision-making process for the Ma-te-Way Expansion” he stated. “Mayor Sidney was identified in the final report of the third-party investigation as being an essential part of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Ma-te-Way Expansion from its inception till its end.”
The report identified the town’s previous Director of Parks and Recreation, Kevin Hill, as one of the primary reasons the original budget of $18.9 million skyrocketed to over $37 million. The report identified Mr. Hill routinely by-passed established RFP and tendering policies when issuing multi-million dollar tenders and his pattern of showing favouritism to only a handful of contractors at the time led to far less competition among bidders and those actions also violated municipal requirements in relation to international trade agreements. Coun. McDonald also accused the
mayor of having a personal relationship with Mr. Hill.
“It has also been mutually acknowledged between Mayor Sidney and ex-Director Kevin Hill, that they had a personal friendship – their relationship was not just professional,” he stated.
He ended his remarks stressing because the town has informed the local OPP Detachment that any suspected findings of criminal activity within the audit will be referred to their criminal investigations division that Mayor Sidney should be excluded from future closed discussions regarding Ma-te-Way financial details.
“It is my opinion that this is sensitive information we are about to receive and out of an ‘abundance of caution’ we need to protect this town as we move forward,” he said. “As such, I am requesting Mayor Sidney not participate in any of the closed meetings regarding this Ma-te-Way situation until all criminal and/or civil matters are completed. That includes this Thursday 29th August 2024 closed council session regarding the fraud investigation.”
Mayor Attends Closed Meeting
Once again Mayor Sidney rebuked the wishes of council when
he attended the August 29th closed session and also chaired the meeting. It was the third time he refused to accept a non-binding motion of council. In December 2023 and in March of this year, council voted in favour of a motion demanding his immediate resignation. On both occasions, Reeve Emon was present and voted against the motions calling on the mayor to quit.
Prior to council going into closed session on August 29, Mayor Sidney acknowledged the motion, but refused to accept it.
“There was a motion passed at the Tuesday council meeting for me not to attend and at this point I see no reason for me not to attend,” he said during the virtual meeting. “I have not seen, read or feel there’s no reason for me not to be here, and that is why I am here.”
He also challenged councillors’ accusations he had a personal relationship with Mr. Hill that extended beyond the usual council-staff working relationship.
“I also want to clarify an incorrect statement that was made pertaining to me having a personal relationship with Mr. Hill, the former director outside of town business,” he said. “That in fact is not true. I
had a friendly professional working relationship with Mr. Hill while he was here.
“I never socialized with him in public or private. I have never attended his house. I don’t know if he has a cottage and never done anything with him in that sense. It was merely a professional relationship through my role as councillor and his role working with the town.” Council went into closed session just after two o’clock and returned to open session just before 5 p.m. Mayor Sidney reported that Coun. McWhirter declared a conflict of interest during the meeting and excused himself and said very little else.
“Council received a report on the fraud investigation previously given and pertaining to the complaint given to the OPP and proceedings with civil litigation and a followup session with legal counsel will occur,” Mayor Sidney said. “Due to the nature of this matter in terms of confidentiality and nature of the OPP complaint, we are unable to share details publicly until actions are commenced.” The meeting was adjourned and to date no further details have been released.
Renfrew town council has been very busy in 2024. The seven members, consisting of two holdovers from the previous council (Mayor Tom Sydney and Reeve Peter Emon) along with five rookie councillors (Andrew Dick, John McDonald, Jason Legris, Kyle Cybulski and Clint McWhirter) have all committed to reforming an outdated governance model that was identified by a third-party review of the Ma-te-Way expansion fiasco that has left this elected body with a horrendous debt stemming from a $38.7 million build that should never have been given the green light to proceed without a proper financial analysis.
The auditors identified the previous council (2018-2022) as being woefully negligent on several occasions when they failed to practice due diligence to protect their most valuable and consistent source of funding. They let their residents down.
That, of course, is the residents who pay municipal taxes in the Valley town of 8,100 residents. The Ma-te-Way project will haunt not only this generation of taxpayers, but future ratepayers.
The current council has faced several unfortunate realities over the last two years and they made some appropriate changes, while others have been made in haste. They have just over two years to make some tough decisions before the 2026 municipal election is held and a new council is put in place to continue making those tough decisions.
Council must make these decisions while entering into a 30-year debenture to pay off the Ma-te-Way overrun of anywhere between $17 and $20 million. Whatever the final cost turns out to be, the current and future taxpayers will end up shelling out around $55 million to close the book on the Ma-te-Way project.
Robert Tremblay was chosen as the town’s first Chief Administrative Officer and by all accounts, his hiring was, perhaps, the best initiative the previous council undertook. He has drawn on over 20 years of municipal experience to help this council navigate and enact several of the 60 recommendations made by the Ma-te-Way auditors that will have this council and town staff rowing in one direction to modernize a town that was previously spinning in circles trying to enact policies and procedures.
The former system allowed senior staff, such as the former recreation director, to operate and make terrible decisions that contributed to the fiasco. The basic rules of procurement, issuing tenders and RFPs; preparing detailed and written reports for council were all thrown to the side due to a lack of proper oversight. Mr. Tremblay has provided council the basic tools to fix these deficiencies and it is up to them to use these tools correctly.
Mr. Tremblay has been like a trail guide leading a group of settlers on a journey into unchartered lands, and like an old wagon train, it is up to the leaders to make the tough decisions to make sure they keep moving forward.
However, sometimes they can get sidetracked on that journey due to personal ambitions or the desire to get something done so all can see that something is being done without fully thinking it through.
Such is the case of the current council.
Even before the auditors were far from complete in their examination of over 160,000 documents or interviewing more than 200 individuals, including former elected and staff, construction company staff and others, they were making rash decisions that solved nothing and only fed the appetite of residents who demanded accountability.
The majority of council pointed the finger at Mayor Sidney and Reeve Emon for their alleged role in the fiasco and stripped them both of all internal and external committee or ad-hoc appointments except for their participation on the Committee of the Whole (COW). The majority of council eliminated the former five standing committees with the COW that meets biweekly.
For the mayor and reeve, they have had about 80 per cent of their former workload removed, but they are still collecting their annual salary without having to do the work for it. The majority of council demanded the immediate resignation of the mayor because he was a member of the former council. A demand he refused on two occasions.
Just last week, council rushed into a bad decision based on little information. A majority (minus Reeve Emon) passed a motion asking Mayor Sidney to no longer attend any closed session meetings involving the Ma-te-Way project because he was in a leadership role and bad decisions were made. In addition, with no proof provided, an accusation was made the mayor had a personal relationship with the former director of recreation, the same individual at the centre of the $37 million controversy. As he has done on two separate occasions, the mayor said no thank you. He attended and chaired the meeting.
Unable to get rid of him, the eyes were turned on Reeve Emon and council voted in favour of eliminating the position of reeve citing “cost savings”. They argued the role was archaic and outdated. The position is gone and all the responsibilities, along with the commitment of up to 54 hours monthly will be dumped into the mayor’s portfolio starting in 2026. That dumping will include the former reeve’s $22,000 salary on top of the mayor’s honorarium of $42,400. They argue that being mayor is a full-time job. Electing someone to be CEO of a $25-million corporation (Renfrew) as well as being a director of a $180 million corporation (County of Renfrew) is quite a portfolio.
It begs the $64,000 question. What qualifications will future candidates for mayor bring to the table to fill the 51-hour work week on a consistent basis over four years? Sorry, but we don’t see a cost saving in that equation.
These moves were all short-sighted and do nothing to add to the many positive moves this council has made to fix systemic problems with the former governance model.
We commend the current council for making some tough decisions on the road to modernization. We suggest they temper any future decisions and make those tough calls while ignoring the chants of the angry mob of taxpayers yelling in the background.
We would remind this council the auditors never singled out the actions of the two members in their capacity as former council members. We would suggest the majority of council do the same and leave any punitive actions to be carried out by the residents at the 2026 ballot box -R. Bruce McIntyre
J
ust a few weeks ago the Olympics brought us all the soaring moments of physical skill, endurance and perseverance that go into achieving record-breaking athletic prowess. Right now, the Paralympics are showing the world how being ‘differently abled’ looks on the playing field. In 1948 a small group of athletes in England who were also veterans of WWII initiated a sports competition that grew into the current international Paralympic Games in 1960. Those athletes became part of societies acceptance of people in wheelchairs, with prosthetic limbs or other physically different bodies and capabilities. In Canada we had the shining example of Terry Fox and Steve Hanson. Slowly, bit by bit, one ramp and automatic door at a time, we are becoming a society that enables rather than excludes those with physical limitations. Not so long ago we set people with mental or physical disabilities aside in institutions. A friend with a daughter in a wheelchair recently took her child to the Cobden Fair where they were the subject of rude stares and whispers. Having had a kid with a disability myself, I know that experience all too well. Fortunately, Matti’s years at St. James elementary school opened a new world for him and for the other students who became familiar with having a child in a
wheelchair among them.
