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Procter & Gamble donates to United Way of Leeds and Grenville

Procter & Gamble (P&G) employees presented a cheque in the amount of $60,000 to United Way Leeds and Grenville. Money was collected through sales and auctions to employees and partners and will go towards the United Way’s 2021 fundraising campaign.

The United Way P&G Committee, is a small but mighty group of employees and retirees who work together to coordinate events and activities, raising funds to help the community.

P&G will always be a part of our community. It has a history of helping the communities in which its employees live and work, and has provided critical support in the reduction of key issues affecting the most vulnerable.

“P&G has always been a strong supporter of United Way and our mission. We are extremely grateful to them for their generosity and their commitment to making a difference in our community,” said Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Way Leeds & Grenville. “This substantial donation from Procter & Gamble will significantly enhance our ability to reach more individuals and families across Leeds & Grenville, especially at this time. We will miss working with such amazing people who care and support the community they love. Thank you with all our hearts!”

About United Way Leeds & Grenville United Way Leeds & Grenville is a non-profit agency that supports 20 local partner agencies in the community. Its mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. UWLG is dedicated to bringing people together to build vibrant and caring communities. For more information, please visit www.uwlg.org

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Ringing the bells for workers

submitted by Helen MacGregor St. John's United Church and St. Paul's Presbyterian Church have been ringing their bells to honour front line workers every Monday evening since April 27, 2020.

That is almost 15 months of ringing. Both churches plan to ring for the rest of this June, and then hopefully once more on Canada Day 2021!

Thank you to Ray Porter at St. Paul's and to all the volunteer bell ringers at St. John's, who rang the bells to honour and pay tribute to all our amazing front-line workers!

Photo submitted by Helen MacGregor

Disc Golf introduced at Ferguson Forest Centre

Carl Doucette, President, Ferguson Forest Centre (FFC) and Dwayne Dowdell, Interim President of the new Kemptville Disc Golf Club (KDGC) are pleased to formally announce the introduction of disc golf at the FFC's arboretum.

Dwayne stated, "it has been a dream of mine for years to design, create and install a disc golf course in the Kemptville area, and with the FFC's Board support I have been able to accomplish this." The 9- hole (basket) course operated by the KDGC is located in the multi-use natural greenspace of the mostly northern area of the arboretum. The approximately 1000 metre long par 31 course is comprised of mostly par 3 June 16, 2021

holes, a few par 4 holes and one par 5 hole each having 2 sets of tee pads. President Carl Doucette said, "the FFC is very happy to have the opportunity to cooperate with the KDGC to bring another great outdoor recreational activity such as disc golf to the residents of the Municipality of North Grenville."

The KDGC is a newly formed disc golf club registered with the Ontario Disc Sports Association created to promote and foster the community benefits of disc golf in the Kemptville area.

The club is the result of the vision of Dwayne Dowdell, with the assistance of Sarah Herring. Disc golf baskets, tee pads, signage and other related equipment and materials are the responsibility of the KDGC, while the FFC

be purchased from a number of on-line venders starting at around $15 to $25 for each disc, or a starter set of 3 discs for about $50 or less.

The player with the fewest "throws" wins. The sport appeals to players of all ages and abilities who enjoy physical fitness in an outdoor natural setting.

The mission of the notfor-profit FFC is to promote the awareness of, and interest in, forestry (in particular, afforestation and sustainable forest management) and maintain, enhance and promote the responsible use and stewardship of recreational and conservation lands managed by the FFC for the benefit of the residents of the Municipality of North Grenville, including trails, arboretum and dog park.

For more information on the Ferguson Forest Centre, see www.fergusonforestcentre.ca .

is responsible for the maintenance of the lands. As the disc golf course is located in a multi-use area, all players are required to be courteous and defer or yield their play so as to not interfere with the public's safe use and enjoyment of the arboretum.

Membership is not required for casual play; however, it is required for club activities such as league play and tournaments. Membership information will be available on the KDGC facebook page shortly.

Disc golf was formalized in the 1970's and is played much like golf except instead of a golf ball and clubs, the player throws flying discs from a tee pad towards and into a basket (hole). The flying disc is specially designed for disc golf and can

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Leeds Grenville businesses showing resilience In a recent survey conducted by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office, results show a slight increase of 1.4% over last year in the number of businesses that anticipate closing due to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were 319 businesses who completed the 2021 Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey.

The survey respondents were from a mix of industry sectors with the largest numbers coming from retail, followed by arts, entertainment and recreation. Over 90% of survey respondents were those with under 20 employees, which is representative of the size of businesses in Leeds Grenville.

Overall, Leeds Grenville businesses are adapting with 36.5% adjusting, maintaining status quo or not affected compared to 20% last year. A positive statistic for the region is 17% of businesses are growing compared to only 5% in 2020.

The survey recognized that businesses are continuing to have challenges when is comes to an increase in product prices and supply shortages. Businesses that requested assistance and provided their contact information will be connected within the next couple of weeks.

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Province invests $2.46 Baldwin's Birds Million for Natural Gas Expansion for Merrickville-Wolford Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced that approximately 67 homes and businesses in Merrickville-Wolford will be able to connect to natural gas for the first time thanks to the Natural Gas Expansion Program.

Under Phase 2 of the program, Ontario will allocate $2,465,037 to support new connections to the natural gas distribution system. "I'm pleased that our government is continuing to expand natural gas pipelines to deliver affordable energy to more communities in our region," said MPP Clark.

It is expected that increased access to natural gas will help more families and businesses find energy savings, while promoting economic development and job creation across Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.

The Ontario government is expanding access to natural gas across the province in what it calls, "an effort to keep the cost of energy low for families, businesses and farmers."

Phase 2 of the Natural Gas Expansion Program will allocate more than $234 million to support approximately 8750 connections in 43 rural, northern and Indigenous communities.

The government announced that the average household could save between $250 to $1,500 per year in energy costs by switching to natural gas from costlier fuel sources. Businesses are expected to save up to 30 per cent per year on energy costs.

Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President and President of Gas Distribution and Storage for Enbridge Inc, said " We are thrilled that the Government of Ontario selected these projects, and look forward to working together with the province and local municipalities to continue to bring natural gas to more Ontario homes and businesses."

Construction for projects under Phase 2 will begin as soon as this year, with all 28 expansion projects expected to be underway by the end of 2025.

Good day readers, Whilst cleaning out the leaves from our waterfall, I was serenaded by a very persistent songster, which, as far as I know, I haven't seen in the garden before, a Warbling Vireo.

It was eating, I hope, the caterpillar type beasts that were busy eating the leaves of our Japanese Willow tree. He was a busy little fellow too, always on the move, but still singing. It was very difficult to get a good view of him long enough to get a picture. Being a "flycatcher", he probably wasn't eating any of the crawling beasts. But a Downy Woodpecker was, much to my delight!

My last observations of our House Wrens were delightful, as they have now taken over the use of one of my high nesting boxes, despite the Bluebird that sometimes uses it as a perch!

Live and let live! Stay healthy and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

Promoting the myth of intelligent design rather than evolution

by Don Palmer As an atheist I was intrigued by David Shanahan's article entitled, "Mythunderstanding: Design or Accident?" that appeared in the most recent edition of the NG Times. Disguised more or less as a non-faith related article on the scientific views of the origins of the universe, in fact it was merely a subterfuge for Dr. Shanahan's previously published belief in the various myths propagated

by Christianity. It was easy to uncover the subterfuge particularly when he tried to slip by us his "Note: I have not mentioned God or Jesus at all". Well, yes David just did, as if anyone reading the article could have possibly thought he was not referring to a Christian Designer. As time progresses and more of Christianity's unsavory history is exposed, it results in converting more of the faithful to the faithless. As churches empty and close, the more its myth promoters are required to thrash around looking for more plausible rationales as to why Christians should not be considered as simply believers in magic.

First we had creationJune 16, 2021

ism, but when this fantastic, biblical version of the origin of our world could no longer suspend our disbelief, Christians apologists jumped on the intelligent design argument as a way to explain the birth of the universe and the way in which it is "designed" and therefore must confirm the existence of a god.

Dr. Shanahan suggests there are two ways of viewing the universe and our world.

One view he suggests is that its origin was completely random, meaning there is no design or purpose to the universe. His alternative is that there is indeed a design.

Somehow, according to Dr. Shanahan's logic, the random nature of the universe would not be possible, as it would deny our feelings, our thoughts and a meaning to our existence. Therefore he deduces we could not be so arrogant or ignorant to believe that we are all living a meaningless existence in a randomly designed universe.

I find this a very interesting branch of logic. Is it not possible that our feelings and thoughts developed as we evolved as a species? And why must our existence have

ment of things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method. Does that require a designer? I think not.

I find it easier to follow the logic expressed by Christopher Hitchens in the introduction to his book, "The Portable Atheist" , when he remarks, "The theist can opt to be a mere deist, and say the magnificence of the natural order strongly implies an ordering force. But the religious person must go further and say that this creative force is also an intervening one: one that cares for our human affairs and is interested in what we eat and with whom we have sexual relations, as well as the outcomes of battles and wars. To assert this is quite simply to assert more than any human can possibly claim to know, and thus it falls, and should be discarded, and should have been discarded long ago."

Dr. Shanahan seems to have a particular axe to grind with Richard Dawkins. He refers us to a youtube video where David suggests Dawkins is supporting the Designer concept by suggesting that some advanced

a meaning? or is that meaning clearly defined by the bible as our need to atone for our human community's ownership of original sin?

A favorite argument of Christians in religious debates tends to be that the absence of proof of something is not the proof of something. In other words, because you cannot disprove the existence of a god it does not prove that god does not exist. However, the same argument applies here.

Dr. Shanahan mentions in his article that Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins commented at some point that the universe has the appearance of design. The appearance of something is hardly evidence of something.

I wish that Dr. Shanahan had provided the original context in which Stephen Hawking and Richard Dawkins made these statements. David goes on to state that neither Hawking or Dawkins believe in a Designer, simply because they both lack faith in the face of overwhelming evidence.

Evidence of what exactly?

Evidence of a Designer? Of a design? Maybe we are actually talking of order, not of design. Order is the arrange-

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civilization came to earth and replicated their evolutionary process here. If you watch the video clip, you will notice two things. First the remark quoted by Dr. Shanahan cleverly omits the word "possibility" which Dawkins used to begin his statement. More importantly, this interview with Dawkins was conducted by Ben Stein (humourist and screenwriter) and could be best characterized as less of an interview and more of a sarcastic attack.

It was likely in support of his 2008 documentary "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed", a disingenuous attack on science. I suggest you read the Scientific American article "Six Things in Expelled Ben Stein Doesn't Want You to Know" to get a better idea of his deceptive interviewing techniques.

I was especially amused

by Dr. Shanahan's comment that creatures are so perfectly designed for their environment: is that not design? No, say opponents: that is because they evolved. ...then how did they survive for millennia before "evolving" what they needed to survive. In point of fact 99.9% of all the species

that lived on the earth are now extinct. If that is the work of an intelligent Designer he/she needs to go back to the drawing board. And to David's point about chance, which he claims doesn't exist. It is only a term we use. So my interpretation of that deduction is that "chance" must really be predestined, or possibly it is god's will. Another preposterous theory. David ends with a quote from Lee Strobel who operates the Lee Strobel Centre for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics. (Note: in quoting Lee Strobel, there is certainly no need to mention God or Jesus).

I will leave you with a quote of my own from American Philosopher, Elizabeth Anderson, " Let us suppose, contrary to the scientific evidence, that life is the product of design. Then the prevalence of predation, parasitism, disease, and imperfect human organs strongly supports the view that the designer is indifferent to us".