This is why we need PRIDE flags and crosswalks and Indigenous Pow Wows, Black Lives Matter rallies and Pussy Hat marches! Visibility in numbers matter in a society where a white, able-bodied, heterosexual, Christian male is still considered to be the baseline norm. We are the product of our history, and it takes time and education and, above all, visibility, to change that story. Not everyone believes that all human beings have an innate right to that visibility and inclusion. Donald Trump and JD Vance illustrate that every time they open their mouths! Differences become normalized when we see them as part of our eve-
ryday lives. Taking part in a march or a rally or an event is often the first step of self-acceptance for the person who feels different. Matti’s disease is so rare that only 12 children attended the first conference for Fibrositis Ossificans Progressiva in Orlando in 1991. But he -- and we -- returned from that gathering with a different outlook on life.
Seeing oneself reflected in the people around you makes a vast difference. If those people are also engaged in a struggle for acceptance and inclusion, it gives one a sense of community and belonging instead of feeling as an outsider. That is integral to self-esteem and self-esteem gives people empathy and compassion for others. It is the alienated outsiders who have been bullied or left out who may finally use violence to show the world that they matter.
If you are part of the lucky and advantaged ‘normal’ segment of the population, how about feeling gratitude for your blessings instead of resentment at having some aspects of our society be about those who face greater societal challenges?
The Paralympics open our eyes to those who are physically different. Pow Wows show us the rich cultural heritage of North America’s First Nations. A Pride flag says that gay and trans people are part of our society. If you have a problem with that, perhaps you are sadly the problem!
y care giver who takes care of me has informed me that members of her family, her cousins and friends who live in the Rankin and Wilberforce areas have been lifelong subscribers of the Leader. They must also be very kind people. They even read what I write.
There is also some interesting news from below the border. Somehow Trump could be paying one hell of a high price for his dangerous damaging lies about a political opponent, especially a highly respected one like Kamala Harris. He could be seeing the election results from behind bars. Let us not forget that the Democrats are still in full charge and President Biden believes strongly in justice, as we all did in the good old days. At age 95 there must be something much more unpolitical than writing about dangerous, defeated, desperate, Donald. However, nothing is more memorable than breaking out in a sweat on a really cold morning. I was doing a timber appraisal for CFB Petawawa when I reached a huge rock that most likely had been split by a tornado or hurricane centuries ago. On each side of the split were a line of the largest white
pine trees that I had ever seen. Behind several of the trees was a huge wolf. When I growled like a bear, the wolf slowly disappeared and I stopped trembling. The appraisal was never finished! That, dear readers, was one of the scariest moments of my life. When I started bush work, I was warned by one of the old timers that I would be entering the homeland of wild animals, some of them letting me know that I was not
welcome. It didn’t take long to find out who were the ones who didn’t welcome me. When we heard the wolves howling, the mother deer would hide her babies behind the logs on our landings. If we showed up at daylight we found them in their new home. The wolves were cowards, unless they brought the whole pack. Bears became friends, but the howlers always chose to remain enemies.
In 25 years in bush work I had never met a friendly wolf, two close calls that I can never forget though. As I check what I have written, I realize that I have been unfair. Their intelligence level is almost human. The whole family stays together, and they seem to be planners. Before they begin a chase to obtain food, a few of them find the location of the deer. Then they send the largest pair to form the death trap, and then the chase begins, and all members enjoy the meat. Deer meat may not be their favourite food. Calves have gone missing from cattle ranches and lambs from sheep pastures.
My Guardian Angel must have been with me during these times in those 25 years, or this article would never have been written.
“Conspiracy theories?”
Dear Editor: I’ve always enjoyed editorial cartoons. Like the court jester, the cartoonist can eloquently and concisely say what a writer might hesitate to write or may think must be explained in too many words. Humour is a key element, and the ability to laugh at someone making fun of our personal opinions is a gift and a blessing Last week’s editorial cartoon where it suggested that one needs hearing protection from “your neighbour who won’t shut up about conspiracy theories” had me laughing, as I often wish to not hear or read so many people expressions of hatred towards Donald Trump. He is no angel, yet the world has enough hatred without adding to it and contributing to “divide and conquer” A bird needs both a left wing and a right wing in order to fly…. What caught my attention further, tho’, was the use of the term “conspiracy theory”. A bit of research into the origin of the term reveals its first popular use was by the CIA. Its directive to its agents was to discredit any and all questioning of the single shooter (Oswald) conclusion of the Warren Commission investigation into the murder of President John Kennedy.
This fact emerged as a result of a Freedom of Information request by the New York Times in 1976. Basically, the CIA was telling people that anyone questioning the official government narrative was an evil commie and needed to be discredited…. by calling them a “conspiracy theorist.”
It helps to remember that President Kennedy publicly said, shortly before his murder, “I want to splinter the CIA into a thousand pieces and scatter it to the winds.” He had just fired its director of 15 years, Allen Dulles. Dulles was soon chosen to lead the Warren Commission’s investigations.
Seven days before the assassination, JFK said: “There’s a plot in this country to enslave every man, woman and child. Before I leave this high and noble office, I intend to expose this plot.”
Recently, anyone suggesting that COVID-19 viruses came from the Wuhan BioWeapons Lab, which was being funded by US taxpayers, was labelled a “conspiracy theorist”. Now the US Congress has learned there is truth in that assertion. Similarly, when the US and Ukraine claimed Russia bombed its own Nord Stream oil pipeline to Germany, anyone questioning that official narrative was labelled a conspiracy theorist. Now the US is blaming Zelensky for pushing the US to blow up the Nord Stream… which it admits to having done. And there’s so much more…. I used to see several bumper stickers in the local area saying “Question Authority”. Calling someone a “Conspiracy Theorist” is a way to shut down conversation and stop critical thinking. It promotes “Trust the experts” and “Don’t ask questions” “Don’t think for yourself.” I agree there’s lots of confusion being spread by all sorts of media. Time in nature helps calm our senses and hearts. May this please continue to be so. Robbie Anderman, Killaloe
100 Years Ago - September 5, 1924
District News
Mr. M.T. Stafford of Renfrew arrived home a few days ago from the West, bringing with him a carload of horses. Mr. Stafford has been visiting the West since 1889, but in the five and thirty years he has never before brought horses home; hitherto he has always taken them the other way.
He found crops in a rather poor state. Best conditions he saw were at Asquith, Sask., where he met the clans McQuitty, McTavish and Burwell, and a number of others. – Mercury
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Mr. Maxime Cecile, farmer from Pembroke Township, was in Montreal on Monday for the purpose of hiring men for the Spanish River Lumber Company. He had on him $800 of the company’s money. Leaving a streetcar for his hotel, he discovered that his pocket was picked and the money was gone.
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Destructive Fire At Chapeau Chapeau, Allumette Island, Que. Sept. 2 – Fire which broke out here last night about 10:30 o’clock in a hay barn to the rear of Mr. A. Keon’s hotel on Main street completely destroyed that structure, and before its progress could be stayed, four dwelling houses and some 16 other outbuildings had been burned to the ground, while the premises of the Bank of Montreal branch had been badly damaged.
Spreading from the Keon barn, the fire jumped the street to the rear, where the dwellings occupied by the families of Messrs. Simon Blais, Joseph Daniels, and Couvrette quickly caught. Residents formed a bucket brigade, but were powerless to stop
the flames. The home of Mr. Mervin Kelly on Main street was next to go, and adjacent to it, the Bank of Montreal building caught, but a determined stand by the volunteer fighters saved this building from total destruction. The contents of the homes were saved but the contents of the barns were lost. Assistance was asked from Pembroke and a motor truck manned by members of the brigade from that town came across the island in the early morning and did excellent service to prevent further spread of the fire, which was brought under control at five o’clock this morning. The total losses, so far as can be roughly estimated, will amount to about $20,000, partially covered by insurance.