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Keyhole painting As we enter June, we get closer to the final stages of the NGAG benefit canvas project. Just two more original paintings are left to showcase the varied talents of the ten Guild artists who participated. In the end, there will be ten co-painted canvases up for charity auction. The NGAG hopes to raise enough money from the auction to assist the North Grenville Public Library with a donation to their outreach programs.

The first canvas is the product of the following seven artists: Barb Buchanan, Lisa Mackinley, Caroline Marshall, Meredith Luce, Mary Moore, Aleta Karstad and Ann Gruchy.

Barb Buchanan began this painting by, "using a sponge to apply both yellow and green acrylic paints to the bare canvas that I was given. I layered the paints in some areas to blend them and left other areas in their original, bold colours. I wanted to give an organic feel to this canvas, with hints of nature showing through."

Lisa Mackinley says, "I was second in command of this one. The abstract came to me as a yellow and green canvas. My thoughts were spring then. What better than a flower in a vase."

Caroline Marshall noted, "third on this canvas, I wanted to build on the flowing shape of the vase and flower. I added water dripping off the leaf into the vase, swirling and then dripping out. I love that in the final painting, the water flows both inside and outside of the window, playing with June 16, 2021

the viewers' perception."

Meredith Luce added, "for this canvas, I wanted to carve out some lighter areas of negative space to add more contrast within the background. The flower and vase were a similar value to the background. By adding areas of light blue sky and carving out some soft tree shapes, I was able to bring the vase more clearly into the foreground. Once done, I felt that some contrasting shapes and angles would further draw focus to the soft curves of the vase. I added a white window frame to achieve this."

Mary Moore said, "I was third to last on this one and added the blue wall, and pushed back some of the yellow-green background to a cooler tone using the same cerulean blue colour."

Aleta Karstad said, "this painting used to have a garden lattice, with trees showing on the left, as well as through the lattice, as if all outdoors, but then it was changed to indoors with the addition of a blue wall so the lattice now represents a window. I thought of adding a tiny wallpaper pattern, but decided on a real vine, to support the leaf that is already dripping into the pot.

I added a leaf to the rose and added deeper red shadows to the petals. Last thing, I highlighted some of the leaf edges with red, to make them look crisp and three-dimensional."

Ann Gruchy, who was the last artist to contribute, never actually saw a before and after of this canvas, but stepped in to finish it. She "added some shaping, colouring and texture to the flower, and put

Window Canvas a bit of a curve into the stem, as well as shading it." She also shaded the bars on the window.

The second canvas was painted by: Rose David, Leahbeth Harding, Tammy Keith, Mary Moore, Meredith Luce, Anne Gruchy and Aleta Karstad.

"I decided to leave an open painting field for my fellow artists," said Rose David. "I drew on Huxley's "The Doors of Perception" for inspiration. I did a simple keyhole, leaving the possibility of a view through it outside, or a view of the inside of the door, as a way to leave the result up to the rest of the artists. I was very curious to see if in the end, it would be a look out through the door, or an internal concept. I was not disappointed with the outcome."

Leahbeth Harding added, "when I got this canvas, it had an intriguing "keyhole" shape in black and white. I changed the white to blue to suggest sky through the keyhole, and then added green vines and leaves growing through the edge of the hole. I love how this idea of fantasy and the unknown has stayed with each successive artist!"

Tammy Keith said, "I was very excited to receive this piece. A keyhole, secret garden, the possibilities are endless. It already had the blue colour within the keyhole and the climbing greenery when I received it. I added pearlescent flowers, the hummingbird and a smiling snail.

It turned out a little differently than what I pictured in my mind, but that's what is great about a collaborative effort, we each see and add a little of ourselves."

Mary Moore remembered, "I received the painting as the keyhole (painted a light blue) and the shape around the keyhole (black).

Having been to Ireland a few years back, I envisioned one of the ancient graveyards. I

added the lichens and moss, and the Celtic design in the corners. Fun!" Meredith Luce contributed with her innate sense of whimsy and love of nature.

Anne Gruchy says, "I did a bit of shading on the grass and walkway as well as on the wall. Added the 'Celtic Tree of Life" to tie it in with Celtic symbols " Aleta Karstad added, "this painting came to me with a smooth misty green lawn, path, wall with gate, and leafless tree, visible through the keyhole. The size of the plant, as well as the snail and the hummingbird indicated that the keyhole

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I enhanced the leaves to give the plant more contrast against the metal or stone, and added some detail to the lichens-looking splotches, and some pits in the surface, as well as shadows at the edges of the Celtic knots in the corners. I wanted to paint a stag on the lawn, but Fred wanted a hare. A hare could be closer to the viewer than a stag, so I painted the hare and detailed some foreground

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grass for it to munch on.

Lastly, I darkened the upper sky, blushed in a sunrise, and made it blush the clouds, which had been white."

This leaves the Guild with only two canvases left to showcase. Please stay tuned for the last of this series and check in with the NGAG Facebook page for the whole story.

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Editorial

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It’s all too much

by David Shanahan News of the vicious murder of the family in this province has hit the headlines all over the world.

From the BBC in Britain to Al Jazeera and Reuters, the story of a hate crime taking place in sedate London, Ontario, has cast a deep pall over Canada’s reputation as an open and inclusive society. The victims were Salman Afzal, 46; his wife Madiha, 44; their daughter Yumna, 15; and a 74-year-old grandmother whose name was withheld.

A nine-year-old boy, Fayez, was seriously injured and is recovering in hospital. The Mayor of London described it as an act of “unspeakable hatred.”

A police officer in London stated quite clearly that “[T]here is evidence that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate. We believe the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith.”

It was not the first such hate crime, and, sadly, won’t

be the last. And it came in a week when Canadians were still reacting to the events at the old Kamloops Residential School in B.C. It is hard to take. There is an idea that people are “basically good”, whatever that means, but the regular news of acts of hatred against “others” makes me wonder.

Then the report arrived that a local woman had tried to deface the rainbow road crossing at the corner of Prescott and Reuben by trying to cover it with tire marks. This may, or may not prove to be the case, but nevertheless the idea of such a thing upset me, and I thought: why? It’s the question that always comes to me when I hear of these acts of violence and hate. There is a poem by Liverpool poet Roger McGough in which he says: The difference between people who love and people who hate, is that people who hate have to explain what they mean”. What is the explanation for this kind of hate crime? What is it

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, A few days ago, I joined the ParticipACTION challenge for communities across Canada throughout June - pleased to discover that the ParticipACTION app I uploaded, automatically receives all my "steps" from the Health app on my phone.

Now I'm "in the running" so to speak - with my level of activity contributing to the total activity of everyone in North Grenville who are also plugged into ParticipACTION through the month of June. When I'm not walking or running (collecting steps) with my phone, I can report my other activities and minutes manually on the app - probably on any browser too.

The exciting thing for me is North Grenville's standing in all this... we rank FIRST of the 391 participating communities in Ontario - and not only that... we rank FIRST in Canada! The "grand prize" to the top community will be $100,000. I think our

increasingly active Mayor has plans for this prize money to develop trails etc.

I'm increasingly active myself now too, since I've joined our community challenge - walking twice a day instead of maybe twice a week... and soon to begin running a bit too. As an almost-70-year-old, I'm looking forward to getting stronger rather than weaker at this point in my life.

There's lots of time yet this month to lose our first place in the province or the nation - so I hope more North Grenvillians join the Mayor and me in logging our steps or active minutes in ParticipACTION. I'm going out walking now - be back in 10 minutes!

Aleta Karstad

Dear Editor, About the matter that is prominent in the news recently about the residential schools: How could we, as a society, do such a thing?

Children are children, no matter which society they belong

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that makes people hate others who believe differently, have different coloured skin, speak a different language, or any other element that differentiates them from the hater?

You may disagree with someone else’s political beliefs. You may not approve of someone’s lifestyle. You can even have genuinely felt moral arguments against someone’s position on anything. But does that mean it’s all right to hate them, to act against them in an outburst of violence? What makes it acceptable to hate, just because you don’t agree, or even like?

Whatever it is, it goes deep into the hearts and minds of people, people who you would never expect it from. And it seems to come out when the circumstances allow it to be expressed. The social climate, something in the air, seems to spark unacceptable ideas and actions.

And, no matter what we may think of this country, we know only too well the

horrific history we have in this area. Indigenous people, Japanese and Chinese immigrants and citizens, Jews and Moslems, are a few of the groups that have inspired hateful acts in Canada. Some of them even mandated by government decrees and legislation.

There seems to be no end to the imagination some people show in coming up with finding someone to hate.

“They don’t belong here”, is a phrase they like. It leads to people being told to “go back where you came from”, even when they came from here. Toleration means you accept other points of view, or another person’s values and principles, without having to agree with them.

Some believe that “others”, whether ethnic, religious, or gender-based in identity, are somehow a threat to “our way of life”. Really? So vandals, arsonists and murderers more accurately reflect “our way of life”? Those who try to, literally or figuratively, to wipe out those of whom they

disapprove are more in line with Canadian values?

Irish politician, John Philpot Curran, said “The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt”, although the quote is often falsely attributed to Thomas Jefferson.

No matter who said it, the truth remains: we need to be vigilant and not allow hatred to pass unrebuked.

Whether it’s a comment you hear from a friend or in a coffee shop, whether it seems reasonable or dogmatic, we have to stand up and protest against racism, or any

other form of discrimination.

And those who perpetrate violent acts, physically or symbolically, against those “others” need to be told in no uncertain fashion that they do not speak for us, do not reflect the values of our society. Unless, of course, the sad fact is that they do?

Silence means consent. It doesn’t really matter what you think of someone, they deserve respect as a fellow human being. Just because you don’t know them, the fact remains that we all have our story, one that needs acceptance, respect, toleration, and empathy. On the face of it, it doesn’t seem too much to ask, does it?

to. They are all vulnerable.

They all need to be protected. Did these people in positions of power do that?

Not at all.

The First Nations, Indigenous peoples should be teaching us, not the other way around. Before we arrived on the shores of North America, the land was ‘pristine’. No matter which Nation they belonged to, they all had great respect for the land.

The earth was sacred. The sun was sacred. The animals were sacred. They only took what they needed and didn’t destroy the land as they moved around with the seasons.

We arrive and do the opposite, destroying as we go.

The land and animals. The trees and the rivers. We leave plastic and all types of garbage behind.

If we go to our ‘churches’, are we taught to respect all of this? Are we taught to love all of God’s other children?

It looks like that didn’t work so well.

Just read in today’s paper they have to change the crest in Newfoundland/Labrador

because on it they called the first people ‘Savages”. I was once called a ‘Heathen’ by a parent because I didn’t like church. It was Theology mostly, so a bit advanced for my learning ability at an early age. So, the regular type of religion isn’t high on my list of priorities.

Kath Piché

you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the

earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” The rainbow should always remind us of our eternal covenant with Almighty God. Mark Fowke, Kemptville

Dear Editor, I have just been to downtown Kemptville and observed the rainbow crosswalk. I must admit, I was totally unaware that North Grenville was a community of such profound Biblical faith. The earliest record of the rainbow is in the Bible.

It was God's covenant with Noah and his offspring that He would never again destroy the earth by flood.