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Barry’s Bay Scores Big Victory Barry’s Bay stands out red again on the baseball map and has won fresh renown by winning the laurels of victory in Pembroke on Labour Day. Chief Tom Murray and his braves deserve well of the community centre which they so brilliantly represent on the field of sport. Smiths Falls all-star nine went down to defeat, first by Barry’s Bay – the score being 4 to 2, and then Pembroke, eager and confident, faded away when their score sheets showed a blank while Barry’s Bay put four men over the plate.
Big Bill Skuce and his mates from the Bay worked in perfect unison. Geo. Crowe, one of Jean Dubric’s lieutenants, was on the mound for Pembroke but was completely lost - Skuce striking him out and the bases loaded. The team achieving this singular honour for Barry’s Bay
are: Skuce, p; Chuenard, c; T. Muray 1st b; P.R. Biernacki, 2nd b; Miller 3rd b; F. Chapeskie, ss.; Skebo, c.f.; P. Etmanskie, r.f.; Krafezyk, l.f.
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Killed In Auto Accident
Eganville and Wilberforce relatives were shocked on Wednesday when learning that Mildred Dennison, wife of James Mitchell of Pontiac, Mich., had received fatal injuries in a motor accident the previous evening. She was but 38 years of age, and was married four years. Her body arrived at the C.P.R station, Eganville, last evening and was conveyed to Lake Dore to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Dennison.
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Successful Social At Cormac
A euchre and forty-five social held at Cormac on Wednesday evening was well patronized, not only by the people of the adjacent territory but also by visitors from Brudenell, Killaloe and Eganville. All greatly enjoyed the evening. In the euchre competition the lady’s first prize was won by Miss Aggie Mullin and the gentleman’s by Mr. Art Schubrink. Mr.. Alex McGrath was announced the winner of the turkey, R. Don Connors the sheep, Mr. Herb Redmond the boots, and Mr. D.J. Flynn, the flour.
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Mr. Richard Conway of Madawaska informs the Leader that men coming from a lumber camp broke into his house at the junction and made off with his valuable Smith and Weston revolved with it beautiful pearl handle and also a belt full of cartridges. If any of our readers can put Mr. Conway on the track of the thieves, he would be well pleased.
75 Years Ago - September 2, 1949
John L. Carmody Met Death
By Drowning
Pembroke, Aug. 29 – The funeral of John L. Carmody, popular young Pembroke man who was drowned at Black Bay Friday morning, was held from his late residence to the Church of the Most Holy Name for requiem High Mass at nine o’clock. Burial was in the R.C. cemetery. The preliminary report on the autopsy prepared by Dr. A.R. Bainsborough, Ottawa, pathologist, indicated there would no inquest.
* * * * * * Courageous Calabogie Youth Saved Girl From Drowning Arnprior, Aug. 30 – Provincial Constable S. Macdonnell of the Arnprior detachment provincial police spoke highly today of the great courage of Donald Wright, Calabogie, who was instrumental in saving the life of Beatrice Chiddle, age 16, after her younger brother, Cecil Chiddle, lost his life in the turbulent waters of the Madawaska River at Calabogie last Tuesday.
Cecil Chiddle, four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Chiddle, who reside near the Madawaska River at Calabogie, had wandered out on a boom stick in the river. He fell off and the splash was heard by 12-year-old Reginald Wright who was cutting logs with his brother, Donald, aged 19. Reginald also saw a small arm disappearing in the water and immediately called the attention of his brother to the accident. Donald plunged into the fast-moving water and began diving for the youngster. Meantime, Beatrice Chiddle, who was nearby, realized what the commotion was about and also began diving for the boy. Donald, after 10 minutes, finally located the youngster in 10 feet of water
where Reginald Wright was waiting to assist. Apparently, at the sight of her young brother, Beatrice, who was still swimming about in the fast waters, became panicky and was in danger of being drawn into the swift currents and eddying waters at the head of the power plant. Without hesitation Donald swam to her and helped her to the shore. Miss Chiddle was so overcome that she fainted when Wright brought her to shore. Constable Macdonnell, who investigated the case, was high in his praise of young Wright, who averted what could have been a second tragedy.
* * * * * * Young Eganville Girl Guest At Canadian National Exhibition Toronto, Aug. 29 – Elaine Freitag of Eganville was one of two outstanding Ontario High School students chosen upon advice of the Department of Education for Expedition Canada ”, sponsored by Ogilvie Flour Mills Co. Ltd., at Toronto’s Canada National Exhibition from August 26th to the 29th Better inter-provincial understanding among the youth of Canada was the purpose of “Exhibition Canada” which brought 20 young students from the 10 provinces to the C.N.E., all expenses paid.
While in Toronto, Elaine recorded a radio interview with Kate Aitken, Women’s Director of the C.N.E., which is scheduled for broadcast on CHOV, Pembroke. Highlights on the broadcast are Elaine’s observations on the many exciting activities which she took part while in Toronto, including her presentation to Governor-General Viscount Alexander during the opening day ceremonies. The young Eganville girl also explains to what extent her understanding of other provinces
“Expedition Canada”, and how she personally plans to further interprovincial understanding among her colleagues in Eganville.
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Four Persons Hurt In Car Accident Near Golden Lake Pembroke, Aug. 29 – A Quadeville woman is in Pembroke General Hospital and three other persons were injured late Saturday night when the car in which the woman was riding crashed into the rear of another car while attempting to pass on a curve 1 ½ miles east of Golden Lake on Highway 41. The Quadeville woman, Miss Margaret McCoy, 21, suffered severe lacerations to face and throat, when her head crashed through the windshield of the car driven by Stanley Brohart, 25, of Quadeville. Her condition was reported Sunday by hospital authorities as “ satisfactory”.
Suffering minor injuries and treated by Dr. R.L. Reeves were Brohart, facial lacerations; Harold Pilon, of Hyndford, driver of the second car, left knee injuries, and J.J. Wren of Hyndford, whose left ankle was badly injured. Two other passengers in the Brohart car escaped injuries.
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A Neighbourly News Program
Mr. Frank Ryan of Ottawa, who has a number of friends and acquaintances in Eganville, has in mind a radio programme somewhat similar to that conducted by the late Andy Clarke of Toronto – a broadcast of quaint, humourous and original news items from the weekly press. Mr. Ryan informs the Leader that he “intends to start a 15-minute program on CFRA – possibly on Friday night – made up of items from Ottawa Valley newspapers. It will be pretty much of a ‘neighbourly news’
50 Years Ago - September 4, 1974
90-Bed Care Facility For Barry’s Bay
A 90-bed facility to care for nursing home residents and the aged will be built in Barry’s Bay, Paul Yakabuski, M.P.P., Renfrew South, announced Monday.
Final details on the establishment of such a facility were worked out by the Hon. Rene Brunelle, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services, and the Hon. Frank Miller, Minister of Health, and Mr. Yakabuski.
A joint survey by the abovementioned ministries revealed there is need for accommodation or joint facility to care for people who require nursing home care and the aged. It has been determined that the ratio of need in the county and this area is approximately 60 per cent nursing home beds and 40 per cent beds for the aged.
“Consequently, of the 90 beds proposed about 45 will be nursing home and 30 will be for the aged, with approximately 15 that are flexible so that they can be used for either type of care,” said Mr. Yakabuski.
Mr. Yakabuski said that when the home is established, nursing home residents will be covered by the Ontario government extended care program through OHIP. He added that Renfrew County will buy service from the facility to cover aged residents.
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Pedestrian Struck Near Barry’s Bay
A 68-year-old Barry’s Bay resident, Frank Mintha, received cuts and bruises Saturday night while walking along Highway 60 in the Carson Lake area, west of Barry’s Bay.
Mr. Mintha was walking west when he was struck by an eastbound car on the south edge of the roadway.
Driver of the car was Leonard Davis, 19, of Waterloo.
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Tractor Trailer Rolls Near Barry’s Bay
A 22-year-old Smithville, Ont. man escaped injuries last Wednesday at noon when the tractor trailer he was driving rolled over two-anda-half miles south of Barry’s Bay on Highway 62. R.E. Topp was southbound with the rig and was rounding a curve in the roadway when it went out of control and rolled over. The rig was loaded with shavings at the time of the mishap.
Damage to the tractor and trailer was estimated at $5,000 and $250 damage to the guard rails.
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* * * * * Popular News Broadcaster Here Bill Kehoe, that friendly man who reads the six o’clock edition of the news on CBC, and who also hosts a program on CBO Radio, was a visitor in Eganville last Wednesday. He was accompanied by Chris Thomas,
also a broadcaster.
The two city men met with Leader publishers Ron and Gerald Tracey and said that they are interested in getting more valley news and happenings on their noon hour radio show.