The Bible, in Genesis 9:8-17 (ESV), reads as follows: "8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after

the north grenville

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TIMES

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

Editor Lorraine Rekmans editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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Dear Editor, Support Indigenous People because Indigenous people matter. Here we are in the 21st century still fighting for the same things: equality, racial awareness and injustice, inclusiveness and respect. The overwhelming priority for indigenous people is for their lands to be secured so they can choose their own way of life, get control over their own education, healthcare, and live the life they design for themselves. If their land rights are recognized, tribal peoples thrive.

If they're not, the outlook is bleak. Jonathan Mazower, advocacy director, Survival International, London, UK. @Survival. letters cont'd on page 7

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

OPP charge

UPDATE

Publisher’s note

The announcement by the Grenville County Detachment of the OPP that the charge of mischief that had been laid against a local woman in connection with an alleged defacement of a crosswalk in Kemptville will come as no consolation to the woman involved. She has been vilified in social media and her experience has impacted her reputation in this community and elsewhere. This is not acceptable.

It has always been the policy of the Times to delete the names of people charged by the OPP for any reason. OPP press releases always, except in domestic abuse cases, give the name, age, and community of those individuals they charge. In our opinion, this reverses the concept of “innocent until proven guilty”, as the person has not been tried, much less found guilty of an offense.

In addition, there is no follow-up press release from the OPP if and when that individual is declared not guilty in a court. In this case, the accused was named in the original statement regarding the matter of the crosswalk, but not in the follow-up stating that the charges had been dropped.

Perhaps the OPP should reconsider its practice of naming those they charge, as in this case, running the risk of ruining a person’s reputation in their community. If someone is found guilty of an offense, then they may be named and shamed, if that is what is deserved

For updates related to COVID-19 and the North Grenville Municipal Centre visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus Please be advised that the Municipal Centre will be open to the public on June 14, 2021. Office hours are between 9 am and 4 pm (Monday-Friday). Kemptville pool will also be open for public swim and lessons. For more details visit: www.northgrenville.ca/play/recreation-programsevents/program-registration.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube commencing at 6:30 pm. To view the live stream visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/ NorthGrenville/featured For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please pre-register with the Clerk’s Office at the same e-mail address. Please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk’s Office when pre-registering so that they may best assist you.

Council agendas (including for closed sessions) may be found here: https://www.northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes • Council Meeting – June 22, 2021

Paddlers’ Poker Run

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Join us on July 1 for a Paddlers' Poker Run on the scenic Kemptville Creek.

Bring your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, and your personal floatation device and safety gear too. You can compete for best and worst poker hands, and an award for most Canadian spirit (think costumes and decorating your vessels!)

This is not a race; it is a fun checkpoint game that can be completed at your own speed.

All skill levels are welcome. We will also have launch valets to help with loading and unloading when launching.

Advance registration is required to ensure we respect gathering restrictions. Participants will receive launch time and location, as well as full game instructions when they contact thurlbert@northgrenville.on.ca.

Committee meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing Jessica Workman at jworkman@northgrenville.on.ca •

NORTH GRENVILLE POLICE SERVICES BOARD

Police Services Board meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing Palak Mehta at pmehta@northgrenville.on.ca •

June 16, 2021

Dear Editor, Has anyone ever had a pleasant experience dealing with Rideau Valley Conservation? The torment these people put innocent people through who are following rules is unacceptable.

They are in combat mode the minute you question the reasoning behind their supposed logic. They are intimidating and bullies.

We pay taxes and should not be treated this way. Their reputation has been deplorable for years, and speaking to the "Director" was one of the worst experiences I have had in a very long time. We all try to work in unison to keep all natural habitat safe. Rules obviously apply for some and not for others. To see what is happening in some areas in a flood plain by the water where mansions are being built is a bit questionable, don't you think? Obviously none of them are trained in how to deal with the public in a respectful way. Most are uneducated when it comes to the Rideau system and the rules change every time you talk to someone in their office. Avoid them if you can people!!!

Mrs. J. Rose, Retired school teacher

North Grenville Police Services Board – Wednesday, June 23, 2021

WASTE COLLECTION EVENTS Bulky Item Collection: June 14 – 18 and June 21-25 Bag tags for these events can be purchased online or at: • North Grenville Municipal Centre • Jonsson’s Independent Grocer • Home Hardware

Letters cont'd Indigenous peoples' dependence on the land for food, shelter, identity and survival has resulted in a deep respect for that land and a need to conserve it. Indigenous peoples traditionally develop a set of conservation measures that are passed down from one generation to the next, and as a result they should be seen as the best people to conserve that land.

Informed public education and awareness building is critical to the implementation of indigenous rights. This is a responsibility of all. There is a lot of mistrust for good reason. But how we inform ourselves and understand our own complicity in consumption and policies that sustains the need for production, profit, and exploitation is absolutely necessary. We can then began to understand the impact on indigenous peoples, their territories and lands.

Show your support by placing a painted rock below the banner of support along the fence line at South Gower Park, starting Monday, June 7 to June 30 ,2021. Thank you for your support and for raising the awareness.

Onasanya Family

Accessibility Advisory Committee – Monday, June 21, 2021 at 4:00 pm

*NEW* Diaper Collection Pilot Program: North Grenville will launch a 90-day pilot program for curbside collection of diapers, menstrual and incontinence products beginning July 5, 2021.

Residents wishing to participate will be required to pre-register by Friday, June 25 by emailing publicworks@northgrenville.on.ca with their name, address, phone number, and Garbage Week.

For more details regarding the Diaper Collection Pilot Program and to purchase tags online visit: www.NGrecycles.ca.

Dear Editor, Just locked in for my propane for next year at a price 20% higher than last year.

The clear message is prices are going up.

With this reality, we need to continue to encourage our municipal council, and in particular John Barclay and Nancy Peckford, to help drive efforts to bring natural gas to Oxford Mills.

MPP Steve Clark recently announced Merrickville is receiving (via Enbridge) significant funds to bring gas across the Rideau to the north side of that town. This $2.46 million Ontario government investment will serve up to 67 residents.

A brief look at the business case for Oxford Mills shows it would serve over 350 homes, businesses, and public institutions (school, community buildings).

Kudos to Merrickville Wolford Mayor Struthers who kept up the political pressure to make this happen.

I know our Mayor Nancy Peckford, North Grenville is up to the task!

Mitch Bloom, Oxford Mills

GET ACTIVE NORTH GRENVILLE!

The Municipality of North Grenville is competing for Canada’s Most Active Community as part of the ParticipACTION’s Community Better Challenge (June 1 - 30). Every minute tracked during the month of June goes towards North Grenville’s overall score. For more information and to download the app visit: www.northgrenville.ca/GetActive.

ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY

The Accessibility Advisory Committee of North Grenville invites you to complete a short survey to determine your accessibility needs and concerns. The survey can be completed at: http://www. northgrenville.ca/surveys. If you would rather receive a hard copy of this survey to complete, or if you require any assistance with this survey, including receiving it in an alternative format, please email the Clerk’s Office at hbabcock-cormier@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569 extension 178.

Le Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité de North Grenville vous invite à répondre à un court sondage pour déterminer vos besoins et vos préoccupations en matière d’accessibilité. Le sondage peut être rempli à: http://www.northgrenville.ca/surveys. Si vous préférez recevoir une copie papier de ce sondage ou si vous avez besoin d’aide pour le remplir, y compris pour le recevoir en média substitut, veuillez envoyer un courriel au Bureau du greffier à hbabcock-cormier@ northgrenville.on.ca ou composer le 6132589569, poste 178.

TAX BILLS

All 2021 final tax bulls have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Administration Office. The due dates are June 30 and September 30. Payments can be made by credit card when paying online through our website.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Not what I think of as a tourist draw

by Nadia Gray As you drive into the entrances to Kemptville on any road, what kind of vista do you meet? Do the words attractive, inviting, well planned, GREEN or people friendly and tourist oriented come to mind? If they do, then I apologize that none of those come to mind for me.

Coming home the other day, I sat through several lights on the East-West corridor of Hwy 43, and in any direction I looked there was to all intents a TRAFFIC JAM! Some people do it everyday and weekends.

The plaza closest to the exit from 416 is getting more new stores with strange twisted entrance/exits onto Hwy 43 around the existing Starbucks. Why? Was zoning permission involved in this arrangement? Rd 44 is a major North-South corridor with new development in place or announced on billboards. Already it is a traffic place. What will it be when these new endeavours will be

complete?

The South entrance from Rd 44, not yet fallen to developers, is announced to have a prison nearby, but no level of Government has said exactly how close or how far away from the 44 entrance to downtown.

Given the zoning hodge podge practiced to this point on the east-west corridor, my confidence is very low that the word attractive will come to mind once the area is developed.

We now will be paying for a Tourism strategy and Officer. The Tourism advertising page for North Grenville is very attractive sounding. The history of the area is interesting, Ferguson Forest is a Community Treasure, we have wonderful heritage buildings and a caring generous community.

The information and picture (on the websited) shows the South Rd. 44 entrance to Kemptville Downtown.

Well that is the entrance to be irrevocably affected by

the placement of a Provincial Prison. Exact details still not released by any level of our Municipal, or Provincial Government.

So dear editor, do you think that zoning bylaws will be changed to help ensure trees and fields will not be felled for developments as just has happened beside the roundabout on Hwy 43 just past Basics? Will there be Green in the regulations for development designs. Will boutiques, outdoor patios, cafes, and benches populate our downtown? The bones of our downtown are historic, do we expect it to be vigorously protected? I think yes!

And yet there is doubt.

What has this Mayor and council done to explain what they are discussing and agreeing to with the Ontario level of governance and the unidentified stakeholders?

We have owned our house in this area for years. At the beginning a challenging commute to jobs in Ottawa.

But we had fallen in love

with our house and the small town of Kemptville nearby.

This community's spirit is very strong and caring. In the past, along with five others, it was fun to be one of the originators of The Dandelion Festival and North Grenville Arts and Culture Council (NGACC) and to be Chair for several years. Now as the community has grown, other activities plus Arts and Music Festival events have expanded. The book fair is an example of one of the many pronged events organized by all sorts of groups!

The Community has built a hospital and a library. The charitable activities initiated by the youth, such as Ryan's Wells by Ryan Hreljec and his brother Jimmy, are inspirations to this community and reach out to the world.

If this prison is built, what changes will be wrought to the character of this community?

How can the Politicians who are supposedly our representatives not take

Ontario moves to Step One of re-opening Based on the provincewide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in keypublic health and health system indicators, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, moved the province into Step One of its Roadmap to reopen on June 11, 2021.

"Thanks to the ongoing success of Team Ontario's vaccine rollout and the ongoing improvements in public health trends, we are able to enter step one of the Roadmap and begin to safely and cautiously lift restrictions," said Premier Doug Ford. "The only reason we're able to do so is because of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities across Ontario.

As we begin to enjoy the benefits of the first step in our roadmap like meeting friends on a patio or visiting your favourite local store, please do so safely by continuing to follow all public health guidelines."

In order to safely enter Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 60 per cent of adults with at least one dose for two weeks or longer, ensuring the first dose offers a strong level of protection against

COVID-19. As of June, 6,72 per cent of the 18+ population in Ontario had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with over 10 million doses now having been administered.

Before entering Step One, the province also needed to see continued improvement in key public health and health system indicators. During the period of May 25 to 31, 2021, the provincial case rate decreased by 35.1 per cent. As of June 6, the number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs is 497, including 31 patients from Manitoba, as compared to 687 two weeks ago. The province's situation is currently exceeding the bestcase scenario presented in recent modeling, which indicated the province would reach below 1,000 new daily infections by June 30, 2021. The province expects these trends to continue over the coming days before entering Step One. Step One of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities with smaller crowds where risk of transmission is lower. It will also permit more limited indoor settings to be open, all with restrictions in

UPDATE

June 16, 2021

Send in your letters to the editor to

place. Indoor religious services, rites and ceremonies, including wedding and funeral services limited to 15 per cent capacity, will also be permitted.

Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen includes but is not limited to: • Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 10 people; • Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted at up to 15 per cent capacity of the particular room; • Non-essential retail permitted at 15 per cent capacity, with no restrictions on the goods that can be sold; • Essential and other select retail permitted at 25 per cent capacity, with no restrictions on the goods that can be sold; • Outdoor dining with up to four people per table, with exceptions for larger household.

editor@ngtimes.ca

our plans and wishes into account? The power they have is supposedly from the electorate. Taking decisions before consultation and consideration simply because they have the Titles of Solicitor General and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is part of having power.

But, it is also conferred by The Minister Zoning Orders.

MZO. It allows overrides, with no appeal, of what local municipalities have as their plans. That unalterable decision has been invoked for the prison. MZO has existed over several Ontario iterations of Government, but now strengthened by the Ford administration.

And ...so I am back to the still attractive South entrance to Kemptville on Rd 44! Should it be changed for a prison because the Ontario Government has said so by just setting aside the future aspirations of our small community? Does this feel right? More to the point, what is aspirational about

this unilateral decision for our community?

The prison will be across from or near the Kemptville College campus, nursery and other schools, and our downtown. According to the Solicitor General regarding security details from the One meeting by Zoom, we should feel secure because the prison environs will be patrolled by drones. Not what I think of as a tourist draw. But each of us has their chance to make their voice heard.

If your readers agree that there is a fight to be had against the placement of this prison, then they should please avalanche letters to the office holders and support the efforts of the two opposition groups JOG and CAPP! (They have many overlapping ideologies, but CAPP has a stronger focus on the agricultural land and JOG has a stronger focus on infrastructure costs and tax burden to our residents.)

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT AMAZING!

PHONE

613-258-7661

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INFO@KEMPTVILLEPHYSIO.COM

KEMPTVILLEPHYSIO.COM

T H A N K

Y O U !

The North Grenville Photography Club

Bald Eagle by the Rideau River, Kemptville, ON Photo by Kelsey Donaldson (@kelseybernice_photography 8

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Local mask maker going strong in supporting local food banks

Debbie Amirault presents $500 cheque to House of Lazarus Executive Director Cathy Ashby to support their food bank This month marks Debbie Amirault’s one year anniversary of making masks for A local mask maker made the community and raising her 7th donation to local money for both the House food banks last week totaling of Lazarus (HOL) and the Kemptville Salvation Army $3800.

by Hilary Thomson

are available for men, women, teenagers and kids, but quantities are limited.

Since the last provincial lockdown, Debbie has been hard at work filling mask orders and has made enough money to also make a $500 donation to the Kemptville Salvation Army Food Bank.

While the Mouth2Mouth Project was something she started to keep herself busy in retirement and help the local community, Debbie admits the endeavour has been extremely gratifying. “It’s a feel-good thing for sure,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to see so much support from the community that I’m living in as well. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The only thing she is running low on right now is the cotton backing she uses in every mask. If anyone is willing to donated solid-colour 100% cotton material, or is interesting in ordering a mask, you can contact Debbie by emailing mouth2mouthproject@ gmail.com or message her on Facebook under Debbie Amirault.

Food Bank. Using mostly donated fabric, she has committed hundreds of hours to the Mouth2Mouth Project, providing not only custommade affordable masks to the community but also supporting those who have been most affected by the pandemic.

Executive Director of the HOL, Cathy Ashby, says they are very grateful for the $500 that Debbie dropped off last Thursday, especially since their stores, which are their main source of revenue, have been closed for April and May. “This will really help cover those operating expenses to keep the food bank open and the outreach programs going,” she says.

Debbie is still enjoying making masks and is constantly coming up with new patterns and ideas. She recently created a special mask for men with beards which she is selling for $6 instead of the usual $4. To celebrate Canada Day, she also found a fun red and white fabric complete with Canadian flags, moose, and maple syrup bottles. Canada Day masks

Pandemic impacts on the House of Lazarus

by Joselyn Morley The House of Lazarus (HOL) in Mountain is a community outreach mission providing food, clothing, household goods, and a wide variety of community programs to people in both North Grenville and North Dundas.

The ongoing pandemic has made operations challenging on many levels.

The HOL operates a thrift store in Mountain with clothes and household goods, and a clothing store in Ingleside.

Donated items are sold to raise funds to support their numerous community programs. Currently, they are back to accepting donations of clothing and household items at the drop off area in Mountain, but this is dependent on weather and space. Check their Facebook page for the most up to date information about donations.

HOL initially had to lay staff off as their stores closed.

Many of the community outreach programs cannot run because of Covid-19 pandemic protocols. This is leaving many people without services that they rely on, such as nutritious food through programs such as Dinner on the House, or Lunch and Learn, but it also leaves them without valuable contact and support. CurrentJune 16, 2021

ly, the food bank and Operation Backpack, the schools' nutrition program, are still running. Operation Backpack provides snacks, lunches, and suppers to school-aged children, with funding assured until the end of August.

HOL encourages anyone with school-aged children to reach out for assistance through this nutrition program.

Although HOL has lost revenue from their thrift stores being closed, there has been a great deal of financial support from various levels of government, grants, and the community. The community has been incredible in supporting HOL foodbank throughout the pandemic.

Service clubs and individuals have donated, people have purchased bags of food through Foodland, and HOL benefited from funds raised through Giving Tuesday.

HOL accessed grants and funding opportunities through Foodbanks Canada, and Feed Ontario, as well as from all levels of government. There was more financial support for foodbanks than ever before. This support has meant that the foodbanks can continue, but it doesn't make up for the loss of community outreach programs.

Only 25% of people who need foodbanks actually use

them. That means that 75% of the people who need nutrition support from a foodbank do not reach out for assistance.

There is a deep desire to leave assistance to "those who really need it," leaving many people hungry and suffering food insecurity needlessly.

Cathy Ashby, Executive Director of HOL, admits "it's hard to answer the phones some days, to hear the need."

But she encourages anyone to please reach out and call.

From the fall-out of the 2008 recession, we know that foodbank use will peak two years after a crisis. That means that people are hanging on for long after the initial crisis, hoping that things will get better. Cathy says," don't wait." Call when you need food. HOL has food for you.

You don't need to choose between food and rent.

At the end of June, HOL hopes to be able to provide a take-out supper on Wednesday evenings, similar to the Dinner on the House, except it will be take-out. The kitchen in the foodbank in South Mountain, formerly the Scotiabank, has been inspected and certified as a community kitchen, allowing meals to be prepared there.

Currently the HOL Community Garden is mostly planted. Seedlings have been

donated by BMR Winchester, Forget-Me-Not Herbs & Flowers in Oxford Mills, Manotick Garden Supply, and the Dundas 4H Club. If anyone is growing an extra row in their own gardens, HOL will gratefully accept donations for the foodbank. They work closely with Community Food Share that serves North and South Dundas, and North and South Stormont. They also form part of the North Dundas Housing Initiative.

Over the last 15 months, as the store has opened, then closed in response to government closure orders, HOL has done some renovations in an attempt to make the store space more "Covid-friendly."

Looking forward, hoping that they can open up by mid June, the store will be allowed 15% capacity, which even in the renovated space will let only a couple of people in the store at once. They are planning on having as much merchandise outside as possible.

Currently HOL is providing help filing tax returns to those in need through their CRA Volunteer Income Tax Program. Call 613 989 3830 or 613 612 3830 to make an appointment for assistance with tax returns, or to visit the foodbank.

9

The Voice of North Grenville

services

Joe Gauthier Master Electrician

613.802.4608

joe@oldschool-electric.ca

"No Job Too Small" "We are open for your convenience during these troubled times" Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Water conservation recommended due to low water conditions

by Hilary Thomson The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has declared minor low water conditions within the watershed.

RVCA Manager of Engineering Services, Brian Stratton, says the Rideau Valley Water Response Team met on June 8 to discuss the low water conditions within the watershed due to lack of precipitation in the last few months. According to a press release issued after the meeting, the average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations surrounding the watershed is at about 60% of normal for this time of year.

In the past 30 days, rainfall has been variable across the watershed with the average sitting at about 35% of normal.

Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecast also indicates minimal precipitation.

The press release notes that with stream flow values sitting at 20-30% of normal, field observations have indicated that ecological conditions are becoming stressed. Brian says the low water levels have the potential to impact aquatic habitats, golf courses that depend on smaller water bodies for irrigation, reservoir lakes which feed the Rideau Canal system and allow for recreational boating, municipal water supply for those that depend on surface water (Perth, Smiths Falls), and agricultural operations.

Brian notes that North Grenville's water supply should not be affected as the town relies on a deep aquifer that isn't affected by low precipitation. He says that people on private wells aren't usually affected either, but anyone who experiences any adverse affects due to the low water conditions is encouraged to contact the RVCA. "Normally we don't hear a lot of complaints, but we always put that offer out there just to help us better understand the situation."

The RVCA is encouraging residents to conserve water by limiting non-essential uses (car washing, lawn watering) with the goal of achieving a consumption reduction of about 10%. While this has the potential to help to an extent, Brian says what the watershed really needs to return to optimal levels is precipitation. "It's not going to fix the problem, but it's something they can do," he says. "We really need rain to make it better."

According to the press release, RVCA staff are continuing to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates will be issued as conditions change. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville County Road 43 Widening from 200m west of County Road 44 to 220m east of Colonnade Drive in Kemptville Revisions and Addenda to Environmental Study Report Notice of Filing of Addendum The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has retained AECOM Canada Ltd. to complete the detailed design for the four-lane widening of County Road 43 from 200m west of County Road 44 to 220m east of Colonnade Drive, in Kemptville, Ontario.

Revisions and Addenda to Environmental Study Report An Addendum to the Environmental Study Report has been completed and issued on June 16, 2021 for a review period of 30 calendar days. The Addendum contains details on the updated existing conditions, mitigation measures, the design changes to the bridge and roadway and the construction schedule. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville intends to proceed with utility relocations for this project in August of 2021. Please note that only the proposed changes in the Addendum are open for review.

The Addendum is available for review on the Counties website at the following link:

www.leedsgrenville.com/CountyRoad43Widening Due to the current state of COVID-19 and the social distancing measures in place hard copies of the report may be available for review by contacting the Counties Public Works Division below for the review protocol and location.

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Public Works Division Tel: (613) 342-3840 Ext. 2413 Email: roads@uclg.on.ca Comments By this Notice the Addendum is being placed on the public record for review in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team by July 15, 2021. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to: Arup Mukherjee, P.Eng. Project Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville ARKim Solutions Inc. C: 613-802-9735 Email: arup@arkim.ca

Michael Flainek, M.Eng., P.Eng. Project Manager AECOM Canada Ltd. 302-1150 Morrison Drive Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8S9 Tel: (613) 797-6862 Email: michael.flainek@aecom.com

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e. requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry.

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy those potential adverse impacts, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request.

The request should be sent in writing or by email to both addresses below: Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 minister.mecp@ontario.ca

and

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto ON, M4V 1P5 EABDirector@ontario.ca

Comments, input, and information regarding this project may be included in project documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the Public Record.

This Notice issued June 16, 2021 - Accessibility is important. If you are a person with a disability and need information in another format, please contact the Counties Public Works Division as noted above.

June 16, 2021

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The Voice of North Grenville

Rideau Glen Ladies League open for season

by Cecile Fortier Covid-19 is the "elephant in the room" that cannot be circumvented, for it is the director of our lives whether we like it or not.

The ladies were waiting with anticipation for the opening of their favorite golf course, RIDEAU GLEN. During the winter months, the ladies were passing the days, weeks and months in their particular activity; many crafts were created, many books were read and artists worked at their easel, all in isolation.

But when the "gong" rang to open the golf courses, the ladies were out like ants crawling to their favorite course.

On May 22, the course opened-up and "hallelujah" the waiting was over, golfers were out of hibernation and isolation aiming for the links.

Their "winter of discontent" was over. They were free to mingle with friends on the course as long as they kept their distances and followed the many rules that the pandemic regulates.

The ladies don't mind the rules, as long as they can be out playing. One hundred and eleven, ladies participated in the first Tuesday morning of play, and thirty more in the afternoon for the 4 pm tee time. It was unbelievable! So many women are wanting to join the Rideau Glen ladies league! It has to be the largest league in the area.

Rideau Glen is still the jewel of golf courses in the region. The "old gentleman", in spite of its 92 years of existence, attracts the neophyte as well as the seasoned players. The ladies of Kemptville and surrounding area favour the gem above many courses. The league is well organized and pertains to all its members. Tournaments will be held and all are welcome to participate.

In its third week of the season, the executive is applying its upmost aptitude to make everyone happy. With so many players, it promises to be a very fun filled season.

Hurrah to all! www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Municipality developing zoning rules for Cannabis Production and Processing Facilities Cannabis Study be thorough Local Journalism Initiative Reporter and comprehensive. In March of this year, the Cannabis The Municipal Council Study was made public for Meeting on June 9 was set to comment. address a zoning amendment The interim control byfor Cannabis Production law is set to expire in August and Processing Facilities in 2021, and last week’s meeting North Grenville. The recom- was set to hear recommendamendation from Director of tions .

Planning and Development Director Martin presented Amy Martin was to repeal her recommendations based the Interim Control By-Law on the Cannabis Study, public that has been in place since consultation, and a land use 2019, and approve and enact review. Director Martin thora new by-law. The proposed oughly explained the process by-law, which is the prod- of developing guidelines that uct of an in-depth study work for North Grenville. and public consultation, is She said that the proposed designed to, “regulate the regulations “consider what use of land, buildings and was common and consistent structures within the Munici- throughout Ontario, and what, pality of North Grenville, to through the public consultainclude definitions and zon- tion process, works for North ing provisions for Cannabis Grenville.”

Production & Processing The guidelines are also Facilities.” In light of some informed by guidelines from new questions brought to the Ontario Ministry of Aglight by community mem- riculture, Food and Rural bers, however, this decision Affairs; The Ministry of the was deferred to the June Environment; and the Provin15 meeting, where it seems cial Policy Statement (PPS) likely to be passed. on rules for land use planning Developing a framework in Ontario. for the cultivation, producUnited Counties of Leeds tion, and processing of can- and Grenville Official Plan nabis has been an ongoing (COP) provides a high-level issue for North Grenville. legal framework encouragIn 2019, council enacted an ing municipalities to keep interim bylaw restricting the a range of economic develestablishment of cannabis opments, promote normal facilities. Council did so in farm practices and protect the order to give staff the oppor- right to farm, and encourage tunity to prepare an in-depth the location of more indusCannabis Study in relation trial economic lands along the to land use and municipal Highway 416 corridor. planning. In 2020, council Director Martin noted extended this interim control common public concerns inby-law to ensure that the cluded: clarity of definitions,

by Rachel Everett-Fry

clear distinction between large scale plants and microprocessing facilities, a desire for stringent setbacks, and concerns about odours. Her report seems to have taken each of these concerns to heart.

She specified that attached to the report is a list of definitions, as requested by members of the public, clarifying the exact legal definitions of key words.

Cannabis Productions and Processing Facilities, Cannabis Micro-Processing/Cultivation, and Nurseries are to be permitted in Economic Enterprise zones. The proposed zoning regulations for such cannabis facilities requires large indoor facilities to keep their activities indoors, to be located at least 150 meters from sensitive land use if equipped with air treatment control, or to be located 300 meters from sensitive land use if not equipped with air treatment control, and that the establishment of all such facilities be subject to Site Plan Control (landscaping, lighting, buffering, etc).

For micro production and cultivation, as well as cannabis nurseries, Director Martin recommended the same provisions as above, as well as minimum lot areas of 4,000 square metres, maximum facility sizes of 200 square metres, and the equipment of air treatment systems such that odours are undetectable beyond the establishment’s property line.

Luc Poulin, member of

the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), was in attendance of the meeting on June 9. In Director Martin’s recommendations, schools, defined as a sensitive lands, would require a 150 meter setback from any cannabis facilities.

Mr. Poulin requested that this setback be increased for schools in particular, suggesting a 1.5 kilometre setback instead.

There are no schools currently in or near the areas that are zoned under Economic Enterprise, Agriculture 1, or Agriculture 2, and thus the 1.5 km setback requested

by Mr. Poulin is unlikely to come into play. Nonetheless, Council and Director Martin agreed to review the proposed amendment for cannabis facilities in light of the request for a larger setback near schools. On June 15, council will revisit the issue in its public meeting.

Councillor John Barclay stated, “It’s been a long time coming, but I think what we’re left with is giving businesses who are looking to establish production and processing facilities here in North Grenville a lot of clarity about what we would be looking for should they choose to set up business here.”

For more information on the Cannabis study visit ww.northgrenville.ca/live/ community-involvement/ cannabis

zoned as Institutional land.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The applicant proposed rezoning to an Agricultural Exception zone. Doing so At a public meeting would permit for the conon June 9, the Municipal struction of a single detached Council agreed to amend dwelling, while remaining in zoning for a property on keeping with underlying land Bedell Road, once part of the designations.

Secondly, the unique size Kemptville Campus lands, to and shape of the property reallow for the construction of a single detached dwelling. quires a zoning bylaw amendThe property, a trian- ment to change the setback gular piece of land on the requirement from principal south side of the CP rail line, railways from 100 meters to presents a number of unique 30 meters. The frontage of challenges. Director of Plan- the lot is less than 100 meters ning and Development Amy wide, and current Municipal Martin presented the ap- bylaws require a 100 meter plicant’s case to Council, setback from principal railstating that the property is ways. Director Martin noted, “constrained from a develop- however, that the Federation of Canadian Municipaliment perspective.”

Firstly, as former Kemp- ties (FCM) has a minimum tville Campus property, it is recommended setback for June 16, 2021

Oxford Mills Annual Community Yard Sale

by Rachel Everett-Fry, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Oxford Mills Community Association is planning the return of their annual neighbourhood yard sale. Mark your calendars for Saturday June 19, 8 am - 4 pm, and make sure to keep social distancing in mind to keep yourself and others safe.

The neighbourhood yard sale will include the downtown core of Oxford Mills, as well as the “Greater Oxford Mills Area.”

Susanne Larner, Oxford Mills Community Association board member, explained that every year, Oxford Mills has a community yard sale, but, “we didn’t last year. So this year we thought it would be great to gather up our resources and do it again. Give everyone an opportunity to dust off the stuff in the garage and get it out there.” She also noted that many people in the community have lost their income in the last year, and welcome the chance to make a little extra cash.

Susanne stressed that all of the events the Oxford Mills Community Association are planning this year are focused on maintaining social distance. For instance, there is currently a “Rock Show” happening at Maplewood Hall. Locals have been placing painted rocks in the gardens for others to happen upon.

It is important for those participating in the event to remember to remain 6 feet apart, avoid gathering in groups larger than 10, and to wear a face covering. Susanne explained that yard sales lend themselves to following these guidelines. Items can be spread out along driveways, and people tend to show up, “in trickles rather than in crowds.”

For the most “up-to-date resources” and a list of homes participating in the sale, Susanne suggests following the event on Facebook. Look up “Neighbourhood Yard Sale” or use the link www.fb.me/e/2KZkBWv8Q

Library Sue will be joining the Canada Day 2021 Celebrations Sue will be reading a Canada Day themed book and providing a

Canada Day craft video!

She is generously providing a craft kit for 40 kids!

Call the North Grenville Public Library after June 24 at

613-258-4711

Zoning Exception granted to prevent development constraints

by Rachel Everett-Fry

The Voice of North Grenville

to reserve your kit and curbside delivery.

Director Martin advocated for the applicant, stating there are precedents in, “recent history” in which the Municipality has, “allowed for a reduction on lots of record where that 100 meters setback completely sterilized the lot from development.”

Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman noted the recent example of a property on Scotch Line Road, and Councillor Doreen O'Sullivan also noted that there are a number of homes at the back of Victoria Park that are likely only around 30 meters from the railway. Director Martin recommended approving the applicant’s rezoning proposal, and Council unanimously agreed with her.

residential uses: this is to say, that from a safety and developmental point of view, a 30 meter setback is adequate.

Councillor Kristin Strackerjan wondered for what “particular reason” North Grenville setback requirements are so much greater than the FCM recommendation. Director Martin clarified that “in 2012, the zoning regulations were amalgamated between the various municipalities within North Grenville into the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law. My understanding is that the provisions that, I think originated in South Gower, made their way into the Zoning By-Law, whereas if we were under the old Oxford-on-Rideau zoning bylaw, this wouldn’t even be a consideration.”

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Show your Support! Canada Day, window display

June 16, 2021

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June 16, 2021

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ParticipACTION:

Students get in on the challenge

Don’t let the App problems stop you contributing to the township Local Journalism Initiative Reporter of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal region. When she took to North Grenville has con- social media to troubleshoot sistently been ranking in first this problem, she found that place nationally in the Par- many other North Grenville ticipACTION Community residents were experiencing Better Challenge. Though the same issue. Janet notes West Vancouver, Toronto, that “Councillor Strackand Ottawa have at times erjan was very quick to challenged North Gren- respond,” to her post. Counville’s position, the munici- cillor Strackerjan recompality continues to emerge mended residents with K0G at the number one spot. 1T0 postal codes manually With the title of “Canada’s change their postal code to Most Active Community” K0G 1J0 in order to have and $100,000 up for grabs, their active minutes conMayor Nancy Peckford took tribute to North Grenville’s to social media to remind total. To do this, click on residents that “endurance the settings button (a gear) is key.” With this being at the top right hand of said, some North Grenville the main page. From there, residents have encountered select “Edit” and manually a number of technical dif- enter “K0G 1J0” as your ficulties when logging their postal code. This is only a physical activities in the temporary solution. CounParticipACTION app. The cillor Strackerjan explained municipality is making a that although K0G 1T0 is a concerted effort to ensure valid North Grenville postal these difficulties do not pres- code, the ParticipACTION ent a barrier to participation. developers are unlikely to The ParticipACTION “have anticipated a shared Community Better Chal- postal code” when creating lenge is in search of Can- the app. ada’s most active commuA second issue that has nity. Active minutes spent occurred for some residents engaging in any kind of of North Grenville is that movement— from walk- they are logging their mining or biking to gardening utes without those minutes or housekeeping— can be being counted toward North logged in the ParticipAC- Grenville’s total. You may TION app. These minutes have entered a postal code count toward the municipal and logged your active mintotal when logged under utes, but unless you have a North Grenville Postal signed up for the “ComCode. Though residents are munity Better Challenge” excited about North Gren- specifically, your minutes ville’s standing, there have are not being counted tobeen a number of reports of ward our municipal total. problems with the app, par- Luckily, once you sign up ticularly that users are being for the “Community Betincorrectly associated with other municipalities.