He said that they would like interviews with older people or with people who have good ideas.
“Right now, all our interviews are with city people,” he said. Mr. Kehoe said that the power from the station has been increased, and now residents of the Barry’s Bay and Deep River areas can receive a better signal.
Mr. Kehoe and Mr. Thomas interviewed Len Welk while in Eganville and he will be heard tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:45 on CBO, radio dial 910. Mr. Welk will be discussing his fireplace industry.
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* * * * * Lornie Foran New Director Pembroke lawyer Lornie Foran has been appointed to the board of directors of the Pembroke Lumber Kings hockey club, Jerry Harrington, president announced. Other directors are James MacGregor, Dr. P. Prudhomme, Dr. K. Roach and Warren Torch.
Mr. Harrington also revealed that the Kings have entered into a working agreement with the Peterborough Petes of the OHA. The Kings will be the only team to enjoy such a relationship with the Petes
25 Years Ago - September 1, 1999
OPP Conduct Interviews At Sales Barn For More Clues
Renfrew – Provincial Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of a well-known Renfrew County resident.
Town resident and semi-retired cattleman H. Kenneth (Ken) Dick was found murdered along a sideroad near the land he had farmed for most of his 81 years last Tuesday, August 24 th. Ken Dick had been among the regulars at the Renfrew- Pontiac Livestock Sales barn, owned and operated by his brother, Harry, at the regular sale earlier in the day. Like many others, he came to the weekly sale there each Tuesday as much for social as business reasons. Shortly after 6 p.m., Mr. Dick’s body was found by a passerby along the Mhusk Road in Admaston Township. He had been beaten and stabbed to death.
The body was transported to the Ottawa General Hospital for an autopsy, which was conducted the following day.
Police are looking for two white males who were seen in a boxy style four-door forest green car, similar to a Plymouth Acclaim, which had an Ontario licence plate similar to WMT540. A knife, which is believed to be the murder weapon, was found on Thursday in a ditch along Mhusk Road, near a spring well approximately 1.2 kms from where the victim’s body was found.
Det. Const. Bruce Tierney of the Renfrew OPP said the discovery of the knife marked the completion of the on-site investigation of the
crime scene.
When the buyers and sellers arrived at the sale barn on August 31 for the regular weekly sale, they were met by uniformed police officers who questioned them about what and whom they had seen the previous week. It was part of the investigation into Mr. Dick’s murder.
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Residents Fear Leaving Homes
After A Rash of Daring Break-Ins Wilno – Residents of the peaceful hilltop community are alarmed at the increasing number of break-ins in their serene hamlet.
“People are running scared,” said Don Recoskie of Wilno. “When you don’t have any break-ins and now you have five, it is too much.”
The latest break-ins occurred Saturday night when two residences in the hamlet were broken into. Several bottles of liquor, some money, and VCR were stolen. Both break-ins occurred within a short time frame of between 7 and 7:30 p.m.
Within a mile of the village there have been five homes broken into in the last two weeks. Some of the homes have also been vandalized.
The break-ins have the close-knit community in a fluster. The homes that have been broken into are located on Church Street and Wilno Road South.
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Killaloe Reeve Says Donation of Hoch Farm Like Winning A Lottery
Killaloe – Descendants of the William and Amelia Hoch family have donated the historic family farm to the village.
Norman Hoch, 87, of Oshawa, the only surviving member of eight children who grew up on the farm that borders Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 512 (Queen Street) and his son, Dr. Charles Hoch of London, officially turned the 20.68 acres of land over to the village at a special council meeting last Wednesday night. The property was bequeathed by Norman Hoch to his brother, Wes, who passed away in 1990. Wes, and another brother Gordon, who died a few years previous to 1990, lived and worked the farm all their lives. In recent years, Norman Hoch gave the property to his son, Dr. Charles, and his daughter, Janet, who live in New Jersey. Norman Hoch and his wife, Laura, and Dr. Charles Hoch and his wife, Ruth, attended the meeting last week to officially present the land to the village.
Reeve Isabel O’Reilly thanked the Hochs for their very generous donation and said the village will very soon organize a committee to begin making plans for the development of the property.
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1,200 Served At Supper Once again the sand-baked bean, turkey and ham supper at Our Lady of Angel’s in Brudenell was a success.
Over 1,200 meals were served, and people waited for over an hour to enter the parish hall to enjoy the meal. One hundred and five volunteers served meals, worked in the kitchen, outside on the grounds or directed traffic. They all ensured the event went smoothly.
98-year-old Raymond Biernaski and his wife, Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniverary last week and his 98th birthday with no signs they are about to slow down
By Barry Conway
Journalism Initiative Reporter
Local
Barry’s Bay -- Seventy-three years ago last week, on August 28th, 1951, Raymond Biernaski celebrated his 25th birthday by marrying Frances Stoppa at St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church here in Barry’s Bay. She was 21 years old, the oldest daughter of Anthony Stoppa, a farmer who lived out along the Paugh Lake Road, where, among other things, he tended to 10 cows, a few hogs, a flock of sheep, and a gaggle of turkeys, geese and chickens.
The wedding lasted three days -- standard among local PolishKashub families -- and it attracted hundreds of friends, relatives and neighbours, who all dropped by the Stoppa farm over those 72 hours thanks to a temporary home-made square-dance platform and the endless guitar and fiddle music of Michael and Josee Rumleskie -- that is, so long as there was daylight.
“We had no electricity so once it got dark,” said Frances Biernaski, now 94 on the day of her 73rd wedding anniversary, “well, they all had to go home and come back again the next day.”
A wedding dinner of mutton and chicken, products of the farm, was provided after being prepared in a nearby cookhouse and served on a huge wedding table in the main farmhouse. A three-tiered wedding cake was also prepared and topped off with a miniature bride and groom.
For their honeymoon, the happy couple left on the Barry’s Bay train for Ottawa but were back in time a few days later for the final reception the following Sunday.
“We had three different couples who met up at our wedding,” said Frances, fondly remembering her wedding day, 73 years ago, “and they all got married shortly afterwards.”
The three couples included Peter Brotton and Clementine Stoppa, Leonard Rumleski and his future wife, and a Dombroski. Some of them are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year as well.
Prior to her marriage, Frances was educated in a one room schoolhouse, S.S. #8, in Paugh Lake where she was taught by Doreen Conway, the future wife of Paul J. Yakabuski.
“I went there from about aged 7 to 17 but I mostly went in the summertime because in the wintertime there was no snowploughing, so whenever it was too cold or too much snow, we couldn’t go.”
She said she didn’t grow up with Raymond and indeed never laid eyes on him until she was a teenager.
“We met when I was 16 and he was 20 at a country dance held at Steffan’s farm. And then I didn’t see him for a year because he worked away in the lumber camp.
And when I was 17 in 1947, I took the train to Ottawa and worked as a house maid for $30/month, looking after two little girls.
“You got Thursday afternoon off and every second Sunday; and when all the other maids got together -- our friends from here who were working in Ottawa then -- well, we would take the city buses and go window shopping. I remember one Easter Sunday, we visited six different churches just to see what was going on.”
She worked in Ottawa for four years until her wedding day.
Five months after they were married, the Biernaskis bought the Stamplecoski house on Inglis St. in Barry’s Bay for $3,500 which they paid off at the rate of $500 a year over the next seven years. It was at a time when Raymond earned about $2,200 a year and their first municipal tax bill was for $32.60.
“When we were first married, we had to have a big garden,” said Frances who said she used to
preserve and can most of what she harvested. Back in the day, she said the family planted potatoes on the family farm and they bought their beef and pork in bulk and kept it at the local Cold Storage plant.
All their neighbours that used to live up and down their west-end Inglis Street neighbourhood back in the 1950s and 60s -- the Murrays, Billings, Skebo’s Yankovitches, Glofcheskies. and Princes -- they are all gone now.
“We never lived anywhere else; it’s the only place we ever lived,” said Frances who raised 10 children of her own there: Phylis, Philip, William, Paul, Robert, Pat, Yvonne, Tracey, Kimberley and Anita. Those children are now spread out between the Yukon and New York City but a number of them remain close by, including Pat, who works at the Wilno Tavern and Rainbow Valley Health Centre.
After Raymond got married, he initially worked at McRae’s Lumber in Whitney and then bought a chainsaw.
“It was the biggest chainsaw I ever had,” he said proudly. “It had
a four-foot blade; you couldn’t cut those big timbers with a cross-cut saw or anything less.”