Janet Rekmans of Oxford Station noticed the issue right away. When logging her minutes on June 1, she saw that her entries were

by Rachel Everett-Fry

Robert Matheson, a PE teacher at Kemptville Public School, leads students in an online workout. He is logging his students' minutes for the Community Better Challenge ticipating in online workouts led by enthusiastic teachers. Robert Matheson, one of the school's physical education teachers, runs online workouts for three or four classes a day."It is awesome to see them working out with me," Matheson says. "Some of them are having their siblings, parents or grandparents join in our workouts. That's a great thing to see."

Michael Lalonde, a physical education teacher at Académie Catholique Notre-Dame, is asking his students to set a weekly goal and try to reach it. He will then log their minutes for them.

Selina Parnell, a physical education teacher at Holy Cross Catholic School, is also using participating in the challenge as a way to motivate her students. The 185 students at École publique RivièreRideau are also having their active school-time minutes logged for them.

Participating in the challenge will look a little different at Madison Montessori. At least there, some of the school's students can get involved in person.

School-aged children are not allowed in the building under the province's COVID restrictions, but 162 pre-school aged students (aged 1-6) are allowed to attend. A normal day at Madison Montessori involves a lot of physical activity. KPS teacher Robert Matheson, who is a member of North Grenville's Health, Wellness, and Fitness Advisory Committee, has been helping support the other schools' involvement in the challenge. He has shared ways for them to log minutes and how to host online events.

"I think getting the schools on board with this challenge gives us (North Grenville) a chance to finish at or near the top of the leaderboard," Matheson says.

t- me - n o e g r o F Herbs & Flowers

Annuals, Hanging Baskets, Perennials, Veggies and Olde Fashion Tomatoes

North Grenville Times welcomes new reporter The North Grenville Times is very pleased to welcome Rachel Everett-Fry as its newest news reporter. Rachel is a lifelong resident of North Grenville. Rachel holds a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology from the University of Ottawa. Her research and writing has focused on past and present farming communities in the area. She lives in Oxford Station with her family, and her interests include small-scale agriculture, environmentalism, and politics.

Photo: Rachel Everett-Fry

June 16, 2021

ter Challenge” the minutes you have logged so far this month will be automatically added to the North Grenville total. You can sign up for the “Community Better Challenge” by clicking the banner on the main page of the app.

Still other residents have experienced issues when trying to log minutes for other members of their households. Janet, who is logging minutes for her children and her husband, has found that this can only be done by visiting the ParticipACTION website. While logging minutes for others is permitted

by ParticipACTION, this feature has not yet been integrated into the mobile app.

Janet admits, “I have found the app a little bit difficult to use, but I think it’s a great initiative. I’m happy to put in a bit of time to figure it out so that we can work together for North Grenville.”

Though the app is not perfect, members of the North Grenville community and Municipal council have been working hard to troubleshoot, resolve technical difficulties, and support one another in the quest to become “Canada’s Most Active Community.”

You can troubleshoot common problems with the app and keep an eye on North Grenville’s current standing, by visiting: www. participaction.com/en-ca/ programs/community-challenge or www.northgrenville.ca/getactive

t

Submitted by the North Grenville Health, Wellness and Fitness Advisory Committee Although schools will remain closed, local students are still contributing to North Grenville's quest to be named Canada's most active community.

Several teachers at schools in the municipality registered to take part in the ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge this month. They saw it as a way to motivate their students and to get them involved in helping the community.

"It is coming at a great time for us, as we are just completing our Kids Run Ottawa Challenge, and we want to keep our students moving!" says Laura Oliver, the principal at Oxford-onRideau Elementary School.

The school kicked off its effort by having a wholeschool, online workout on June 1.

Students at Kemptville Public School are also par-

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Monday closed Tuesday to Friday 9am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 12 to 3pm 1920 Beach Rd. Oxford Mills, ON

claudiaollie@gmail.com

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT

Robert Walker, CPA, CA Bradley Mehlman CPA Dinah Boal Crystal Lang T: 613.258.3282 F: 613.258.4391 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, Kemptville, South Gower Business Park

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Kemptville’s New Rainbow Crosswalk a sign of inclusion for rural LGBTQ2S+ residents

Old Town Kemptville's new Pride crosswalk is a bright and vibrant symbol for the overwhelming push for inclusion in North Grenville smaller networks to draw on Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for support. Furthermore, the values of some people living in rural communities have T h e i n t e r s e c t i o n o f been in conflict with an open Prescott Street and Reuben acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ Crescent is home to a new individuals.

Pride Crosswalk. In celebraKemptville Pride was cretion of Pride Month, the Mu- ated after the first Kemptville nicipality collaborated with Pride Parade in 2019. The Kemptville Pride in painting history of Pride Parades go this crosswalk the colours of back to the Stonewall Riots the LGBTQ2S+ (the acro- in1969 in New York City. The nym standing for Lesbian, first Pride Parade in Canada Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, took place in Toronto three Queer, Two-spirit, and many years later. The time that it more sexualities and gender has taken for Pride events to identities) pride flag. Mayor trickle into rural communiNancy Peckford stated on so- ties speaks to the importance cial media that the crosswalk of rural pride: LGBTQ2S+ is, “an expression of inclusion people have always existed and reflects the belief of so in rural areas, they have just many NG residents that we not experienced the same all deserve to belong.” recognition and acceptance Jen Crawford, the Execu- as their urban counterparts. tive Director of Kemptville Kemptville’s crosswalk Pride, has explained that rural follows in the footsteps of the communities, like ours, are town of Prescott, which first especially in need of such installed a rainbow crosswalk symbols of inclusion. As in 2019. Since then, their such, this year’s theme for crosswalk has been vandalKemptville Pride is “Show ized three times. your rural pride!”

In response to a social meJen explained, “LG- dia post by Mayor Peckford BTQ2+ folks can feel isolated in celebration of the rainbow in any community, but it does crosswalk, Susan Wagnertend to be highlighted and White wrote, “I left town in more of an issue in a rural ‘79 because it wasn’t safe to area.” She stressed that LG- be gay. It’s taken this long to BTQ2S+ youth are approxi- get to this point.” I caught up mately fourteen times more at with Susan, now a member risk for suicide and substance of Queer Connection Lanark, abuse than their heterosexual about what it was like growpeers. LGBTQ2S+ adults are ing up gay in Kemptville. She more likely to suffer from recalled being called slurs, depression. “For a lot of us, homophobic graffiti written our identity is not something in public places against her, that makes us subject to vio- and the pervasive fear that lence, or daily affronts to our she would be, “caught out dignity, or a denial of basic alone and someone would human rights. But many folks teach [her] a lesson.” While who are of minority sexual Susan applauds the work or gender identities fight for being done by Kemptville equitable rights every day.”

Pride and the municipality, The issues faced by the she notes that comments she LGBTQ2S+ community are has seen on Facebook posts compounded by the rela- about the crosswalk display tive isolation of rural liv- an attitude, “similar to what I ing. Due to population size left Kemptville for in the first alone, LGBTQ2S+ folks have place.” She says people who

by Rachel Everett-Fry

June 16, 2021

great! Everyone that’s gay must feel safe and secure…

Everything is rainbows and puppies and unicorns!”

While allies are necessary, Susan says that people who are not part of the LGBTQ2S+ community have no idea about “the underbelly of ugliness” expressed through homophobia.

In her presentation to Council, Jen said that the solution to some of the historical and ongoing issues faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community is, “creating a supportive neighbourhood, inclusive workplaces, a space for community building for our queer communities.”

Susan stressed that rural queers need to feel they can,

make homophobic comments so often do so in the name of “free speech,” but that it is crucial to understand the “difference between free speech and hate speech in Canada.”

I asked Susan if she thought a symbol like a rainbow crosswalk would have made a difference for her growing up. She replied: “It would have made a difference. There at least would have been the ability to have a dialogue. To talk, express, feel safe. I know I didn’t feel safe.” Nonetheless, Susan is worried that such a symbol of inclusion might lead the general public into thinking the fight for equality is over.

She said, “People see the crosswalk and think ‘this is

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“identify as who they are… not feel they have to go into the city to be who they are.”

North Grenville, and other rural areas, can’t afford this kind of drain: diversity is our strength. LGBTQ+ people are not coming into rural communities, they have always been here, trying to live, work, and love just like everyone else does. The rainbow crosswalk is merely a recognition that this is something to be celebrated and fostered within the community.

For more information about Kemptville Pride initiatives, visit https://kemptvillepride.com/

Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCALLY

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Spencerville Fair Photo Contest

June 16, 2021

The Voice of North Grenville

The Spencerville Agricultural Society is asking for your photos of the past 165 Spencerville Fairs. We are looking for specific photos that best represent the Spencerville Fair. Each entrant will have their name entered in a draw to win one of four $50 gift cards to one of these local businesses in Spencerville: Little Sistersz, SpencerCity Bar & Grill, Remi's Treats, and Cleary Feed & Seed.

All photos submitted will be used for promotional content for the Spencerville Agricultural Society.

The rules are simple. You have to submit a photo that you feel best represents the Spencerville Fair! The photo submitted must have been taken during one of our past 165 Spencerville Fairs. Each entrant will have their name entered in the draw only once, no matter the amount of submissions. We are seeking amateur photographers only, and the deadline to enter is June 29 at 11:59 pm EDT. Winners will be announced on June 30, 2021, via social media and our website. Submit your photo on our website today and enter your photo. www.

SpencervilleFair.ca

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The Ottawan on the South Branch 1908

Adult Colouring Contest

colouring sketch reproduced from one of local artist Don Munz paintings of North Grenville

You can also download this image and one more adult page from the Canada Day in North Grenville Facebook page or get this one from NG Times Facebook Page

Name:

June 16, 2021

age:

contact info

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Rekmans Automotive Inc. Kemptville SEEKING AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

The Food Corner

Rekmans Automotive is looking for a for a full-time fully licensed Automotive Service Technician. Are you a licensed technician who takes customer service and integrity seriously? Do you take pride in your work and pay attention to details?

We would you like to work for us.

We are a family-owned local business located in Kemptville with a respected reputation as a local and trustworthy service provider.

We take a lot of pride in our products and the quality of our work, and we never hesitate to go the extra mile to earn the complete confidence of our customers. If you are multi-talented and you enjoy a challenge, please submit your resume.

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville So, I'm going to join the long list of debaters on what constitutes a Gumbo. Well, there is Creole Gumbo that is tomato based, and there is Cajun Gumbo that isn't. The unifying factor is the use of Okra as a vegetable. Today, I am going to walk you through a Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo. Next week, we'll switch to Creole. Many thanks to Alistair for requesting that we work on Gumbos together. I'm happy to do so.

The successful candidate;

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

- will have experience in drive line automotive and general repair

Ingredients ¼ cup of butter ¼ cup of flour 1 cup of chopped sweet onion (try a Vidalia) 1 cup of chopped red bell pepper and 1 cup of chopped yellow bell pepper 1 ½ cup of andouille sausage, sliced in ¾ inch medallions 2 ½ cups of medium-sized uncooked shrimp 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of grainy mustard 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon Cajun spice (or more, if you want to increase the heat) 4 cups of chicken stock (usually available in milk cartons at your local grocer) 1 cup of Okra (you may need to get frozen) A big pinch of salt and pepper (freshly ground, preferably and taste your soup before committing too much) Preparation 1. Make a roux by placing the butter in a stock pot on medium heat and slowly whisking in the flour until you get a golden brown colour. Keep whisking and don't burn the roux, otherwise you will have to start over.

2. Stir in the onion, red and yellow peppers and cook until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Add the sausage and cook for an additional minute or so.

4. Stir in the garlic, mustard, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder and Cajun spice.

5. Keep stirring constantly and slowly add the chicken stock; once your soup is at the boiling point, add your shrimp and reduce your heat to low.

6. Add your Okra, bay leaf, salt and pepper, stir and let simmer for 10 minutes; your gumbo will be thickening in the process (it's the Okra that does it; ifyou can't get Okra, you will need to thicken your soup with corn starch).

Serve your Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo over rice and enjoy with a nice dark beer.

All the best from Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com

- will be a licensed automotive technician or late apprenticeship (3rd or 4th year) Expected start date: June 14th, 2021 • Full time, permanent position • 8 Hour shifts from Monday to Friday.

Please apply to: Gerry Rekmans, Owner and Operator Rekmansautomotive@bellnet.ca

Classifieds FOR SALE

Firewood for sale - mixed hardwood, 3 cord minimum for delivery, $110 per cord, call Jon 613-227-3650 Cedar posts and rails for sale - various sizes, call Jon for pricing 613-227-3650 Compost/fill available-reasonable price- call Reg at 613 258 7606 NEW AUGUSTA WOODBURNING FIREBOWL $80.00.CALL 613-258-0445

New Noma 35 pint Dehumidifier $ 200.00 613 258 0445 JAYCO 5th wheel. Fully loaded, beautiful shape.

Call James 613-258-3561

Hardwood for sale. Milled black walnut. Merrickville jgharris@sympatico.ca June 16, 2021

Cedar posts,Spruce logs & pickets.. call 613.258.3561 MISCELLANEOUS Looking to rent farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

Looking to harvest cedar trees for hedges off acreages from landowners. Please call 613-799-0958

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SERVICES RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks, home repair.

Call George at 613 462 7637

email classifieds@ngtimes.ca for pricing HEDGE TRIMMING Tall or Small Free estimates, references call or text Rob at 613-795-1845

WANTED 1 Licensed Automotive Technician, or 3rd or 4th year Automotive Apprentice

Wanted! Goalie for Summer Hockey, Kemptville Area. Thursday mornings 9 am to 10.20 am. Contact: admin@3point5.ca

To work at an independently owned Automotive Service and Repair garage.

Send in your letters to the editor to

Fulltime- 40 hours per week Please send resume to: REKMANSAUTOMOTIVE@BELLNET.CA Attention: Gerry

editor@ngtimes.ca

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HANDYMAN SERVICES Call Bill 613 774 2922

COMPANION WORKER WANTED

Seeking overnight companion for elderly gentleman in Kemptville. Five nights per week. $20 per hour from 11 to 7 a.m. Background check required.

Call 613-853-3276.

WANTED The Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary Charity (jams & jelly sales) is looking for 250ml canning jars, rhubarb and other fruit when in season. Drop off at 529 George Street or call 258-4529 Billy

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CROSSWORD

Treaty Facts

by David Shanahan Did you know that when the Royal Proclamation was passed in 1763, almost all of present-day Ontario was recognized as “Indian Territory”, and Europeans were forbidden to trespass and settle there? The Territory included all the land west and south of the Ottawa River, with the exception of a small strip giving the Crown possession of land on both sides of the Ottawa River. All of North Grenville and North Dundas was included in the “Indian Territory”.

In just 120 years after the Royal Proclamation, the only “Indian Territory” left were the various Reserves of today.

In a series of “treaties”, many of which remain undocumented, the way was cleared for European settlement across Ontario.

The terms of these treaties may seem a little strange in retrospect.

A treaty made in 1783 described the land taken as stretching back from the Bay of Quinte “as far as a man can travel in day”. How far is that?

On May 9, 1791, the Mississauga surrendered all the Canadian side of the Niagara River, including the Falls, to a depth of four miles from the river. In return, they got 300 suits of clothing.

In another treaty from the 1780's, the place where the land surrendered was to be described was left blank. Apparently, they were going to fill in the blanks later. They forgot.

It was not until 1923 that another treaty was made to sort out the confusion.

A treaty was made in 1796 with the Chippewas of the Thames for a parcel of land twelve square miles in size, in order to build a capital city of Upper Canada. The Chippewas received £12,000 in goods in return for the land. The town never became the capital, but it is

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today the City of London.

Many of the treaties signed before 1800 were never actually written down. There is no treaty document, no official record of what was agreed to, or what was taken by the Crown. Most of the land taken under treaty in southern and western Ontario was to make room for European families and discharged soldiers that had fought in the American War of Independence or the War of 1812.

In 1836, Governor Francis Bond Head travelled to Manitoulin Island for the annual distribution of presents. On the way, he decided that the island would be a perfect place for all the Indians in Upper Canada to live. He believed that the indigenous population was doomed to extinction when faced with the encroaching tides of European settlers. Better, he thought, to allow them to die out in peace on an island that would allow them to follow traditional ways of life. So he agreed to give up Crown rights to the Island, giving it to the Indians forever, in order to open it to all who wished to resettle there. Twentysix years later, in 1862, the Crown forced through a second treaty to reverse Bond Head’s agreement, and the Island was opened to settlers while the indigenous people were confined to Reserves.

After getting the first treaty on Manitoulin in 1836, Bond Head had the Saugeen peoples agree to surrender one and a half million acres of their land - and paid them nothing in return.

The two Robinson Treaties of September

1850 were originally supposed to get control by the Crown of a strip of land along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior.

Instead, more than 52,000 square miles of Indian Territory were included in the two documents. One of the major indigenous leaders at the time, Shingwakonse, believed the treaties were a prelude to a joint venture

by Crown and Nations to develop resource industries in the north of the Great Lakes. Instead, once the treaties were signed, ACROSS 39. Phonograph record the Nations were informed 1. Clean between teeth 41. Meal provider that they were now un- 6. Relating to aircraft 42. Made less in size der British law and were 10. Frosts 44. Stars excluded from any com- 14. A green fabric mixture 45. Affirm mercial operations in the 15. Skidded 48. Anagram of "Basal" region. They could only 16. Snack 50. After-bath powder fish for their own domestic 17. Maxim 51. A formal event use.

18. Found on most beaches 56. Modify Considering the wealth 19. Kid 57. Beers extracted from the lands 20. Possessions 58. Fine thread under the Robinson Trea- 22. Type of sword 59. Cocoyam ties, which stretched from 23. European blackbird 60. Decay from overripenNorth Bay to past Thunder 24. Take forcibly ing Bay, and north almost to 25. Nonclerical 61. Panache Hudson’s Bay, in the form 29. Try 62. One who colors cloth of timber, fish, copper, 31. Not outdoors 63. Rational gold, uranium, and other 33. Tall Indian palm 64. Clairvoyants resources, it is incredible 37. An unnaturally frenzied DOWN to think that, in return for woman 1. Flaccid body fat ceding this vast treasure 38. Movie house house, each individual indigenous person living Solutions to last week’s Sudoku under those treaties is paid, to this day, the princely sum of $4 per year. And this was an increase in the annuity paid until 1874, which was $1 per year each.

The treaties are legal documents, but the Crown, whether Canada or Ontario, has consistently failed Easy Medium to meet their obligations set out in those documents.

And so it continues in our own time.

2. Prospector's find 3. Egg-shaped 4. Palm starch 5. Shorthand 6. Helps 7. Bird of prey also called a kite 8. Curl 9. Probabilities 10. Bowels 11. Aquatic South American rodent 12. Glacial ridge 13. They make wool 21. Protected 24. Lit to a higher degree 25. Not stiff 26. Rectal 27. Bright thought 28. Constructor 30. Paving material 32. Cowboy movie 34. South American country 35. Portent 36. Sailors 40. German measles 41. A type of keyboard instrument 43. Lurch 45. Horse 46. A walking stick (Australian) 47. Leave out 49. Bottoms of shoes 51. Taxis 52. Agreeable 53. Small island 54. Winglike 55. Permits

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Children's Colouring contest

You can also download this image from the Canada Day in North Grenville Facebook page photo credit to Rachel Potter, Gr 8

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photo credit to Alex Ball Gr 9

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Menu # 66

613.860.2539

Happy Father's Day

www.dialachef.ca Sunday June 20th

July 1st Canada day menu Maritimes lobster soup.

Grilled Alberta beef Rye whiskey sauce Sautéed fiddle heads Glazed maple carrots P.E.I roasted potatoes Almond layer maple cake $40.00 plus HST, delivery$6.00

Tuesday June 22 - Friday June 25th Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136 $37.50 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $70.00 Complete Meal for 4 + HST All Meals include; Chef’s choice of Appropriate Side Dishes & a Light Dessert

Baja Fish or Tofu Taco (Vegetarian)

Crispy Fried Cod, Flour Tortillas, Pico de Gallo, Pickled Red Onions & Jalapenos, Green Cabbage Slaw, Avocado Crema, Smoky Chipotle aioli ,Lime, Dirty Rice, House Fried Corn tortillas and Salad

Katsudon

(Japanese Pork Cutlet & Rice Bowl) Crispy breaded pork loin, Dashi Broth, Egg fried rice, Sesame Vegetables, Gyoza Dumplings & Dipping Sauce, Green salad with Miso Dressing

Chicken or Tofu Tikka Masala

(Vegan) (GF/DF) Tender boneless chicken in curry coconut sauce, Basmati rice, Vegetable Samosas & tamarind sauce 1 per person, Flatbread, salad & chefs choice of veggies.

Meatballs with Penne alla vodka

All beef meatballs, Penne pasta with creamy tomato sauce with a hint of Vodka, House made Garlic Ciabatta bread, Veggies and Caesar Salad Kit

Canada day North Grenville Signature Meal Restaurant Challenge

STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

"We are open for your convenience during these troubled times" Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesday June 22

1- Summer chicken cacciatore, rice and vegetables.

2- Tofu cacciatore, rice and vegetables.

Wednesday June 23

1- Broiled snapper fillet topped with charred tomato relish, side salad.

2- Buckwheat crêpe lasagna with spinach and cheese, side salad

Thursday June 24

1-Tourtière, baked beans, creamy coleslaw.

2- Vegetarian tourtière, baked beans creamy coleslaw.

Friday June 25

1- Leg of lamb marinated with greek spices, slowly roasted on the Big Green Egg. Potatoes and sautéed eggplants.

2- Vegetarian Greek style stuffed eggplant with tomato feta and olives. Potatoes Tuesday to Friday meals are $23.50 plus HST. $6.00 per delivery Week-end special for July and August

Back yard summer BBQ

Class A licensed Mechanics Repairs to ALL Makes DOT & MTO Safety Inspections Fuel Injection, Electrical & A/C Specialists Complete Brake & Exhaust Service Tires & Batteries - Front End Suspension

June 16, 2021

Tomato, shallots, basil salad, balsamic vinaigrette.

Cucumber, fresh mint salad, yogurt dressing.

Summer mix with my own special vinaigrette.

Rosemary, peppercorn marinated steak.

Lemon garlic oregano chicken.

Salmon papillote with pastis and herbs de Provence.

Ratatouille niçoise.

Creamers potatoes.

Berry and custard crêpes.