With that chainsaw and his brother Isaiah, Raymond headed into the bush where the brothers worked for years as independent jobbers, harvesting timber for other lumber companies. He also worked building roads where he became a heavy-equipment operator, driving bulldozers for 24 years, and then in the 1980s he operated a snowplow for the Village of Barry’s Bay. Even after he retired, he continued to operate his own snow-plowing business well into his 90s, giving it up only a few years ago. Indeed, currently at 98 years of age, Raymond still drives his own half-ton. A Chev, bought in 1995, it’s still on the road as is he. Raymond says that half-ton has never seen the inside of a commercial garage; he prefers to change his own oil and do any maintenance on it himself.
It’s little wonder. Raymond is one of the oldest licensed drivers in the area, if not in Ontario, and
is well known in Barry’s Bary as a man who would often load up his entire family long before there was GPS and drive them anywhere they wanted to go. Once, in the late 1970s he drove right through the heart of New York City for his grandson, Sean’s, christening -right into the heart of Manhattan and right out again. He’s not one to shy away from a road trip.
“Dad loved to drive,” said daughter Pat. “Even now, he still loves to drive. When we were growing up, dad drove us everywhere. We’d often go to Ottawa and Toronto to visit cousins. Nothing has changed. He drove to Hamilton six weeks ago. And last week, he drove to Ottawa, stopping at the Swiss Chalet on their way back. At 98!”
“Worse thing is,” said Raymond, “if you’re driving and you get nervous, well that’s when you make a mistake, have an accident. But if you’re not nervous about driving, especially, in a city like New York, well everything works out.”
Frances has great confidence in her husband’s driving abilities.
“But sometimes, you just trust in
St. Anthony,” (the patron saint of travellers,) “to get you through.”
In fact, the Biernaski family’s adventures in Manhattan have become the stuff of legend around Barry’s Bay. There are stories cherished by family members who talk of them with delight, even though they are not without mishaps or that one time when the family got lost in the back alleys of New York City near midnight.
“We’ve been to Dawson City, the Yukon a couple of times, New York City a couple of times,” said Raymond, recounting some of his adventures. “I drove from here to Alaska in six days for our 50th wedding anniversary.” The Biernaski family also once made the rounds closer to home, taking in as many local summer and fall church suppers that they could find. Such suppers used to be held between Maynooth and Round Lake, Whitney and Killaloe, including the famous Wilno Chicken Supper. To hear Pat and Yvonne talk of those dinners is to hear more than ordinary laughter.
“Mom and dad always took us to those church dinners,” said Pat. “We usually paid our own way, but they didn’t want us to sit with them because we ate too much; the 10 of us would sit by ourselves and we’d gobble everything up in sight, especially those all-you-can-eat pies.”
“Bobby and Paul were terrible,” said Frances. “They’d eat pies, my God, it was wild to see them eat, 20 different pies, 20 different pieces.” Sadly, Paul and Bobby died some years ago, but the ever-optimistic Biernaski family still makes an effort to make more church supper memories. And though those dinners are now few and far between, Raymond and Frances Biernaski are expecting to take a little road trip this Sunday to Bancroft where they heard there was going to be another church supper.
Earlier last week the couple celebrated their 73rd anniversary with a small family dinner of 38 people. Small, considering Raymond and Frances have 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and when they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, they rented the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre and invited 120 guests. It was a throwback to those heady, three-day blow-outs when they first were wedded, complete with guitar and fiddle.
By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Pembroke – The 2024 edition of the Pembroke Old-Time fiddling and Stepdancing competition is in the history books and organizers say there was an increased number of participants over last year, which was the first since COVID.
Don Rosien, a member of the organizing committee, dubbed the 46 th annual competition as quite successful.
“It went well; our numbers were up in the contestants,” he reported. “So that was good to see, especially in the younger ones.
“That’s promising for the future when there’s more young ones coming into it,” he added. “And I think there was 17 in the 65-plus.”
The total number of registrants was 18, an increase from the 79 participants last year.
Mr. Rosien said the number of trailers at Fiddle Park was down from about 30 last year to 2547 this year, adding he is hopeful with more advertising in the future that number will get back to where it was previously. He said the price of gas is a factor in the decrease, and some people cancelled due to health reasons.
This year’s event marked the second year the competition was held in Festival Hall, having moved there from the Pembroke Memorial Centre (PMC) in 2023.
“It worked a lot better this year,”
he said of the transition. “There’s always still a few little tweaks; you always find a few more little bugs to iron out.
“But the city and Festival Hall partners are good to help us out,” he added.
Mr. Rosien said the competitors and fans continue to be impressed with the new facility.
“Everybody likes it. The seats are more comfortable, the sound is fantastic. It’s just a nicer setting.
“It’s meant for that type of event,” he added.
He paid credit to the co-emcees
Art Jamieson and Paul Lemelin, saying Mr. Jamieson will continue to be part of the show for as long as he can do it. He added Mr. Lemelin is bilingual and speaks some French for the Francophone contestants.
Mr. Rosien said the closing num
ber where the fiddling
er,
stepdancing judges
son, Tiffany Fewster, Kyle Warmouth) take to the stage to showcase their talents was a highlight of the evening on Saturday.
“You can’t beat the three fiddlers who were up there, and then the stepdancers too.
“ While the weekend is a lot of work for the committee and the many volunteers, it’s all worthwhile. He said the jam sessions at Fiddle Park continue to be an important part of the competition.
“There’s not as many as there used to be, but the Schryers are kind of the major hub and then there are the Marchs. A lot of people bring their own little tents.”
9 & Under Fiddle – 1. Kolbe Helferty, Douglas; 2. Alice Helferty, Douglas; 3. Quin Prud Homme, Kanata; 4. Otis Brown, Oakville; 5. Cillian Doyle, Oshawa.
9 & Under Step Dancing – 1. Siobheann Faria, Brampton; 2. Emsie McBride, Cobden; 3. Ruby St. Louis, Pembroke; 4. Teresa Johnson, Killaloe; 5. Ruby Norris, Kemptville
Jr. Group Dancing – 1. If the Shoe Fits, Golden Lake; 2. The Valley Clovers, Renfrew; 3. Get Your Shoes On, Brampton.
12 & Under Fiddle – 1. Lucie Lazarus, Chapeau, QC; 2. Denver Helferty, Douglas; 3. Theodore Broughton-Hall, Hamilton; 4. James Meenan, Pembroke; 5. Callum Helferty, Douglas.
12 & Under Step Dancing – 1. Lucie Lazarus, Chapeau; 2. Neala Poff, Harrington; 3. Francis Leahy, Golden Lake, 4. Felicity Waggoner, Renfrew; 5. Elsie Waggoner, Renfrew. 19-44 Fiddle – 1. Beatrice Herwig, Eganville; 2. Megan Lavigueur, Eganville; 3. Jackson Corry, Red Deer, AB.
19-39 Step Dancing – 1. Sarah Johnson, Sudbury; 2. Courtney Drew, Cookshire Eaton, QC.
45-64 Fiddle – 1. Karen Steven, Petawawa. Raymond Schryer, Richards Landing; 3. Kyle Felhaver, Arnprior.
40-54 Step Dancing – 1. Becky Reid, Arnprio; 2. Dawn Dewar, Ottawa, 3. Rita Hickey, Brampton. 65 & Over Fiddle – 1. Charlie Walden, Evanston, IL; 2. Don Guillemette, Stittsville; 3. Bruce Armitage, Quyon, QC.
55 & Over Step Dancing – 1. Scott Greenough, Arnprior; 2. Callista Kelly, Osgoode; 3. Fern J. Storie, Renfrew. Sr. Group Dancing – 1. The Golden Steppers, Osgoode/Renfrew.
Twin Fiddle – 1. Kameron and Kelton Tellier, Sudbury; 2. Ronan Karson and Noah Jeaurond, Osgoode; 3. Laura Hall and Paul Jacob Lemelin, Hagar/Hanmer.
18 & Under Step Dancing – 1. Serena Sernoskie, Golden Lake; 2. Savannah Crigger, Pembroke; 3. Elizabeth Johnson, Killaloe; 4. Bridgette Faria, Brampton; 5. Avaleen Waggoner, Renfrew.
18 & Under Fiddle – 1. Kelton Tellier, Sudbury;
By R. Bruce McIntyre Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Pembroke – A 60-year-old man pled guilty last week to assault with a deadly weapon in relation to a stabbing that took place near downtown Renfrew in April.
Wayne Flegel was one of four men who became involved in an altercation after a scuffle broke out from what all those involved referred to as a disagreement over money owed over cigarettes.
Initially, both Mr. Flegel and Christopher McCanna-Wright, 34, of Renfrew, were charged with attempted murder.
When the hearing began, Mr. Flegel appeared via video link alongside his lawyer, Adrian Cleaver of Pembroke from Mr. Cleaver’s Pembroke office.
After the clerk read out the charge and Mr. Flegel pled guilty, Crown Attorney James Bocking described the actions that led to the guilty plea.
Mr. Bocking said both Mr. Flegel and Mr. McCann-Wright were inside a residence at 165 Munroe Avenue West in Renfrew when Calvin Guest, Jacob Kilby and Robert Peever arrived and when Mr. Peever confronted Mr. McCann-Wright regarding a female. A fight ensued and that is when Mr. Flegel stabbed Mr. Guest in the arm. Eventually two men were transported to the Renfrew Victoria Hospital and when police arrived, the two victims refused to answer any questions or identify who stabbed them. One of the victims refused to
answer, telling investigating officers
“I am taking the fifth.”
Although the crimes were of a very serious nature and resulted in two men being transported to Renfrew Victoria Hospital, and although both assailants were charged with attempted murder, they were able to convince the courts to be released into the custody of court-approved sureties.
Both men were ordered to abide by the strict conditions imposed by Justice Jennifer Grant of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Joint Submission
Crown Attorney Bocking informed Justice Jeffery Richardson the reasoning behind the Joint Submission between his office and Mr. Cleaver on behalf of Mr. Flegel.
“There is a guilty plea and sparing the use of scarce judicial resources is noted and this trial would have taken at least five days of court time (the co-accused is resolving the case as well) at a time when the judicial system is trying to ensure that the commitments made under Jordan are upheld,” Mr. Bocking said. “Mr. Flegel is accepting responsibility at an early occasion, following discussions with the Crown Attorney.”
Mr. Bocking blamed the lack of cooperation among the men involved in the altercation in April, and a failure of any other person with knowledge of the case to step forward to ensure all aspects are understood.
“The Crown Attorney wishes to
stress there are a number of triable issues with respect to this case. Of course, had the facts fallen in line as they are stated in the Crown brief, one could have expected to receive a sentence significantly higher than what is being offered here today.”
He said a number of the witnesses early on in the investigation, including the victim, obstructed the investigation.
“They had their reasons, but there are consequences for these actions,” Mr. Bocking said. “The Crown is also concerned what the court would make of a statement that these parties -- who knew each other and had some animus -- would attend this residence to purchase “smokes”.”
He joked that a cynical person might question the lack of common sense attached to this position of buying smokes in the middle of the evening from an ex of your girlfriend.
At that point, Justice Richardson said to Mr. Bocking “that’s ridiculous” in the excuse given to buy cigarettes was the only reason the men showed up.
Mr. Bocking concluded neither the police nor his office were able to gain more information from those involved.
“The Crown points to these issues as underscoring that while on one end, these are serious offences, at the same time, there are a number of issues which make this case far from a slam dunk or even a lay-up, and as such, great mitigation should
The Town of Renfrew is currently recruiting board members for the Renfrew Public Library Board. Library Board members work closely with the Renfrew Public Library
CEO and staff to shape the future direction of library services and resources in our community
The RPL Board of Trustees operates under the terms of the Public Libraries Act.
The average board member is committed to two to four hours per month to attend meetings and events. Applications are due no later than September 17, 2024 and are available on the Town’s website renfrew.ca or on the Library's website at renfrewlibrary.ca. Print copies are available at the Town Office or the Library
Please submit all applications for Renfrew’s Representative to Carolynn Errett at cerrett@renfrew.ca.
More information on becoming a board member is available at: renfrewlibrary.ca, or by contacting Kelly Latendresse at kletendresse@renfrewlibrary.ca or by calling 613-432-8151.
be placed on a plea which ensures certainty of result for all parties.”
Mr. Bocking said the joint submission includes a 15-month Conditional Sentence followed by an 18-month probation order.
Mr. Cleaver said if the matter went to court, Mr. Flegel likely would have argued self-defence and there was an outside chance he might have been judged differently. He said his client did have a serious previous conviction dating back to 2002 when he served time in a federal penitentiary.
Justice Richardson Accepts Plea
Justice Richardson began his ruling by reminding all in attendance he was under no obligation to accept the conditions and make his own ruling. This does not happen very often and on this day, those in attendance might have thought this was one of those days.
“Well Mr. Flegel, are you lucky or what,” Justice Richardson cynically said to Mr. Flegel. “The witnesses don’t come through. The Crown wisely decides that a judge or jury hearing the case might find you not guilty. So, because the witnesses refuse to step up and do the right thing, you walk away with a conditional
sentence.”
Justice Richardson listed the events of Mr. Flegel’s criminal record, including serving time in a federal prison for aggravated assault. He reminded him he spent time at Millhaven Penitentiary, a prison that carries one of the worst reputations in Canada.
“Some people might look at your record and say old habits die hard,” he said. “Instead, you exited the house. A smart person would have called the police. A law-abiding person would have called the police.
Both senior counsels with lots of years of experience assess the case and argue to put the defendant on a conditional sentence and just call it a day.”
He said a trial might have been chaos.
“We could have had witnesses changing their stories…we even had one witness ‘take the fifth,” he said.
“There is no such thing in Canadian law.”
He lectured Mr. Flegel about his past and what comes next and said he is now 60 years old and going back to a place like Millhaven would be much harder this time because he is 20 years older. He didn’t suggest it,
but he said triple-bunking at Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre was an option. However, he said he was satisfied with the 33-month probation because he is always one step away from prison if he breaks any of the conditions.
“It’s time to grow up Mr. Flegel, the streets of Renfrew are not a battleground and you and the others involved in this case need to stop treating it like that,” he said. “You are getting old enough now that if you do go into custody, it’s going to be different. You spent some time at Millhaven…it’s a terrible place and people die and people behave like animals.
“So, if you want to go back there, just keep on doing what you are doing and keep committing offences like this, and you will get back there. Since you were last there, Millhaven has gotten worse. So if you want to keep living this lifestyle, then keep doing this and we will help you.” Mr. Flegel addressed the court and told Justice Richardson he had no intention of going back to prison and that he had learned his lesson. Mr. McCanna-Wright is being represented by Pembroke lawyer Mark Huckabone and his case has
The August Council Summary is now available online!
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Pembroke -- Norbert Cybulski, a former priest who served in several local churches from the time of his ordainment on June 3, 1962 until his retirement and stands accused of historical sexual assaults, remains in palliative care and as such, was once again unable to attend a court appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice yesterday (Tuesday). It is believed he is currently in hospice care in Renfrew County. When Justice Michael March called on legal representation for the accused or a spokesperson for the accused, the courtroom was silent. Justice March stood the matter down until mid-morning when Forest Poff Smith, a defence counsel at Huckabone Law Services in Pembroke, notified the court he had instructions from Mr. Huckabone. Justice March addressed the matter shortly before lunchtime.
“I understand that Mr. Cybulski is
quite ill and he has been hospitalized for at least a couple of months,” Mr. Poff-Smith said. “His prognosis is not good. As such, Mr. Huckabone has been writing letters to his various health care providers seeking updates. Mr. Huckabone requests that this matter be put over for a couple of weeks.” James Bocking, Acting/Crown Attorney for Renfrew County, requested some expediency in terms of presenting a letter of explanation for the court.
“I don’t have an issue with this, as it has been done before and we are now at four months of adjournments,” Mr. Bocking said. “I don’t want to sound morbid but I have a responsibility to the complainants on the matter to inform them of what is going on. We need something to show them. We have been adjourned four times and we need something to tell the complainants.”
Justice March allowed an adjournment and requested all parties to
reconvene in court on October 1 and asked for Mr. Huckabone’s office to keep court updated as best he can of his client’s health status.
Father Norbert Cybulski served in several local parishes including St. Lawrence O’Toole (1999-2001), as well as at St. Casimir’s in Round Lake (1978-1980), St. Hedwig’s in Barry’s Bay and St. Mary’s in Wilno.
When news of another Catholic priest sex scandal began circulating in the summer of 2022, the former Bishop of Pembroke Diocese, Guy Desrochers, issued a public statement on June 17, 2022, acknowledging the allegations against the former priest.
“In recent days the Diocese of Pembroke received historical allegations of the sexual abuse of minors against Reverend Norbert Cybulski, a retired priest of the Diocese,” the letter stated. “The persons making the reports are now adults but were minors at the time
of the alleged actions. The Diocese has encouraged them to also report their allegations to police services. Because they were minors, the Diocese will not publicly comment further on the details that have been received.”
Bishop Desrochers immediately opened a preliminary investigation into the information that was received. As required by the universal law of the Catholic Church, the allegations were forwarded to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, which is the competent department of the Holy See to evaluate such allegations.
Since Bishop Desrochers issued the letter and until the investigation is completed, Father Cybulski’s faculties to minister publicly were withdrawn.
Mr. Bocking could not comment on any matters relating to the case other than whatever action is taken moving forward, there will be a delay in the proceedings. The exact
nature of the alleged assaults has not been released in an effort to protect any past or present complainants. Father Cybulski served at Most Holy Name of Jesus in Pembroke
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By R. Bruce McIntyre Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Renfrew –A Renfrew man was recently honoured with the prestigious Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
Kurt Johnson received the award which is given to exceptional veterans or individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of veterans and/ or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of veterans.
When he opened his letter informing him of his award, he was both thrilled and humbled.
“It really came out of left field and something I had ever expected,” Mr. Johnson told the Leader. “I opened the envelope and read the text and I realized I was going to Ottawa to meet with the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs. I was going to receive an award for various projects that I absolutely loved being involved with over the last decade.”
The most recent project he undertook, Faces-To-Graves , and one that he is most proud of, is a Canadian-Dutch partnership that tells the life stories of Canadian soldiers who died during World War II and never returned home. He started the project in 2020 and it has been ongoing ever since. The project is 160 life stories of Canadian soldiers and they are written by Grade 10 students at All Saints High School in Kanata.
“I edited and researched the 160 life stories written by 273 students and three teachers for Faces-ToGraves Foundation at the Groesbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands,” he said. “There are 2,338 Canadian soldiers buried there and we have set out to tell their stories so they are never forgotten. Most importantly, we have the students doing the research and writing.
“Throughout the process they not only learn the history of these young men, but they come to understand what it was like for a 17 or 18-yearold kid from Canada marching off to war. The students telling these stories are close to the same age as the soldiers in 1939.”
The award he received from Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the Minister of Veteran Affairs, not only recognized his work for the Faces-To-Graves project, but the medal was in recognition of his 10 years in researching and writing about Canadian veterans who died in both World Wars Mr. Johnson’s research has involved extensive work with the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and he has worked with six Anglican churches in Renfrew County.
Charge laid in intimate partner violence incident
Kurt Johnson was recently awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, a prestigious award that recognizes his contribution to the remembrance of the sacrifices and achievements of veterans. For over a decade, Mr. Johnson helped chronicle the life story of 160 of the 2,338 WWII Canadian soldiers buried in several graveyards in The Netherlands.
Editing and writing came natural for Mr. Johnson who recently moved from Burnstown to Renfrew. He spent several years working in the Ottawa Citizen newsroom and retired from his editorial position in 2010. He knew he wanted to volunteer, but he also knew he wanted to put his energies somewhere where his natural skill-set would be used.
He started volunteering at the Goulbourn Museum in Stittsville and shortly into his tenure the Government of Canada announced
Killaloe -- One person is facing a criminal charge stemming from an Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) incident last Thursday. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at Killaloe began an investigation into an assault on the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan
a major celebration for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
“I have to admit I have a pretty good knowledge of Canadian history, but when I dove into researching the history of the 100th Regiment of Foot that arrived in Canada from Ireland in 1805, I was amazed at how much I did not know about that conflict,” he said. “During the War of 1812, the 100 Regiment played a critical role in defending Canada participating in actions in both Upper and Lower Canada, which
First Nation community, resulting in the arrest of a 36-year-old from Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation who was charged with domestic assault with a weapon. The accused was released from custody and will appear in court later.
included the area south of Ottawa down to the St. Lawrence River.”
He began writing life stories of soldiers in 2014 when he researched the life stories of 24 soldiers for the Holten and Groesbeek Canadian War Cemeteries in The Netherlands.
“One of the most rewarding things I learned is that several families adopted the grave of Canadian soldiers a few months after the war ended in 1945,” he said. “Even though Europe was in total chaos and everyone suffered one way or another, the Dutch made it a point to pay tribute to the Canadians who died while driving the Nazis out of their country.
“Several generations of families would tend to the graves, make sure the grass was free of weeds and place fresh flowers on the graves of thousands of young Canadians who didn’t come home. It is such a unique cultural tradition and the Dutch are still thankful to this day for their sacrifice.”
Mr. Johnson has attended different Anglican churches over the years
and has been involved in several church activities. He attended several Remembrance Day ceremonies at his local church and he always wondered to himself who those young soldiers were and where they came from.
“I wanted to know more than just the names on a memorial inside the church,” he said. “So I got in contact with six Anglican churches in Renfrew County and set out to write 86 life stories of those young men who died in World War I and World War II. I also presented these stories to the six congregations at Remembrance Day and for the people in attendance, they learned the stories of the names of the men on their respective Honour Rolls.”
However, his most recent work with the Faces-To-Graves project is one that is near and dear to his heart.
“Working with the kids and seeing the pride they have in their research is hard to describe,” he said. “The students often refer to the soldier they are researching as “my soldier.” They are almost protective of the
soldiers they come to know on a personal basis and that is something that really can’t be taught in a typical history class.”
It was not the first time he was recognized for this project. In 2022, Ines Coppoolse, Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ottawa, presented him with a commemorative coin and certificate from the Faces-To-Graves Foundation at Groesbeek for working with the students on the project. When he received his award two weeks ago in Ottawa, he dedicated his volunteer efforts to the more than 6,000 Canadian soldiers who are buried in 199 Dutch cemeteries.
“Those young men never returned home and when the students realize just how young many of them were, it really drives home the tragedy of war and the loss of life at such a young age,” he said. “I am so humbled and honoured to have received this award and I plan to continue to volunteer to tell more stories of Canadian soldiers who ventured overseas in the name
By R. Bruce McIntyre
Local Journalism Initiative’ Reporter
Renfrew – Renfrew council is in-
stituting a hiring freeze, a discretionary spending freeze, is withdrawing plans to purchase a $378,000 excavator and implementing other fiscal restraints as it prepares ahead of the 2025 budget.
Many of those preparations are being made under the shadow of a 30-year debenture plan to pay off the $17 million cost overrun on the Ma-te-Way Expansion project and other associated costs.
The long list of cost-saving measures is part of an overall approach set out by CAO Robert Tremblay to not only make the 2025 budget process easier in light of the massive debt hanging over the town, but he and Treasurer Charlene Jackson agreed the original 2025 budget workshop could not be met given the enormous debt load and the requirement of all municipal governments to factor in the final levy rate of the local school boards and the rate set out by the County of Renfrew. All three variables are calculated to assess the tax rate. The fiscal restraint is not only applied to the human resources aspect of town business, but council directed that some major capital projects be postponed and re-submitted as part of the 2025 budget process
for further review and subject to prioritization.
Among those projects are a new roof for 1 Innovation Drive, a new roof for the Public Works garage and a total resurfacing of Stevenson Crescent. Part of the rescheduling of these projects includes a direction to staff to prepare a cost benefit analysis regarding the town’s continued ownership of 1 Innovation Drive, including expected revenue from tenancies as well as capital and lifecycle investment requirements over the next 10 years.
The town originally partnered with the former Renfrew Industrial Commission to take over 1 Innovation Drive after the former Westinghouse plant was abandoned more than 25 years ago. Since then, the building was renovated to accommodate tenants such as Marshall’s Construction Services, Bonnechere Excavating Inc., and others.
A review of buildings operated by the town extends beyond 1 Innovation Drive as council has directed senior staff associated with the fire hall, the public works garage on Highway 132 and the library to prepare a cost benefit analysis of the respective buildings within their departments with regard to an extension of their useful life to 2040, including expected capital and lifecycle investment requirements, as compared to a
replacement facility or co-location. The library and fire hall are located on Railway Avenue across from the town hall.
When reviewing the long list of pre-budgetary times under review, Mr. Tremblay said council’s direction and message was loud and clear and that was to find savings and reduce unnecessary costs wherever possible. He said over the last 26 months, staff have worked hard to update and revise many outdated policies and established what resources are required to meet the demands of the municipal government and to be able to carry out council’s mandate in terms of providing a level of service and costs to ratepayers.
“Over the last two years we have taken a deep review and sometimes have used a third-party review to provide analysis of our operations to improve in terms of staff and where we needed resources,” he said. “I’ve been known in the past as the firing guy but now in Renfrew I am referred to as the hiring guy.”
He went on to explain that if a position becomes vacant, part of his role as CAO is to review the position to determine if it still meets the need of its original mandate, or has the role been expanded in terms of additional duties or is the position ready to be eliminated or transitioned into
another position with specific duties outlined to signify the changes.
“When you see a job posting, it is likely a vacancy that has been tweaked to meet the requirements of today and we are not just filling jobs for the sake of filling jobs,” he said.
“We are filling jobs to complete a task that is important to meet the needs of the town in terms of service level. The level of service is to be determined by council.”
He listed some examples of current vacancies and the need to review them ahead of the 2025 budget meetings.
“With regard to the hiring freeze, we have four vacant positions, and it is an opportune time to review operations, including staffing and associated resources and they are Machine Operator (public works), Executive Assistant (Office of the CAO), Maintenance/Labourer (Recreation Operations) and the Real Estate and Facilities Coordinator (Development, Environment and Infrastructure),” CAO Tremblay explained to council. “In addition, the positions of Manager of Economic and Corporate Development and Finance and Client Services Specialist have been replaced with lower paying roles of Deputy Clerk and Finance Coordinator, respectively.”
His report to council noted that associated savings from a hiring
freeze are estimated at $134,819 in 2024 and $318,570 for 2025 should the four vacancies not be filled now or in 2025. The report also noted that the cost-benefit analysis related to the continued ownership of 1 Innovation Drive and extending the useful life of the PW garage, fire hall and library will be undertaken using staff time.
“One Innovation Drive is something to be examined as we are industrial landlords and there are some great employers, but the question is, does the town need to be an industrial landlord?” he asked.
“So now is the time for a financial analysis of 1 Innovation to determine what is needed; how much money does that building bring in now; how much money is needed to keep it going. Is it an investment to keep it going or an investment to get ready to sell?”
One item that garnered some debate was the recommendation not to purchase an excavator for the landfill site. Previous staff reports all recommended the need and urgency to purchase the unit to correct some past errors and to satisfy provincial requirements. Council originally budgeted $420,000 for the unit and recently passed a motion authorizing its purchase at a cost of $378,000.
Councillor Andrew Dick ex -
pressed his displeasure with cancelling the excavator purchase.
“Going back three months we were always told we needed an excavator,” he said. “We were told by staff we had to have it, and council approved the purchase. Now we are being told we don’t have to have it, and I am very confused.”
Mr. Tremblay explained a lot of garbage needs to be moved around at the waste site and a new slope must be created, but a delay at the provincial ministry level to analyze the town’s plan to correct the landfill issues has allowed staff a chance to go back and review the issue again. In addition, there were certified operators on staff to use the excavator and other heavy equipment, but some have retired, and others have moved on.
“That allowed staff to review the plan and kudos to the manager who had done the due diligence and consulted the Workplace Safety Insurance Board and consulted with the director and myself,” he said. “This gives us a chance to take a pause on purchasing the excavator and that does not mean we are not going to come back and still make the purchase.”
Council passed a motion that will
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By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer
Killaloe – St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) hosted its annual golf tournament fundraiser on Friday at Wolf Ridge Golf Course and organizers are dubbing the event another success.
Foundation Executive Director Erin Gienow replied “absolutely” when asked if the 2024 tournament was another success, adding 39 teams teed it up for the 20th anniversary event, one more team than is usually admitted.
Mrs, Gienow said there were a few new teams this year, combined with the many familiar faces that always support the tournament. Most of the teams have been participating for many years, she said, noting Brian Norlock has entered a team in all 20 events.
In its 20-year history, the tournament has raised $525,000.
“The hospital has annual needs, so we’re funding the purchase of telemetry equipment for the hospital,” she explained. Participants had the opportunity to participate in the putting contest, Double Your Money” where they wager on whether they will hit the green or not, and “Heads or Tails” where they flip a coin at dinner. A highlight was a rare ‘Hole in One’ recorded by Pembroke lawyer, Matt Bradley, who won $1,000 for the ace on Hole 8, sponsored by Summer Bros. in Killaloe.
“Traditionally, we have a car (for a year) for a hole-in-one prize, and this year Tim (Summers) approached our golf committee with this idea,” Mrs. Gienow explained. “A hole-in-one rarely happens. It has only happened once before, so he offered to give $1,000, which he normally spent on insurance. And then someone was guaranteed to win.”
The committee loved the idea and the concept was changed that the closest to the pin on Hole 8 would win $1,000.
“So, lo and behold, Matt Bradly got a hole-in-one and won $1,000.” she remarked.
Mrs. Gienow thanked the team of 20 volunteers who helped organize and stage the event. She added there were 72 sponsors, adding the support from businesses, organizations and individuals each year is incredible.
“They respond to our ask year after year, and we always manage to reach our goal,” she said.
The dinner was catered by the golf course and Andrea Budarick provided doughnuts and the Wilno Tavern the appetizers. The crowd was entertained at dinner by the duo, Two For The Road, with Dr. Jason Malinowski and Amy Easton.
Osceola – Journalist and educator Jamie Bramburger of Pembroke is the next guest speaker lined up by the Bromley Historical Society for a talk on his recent book, Sudden Impact: The Almonte Train Wreck of 1942. He will be at the Old Town Hall in Osceola on Sunday, September 15 at 2 p.m. and the public is invited. On December 27, 1942, inclement weather delayed The
Pembroke Local No. 550, as it passed through Arnprior, Pakenham and Almonte picking up passengers. Unbeknown to the train engineers, a 13-car troop train from western Canada, bound for Montreal, had gained time as it passed along the Canadian Pacific railway line. As the troop train rounded the corner into Almonte, it hit the rear cars while passengers were still boarding. One of the worst accidents in Canadian
Railway history, it resulted in 39 deaths and over 150 injuries. Mr. Bramburger was a broadcast journalist for 13 years. For the past 25 years, he has been Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For more information contact Blaine Marchand ( blainemarchand@hotmail. com or call 613-728-7844.
along with Fire and Rescue, and Renfrew County Paramedics. The
in June. There are many to thank and first is the Township of Bonnechere Valley which generously provides the old firehall for this sale. Many people donated books, others purchased books, and an eager team helped at the sale. We couldn’t have done this without the small, essential team of book lovers who worked hard at setting up and clearing out the space, receiving and sorting donations, and distributing the leftovers. This is an important fundraiser and we know the community enjoys it as much as we do. Let me fill you in on future events. As people adjust to back-to-school routines and cooler weather, society members are preparing for our annual Outdoor Perennial Sale and Harvest Auction on September 14th at Legion Field. If it rains, it moves to the 15th. We invite you to come and enjoy the morning with us. The Plant Sale begins at 9 a.m., offering plants donated from our gardens as we redesign spaces for next spring. The Harvest Auction follows at 10:30 with a variety of gardenrelated items including fresh fruit and vegetables, jams, pickles, baking, crafts, garden tools and decor in good condition, and always a few
surprises. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for a good time. We are lucky to again have volunteer auctioneer Terry Hoelke who ensures we have a lot of fun. Donations are always appreciated. Plants should be delivered before 9 a.m. and auction items should arrive for viewing by 10:15. On October 21, the meeting at the Eganville Legion will feature Megan Spencer presenting “What is Green Burial?” As co-founder and Chair of Green Burial Ottawa Valley, she is the ideal person to explain this new approach and provide updates on the group’s progress. Social time with refreshments begins at 7 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7:30. Meetings are free to members; visitors are always welcome and are
invited to make a small donation. Another fall activity will be clearing out the summer flowers in the village planters and flowerbeds in time for seasonal decorating with evergreen boughs and other accent items. We delay this until frost forces the issue, so thinking about it now is perhaps rushing the season too much, especially when we have a vibrant, colourful garden to enjoy as the September Garden of the Month. The winner is Colleen Yuke at 258 Bonnechere St W. It is on the left as you climb the hill just past the LCBO. The garden is newly established as a tribute to her mother who recently passed away and actually contains many plants from her mother’s garden. There is a wall of cannas and dozens of geraniums, all blooming now, and a variety of gladiolus that have begun flowering but will soon explode with more flowers in some unusual colours. There are many, many other plants as well. If you look closely, you can see a small ornament that reads “ Mom’s Garden ”. A lot of work and love created this. It would be worth the time to park nearby and walk along the sidewalk to enjoy a close look.
Planning has begun for another interesting program in 2025, which includes our 70th anniversary. We have begun recruiting new board members to be elected in November, and this month, we will start identifying and scheduling speakers. Please stay tuned.