Minimum 10 people, $37.50 per person plus HST 21

for 2 $49.95 + HST Available till Canada day Three Sisters Salad | Garden Herb Roasted Chicken | Poutine-Style Twice-Baked Potatoes | Farmers Market Vegetable Medley| Catered Affairs Nanaimo Bars

Table D'hote Patio

Thursday June 24th 4.30-7pm $60 p.p. RSVP ONLY (this event will sell out) 1st Course - Smoked Tomato Bisque OR Spring Salad 2nd Course - Medallions of Beef with Truffle Butter OR Chicken Parmesan 3rd Course - Cheesecake OR Flourless Chocolate Cake

Try our Curbside Meals by our Curbside!!!

Introducing Al Fresco Lunch Patios 11-2pm Tuesdays & Wednesdays 820 Heritage Dr. Kemptville Campus 613-324-3136 info@cateredaffairs.ca (Weather & Health Unit Restrictions Dependant RSVP ONLY)

BBQ Kits

for a Family of 4 $90.00 or for 2 $45 Available Thursday’s & Friday’s Fully prepared and ready for you to grill & reheat sides on the BBQ: Select Vegetables, Garlic & Herb Roasted Potatoes, 3 Kinds of Salads and Chef’s Dessert Spatchcock Piri Piri Marinated Chicken & Lemon Herb Shrimp (Portugese BBQ) Kit or Surf ‘n’ Turf Beef Tenderloin(4oz pp) & Shrimp with Chimichurri sauce Kit

Catered Affairs will be CLOSED THU JULY 1 - WED JULY 7th for a well deserved rest!

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Father's Day Specials!

Dinner for TWO:

4 sticks of Pork Souvlaki with Greek salad $36.95 2 BBQ Ribs with works $39.95 2 Chicken Parmesan with Caesar salad $35.95

Canadian . Italian . Chinese

OPEN FOR TAKE OUT 613-25821

42.49

FOR TAKE OUT ONLY

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2794 County Rd 43, Kemptville

38.95 29.95 23.95 40.95 Scottish Heritage Day proclaimed

by David Shanahan The Ontario Legislature has passed the Scottish Heritage Day Act, proclaiming November 30 as Scottish Heritage Day in Ontario. The date is significant, as it is St. Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s National Holiday. The Act was introduced in the Legislature

by Jim McDonell, the MPP for Stormont - Dundas - South Glengarry last September, and passed through without opposition. It became law on June 3.

It was particularly appropriate that the local MPP promoted the new Act, as his riding remains identified with Scottish Highland immigration, both after the American Revolution, and following the Highland Clearances, when a June 16, 2021

great number of people were evicted from their homes and lands after 1760, with a large influx to Glengarry County in 1786. The lands in the Scottish Highlands were “cleared” of tenant farmers to make room for sheep farming.

There were later additions to the Scottish population when discharged soldiers and immigrants from Scotland formed part of a governmentfunded scheme of settlement after the War of 1812, leading to the establishment of the Town of Perth, which became a military supply depot for the Rideau Canal region.

The experience of the Scottish Loyalists forced to flee after the American War, and the same sense of exile experienced by those who came after the Clearances, gave the population of the region a strong sense of Scottish identity that has been maintained to the present day.

Scots Gaelic is still a living language in the area, though fast disappearing. But other elements of Scottish culture remain vibrant and popular. The Glengarry Highland

Not all Scots were as positive in their contribution to the political life of their new country. William Lyon Mackenzie was born on March 12, 1795, in Dundee, and became an important newspaper publisher in Upper Canada in the 1830's. His “firebrand” personality led to him leading a rebellion against British rule in 1837. However, after spending some years in exile in the United States, he returned to Canada and even took his seat in the Legislature during the last years of his life.

Scotland gave Canada many entrepreneurs and scientists over the generations, both Scottish-born, like John Redpath, who was born at Earlston, Berwickshire, and the descendants of Scottish immigrants. Redpath built the Lachine Canal, opening the Saint Lawrence to larger shipping potential, as well as building some of the locks on the Rideau Canal, founded the Redpath Sugar Company, and many other commercial operations.

Even the health system

Games provide a venue where many Scottish competitions are held to celebrate Scottish Culture.

Scotland has provided a large number of individuals who have made an enormous contribution to Ontario and Canada. After the departure of the French Regime in 1763, leaders of the new British administration, like General James Murray, smoothed the way for the more positive relations which developed between the old French settlers and the new rulers. Murray was born Ballencrieff, East Lothian. Scots made up a high percentage of the Fathers of Confederation, including George Brown, publisher of the Toronto Globe newspaper, first leader of the Liberal Party, and an essential participant in the making of Canada in 1867. He was born in Alloa, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. The first two Prime Ministers of Canada were born in Scotland. John Alexander Macdonald was born in Glasgow, and Alexander Mackenzie was born in Logierait, Perthshire.

22

The Voice of North Grenville

June is Seniors Month

Since 1981, the Seniors’ Community Services has been supporting seniors and adults with physical disabilities to live with vitality and confidence in their own homes. June is Seniors Month in Ontario. A time to celebrate the contributions of older adults, and the impact they have in our community.

In 2020, our world was turned upside by a global pandemic. Programs that focused on face-to-face interaction had to be reimagined, and services took an unprecedented increase in numbers. When friendly visiting was no longer possible, the volunteers took to the phone, offering over 1600 friendly chats to 405 clients. The pandemic put the brakes on independently moving around the community, so the Seniors’ Community Services, along with the volunteers, moved the community to the clients.

Meals on Wheels volunteers serve as a vital connection to the outside world with their daily deliveries. They provide a critical wellness check, a friendly face and the opportunity to connect.

In 2020, deliveries increased from 3400 meals delivered to over 8400. The Transportation services continued to provide rides, over 1600 in 2020, for vital appointments.

enjoyed by Canadians today is the result of the work of another, later, Scottish immigrant. Tommy Douglas was born in Falkirk, Scotland, in 1904. His introduction of Medicare in Saskatchewan led in turn to systems like OHIP in Ontario. He later served as the first leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

There’s a long list of contributions made to this country by Scots, proud of their ancestry and of their country.

And there is a lot to celebrate on November 30 with the first Scottish Heritage Day in Ontario.

Marina Abbott, a volunteer and client with SCS, spoke to the importance of her involvement with this community organization. Sitting on her shaded balcony in the 30-degree heat, Marina said before the pandemic hit, she was at the Centre five days a week volunteering. When her husband became ill, she relied on the transportation services with drivers “so courteous and well trained.”

From 1980 to 1990, Marina owned a local restaurant, and when the Diners Club lost their chef, she and volunteer Val Morris, took it upon themselves to make the meals every week for this important social event.

When asked about the impact of the pandemic on services, Marina was quick to note how easy it is to get involved with telephone programs. Yak & Yarn, part of the SCWW (Seniors Centre Without Walls) is a favourite. “To hear the voices of people I have not been able to see for over a year is wonderful!”

When asked about the barriers to accessing services, she said many older people are reticent to ask for help, or are concerned about costs or a membership. She is quick to reassure people that “most programs are free of charge, and those that do have fees, they are very low.” A chef herself, Marina could not say enough about the Meals on Wheels program. “The meals are excellent, with so much choice, and geared to specific nutritional needs.”

Marina is a shining example of the extraordinary contributions older adults bring to our community. Ageing is the natural order of life, but she is quick to add, “don’t let your physical immobility interfere with your sociability. Engage in your community, and make sure to have friends of all ages and a wide range of interests.”

Wise words, indeed.

For more information on the Seniors’ Community Services, visit www. seniorscs.ca or call 613-258-3203

Ron's

Small Engine Repair 613.258.9720

ronssmallengines@outlook.com 1 Jayland Drive, Kemptville (across from old Bingo Hall)

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COVID-19

Information for North Grenville Residents

Ontario has entered STEP ONE of the provincial ‘Roadmap to Reopen’ visit: www.ontario.ca/reopen.

The Roadmap to Reopen

Municipal Updates:

The Roadmap to Reopen is a three-step plan to safely reopn the province.

The North Grenville Municipal building is OPEN Monday - Friday (9:00 am to 4:00 pm). We look forward to serving you in person again!

Step 1 includes: • Outdoor gatherings up to 10 people; • Outdoor dining up to 4 people per table; • Outdoor fitness classes, personal training and sports training (no games or practices) up to 10 people; • Religious services, rites and ceremonies at 15% capacity and outdoors with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2-metres; • Essential retail at 25 per cent capacity; • Non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity; • Outdoor pools; • Day camps are permitted; • Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks.

Well Water Testing Well water sample drop-off has returned to the Municipal Centre, main entrance. Questions? Contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or visit: www.healthunit.org/well-water-sampling

Kemptville Pool is Open Book your 45-minute swim block online (required).

Registration for swimming lessons will open 14 days prior to the start date of each program. More details can be found at northgrenville.ca.

Summer Camps YMCA Summer Camps are returning to North Grenville.

For more information and to register visit the YMCA of Eastern Ontario at www.eo.ymca.ca.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information Call our Health Unit at 1-844-369-1234 to: • Book, change or cancel a vaccine appointment • Sign up on the contingency list

Bulky Item Curbside Pick up Dates: June 14 - 18 & June 21 - 25 Purchase Bulky Item bag tags ($12.50 each) at the Municipal Centre, Jonsson’s Independent and Home Hardware.

For more information on the provincial vaccine rollout visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

*NEW* Diaper Pilot Program – Begins July 5 To register, email name, address, phone number, & garbage week to: publicworks@northgrenville.on.ca.

Residents must pre-register for the program no later than Friday, June 25. For more details visit: www.NGrecycles.ca.

For information about COVID-19 visit the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit at: healthunit.org.

Support Local Businesses #LoveNG As businesses continue to re-open please shop local and show your support for our community. Visit www.LoveNG.ca.

Please stay safe and follow Public Health protocols.

2m (6’)

MAINTAIN 2M DISTANCE

CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK

GET YOUR SHOT

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL UNWELL

The Municipality’s priority is protecting the health and safety of our residents. Visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

Email: general@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569.

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New Act to protect victims from human trafficking The Ontario government passed new legislation, and amendments to existing legislation, to build upon the province's $307-million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy. The Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021 reinforces Ontario's commitment to fight human trafficking and demonstrates continued leadership in responding to this pervasive crime.

"Our government is taking further action to fight the deplorable crime of human trafficking," said Premier Doug Ford.

The new legislation

includes two new acts - the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy Act, 2021 and the Accommodation Sector Registration of Guests Act, 2021 - as well as amendments to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 and the Prevention of and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act, 2017.

Together, the acts build on the government's response to combat human trafficking by: Increasing awareness of the issue, supporting a long-term provincial response and emphasizing that all Ontarians have a role to play in combatting

human trafficking; Supporting more survivors and the people who support them in obtaining restraining orders against traffickers, with specific consideration for Indigenous survivors; Strengthening the ability of children's aid societies and law enforcement to protect exploited children; Increasing penalties for persons, including traffickers, who interfere with a child in the care of a children's aid society; and, Clarifying how and when police services can access information from hotel guest registers to

help deter trafficking and identify and locate victims, while establishing the power to include other types of accommodation providers, such as short-term rental companies.

The Combating Human Trafficking Act also requires companies that advertise sexual services to have a dedicated contact to support investigations

Are you taking too much medication?

Many diseases can be effectively managed thanks to therapeutic treatments involving pharmaceutical drugs. But have we gone too far in popping pills for every ache? Or even for serious health conditions, has your doctor put as much thought into how to get you off prescription medications as has gone into putting you on them?

The statistics are alarming. A study of drug use among seniors in Canada in 2016 found that 2 out of 3 Canadians over the age of 65 were taking at least 5 different prescription medications and over a quarter took at least 10 different prescription medications! In the U.S., a 2018 national survey found that 48.6% of the entire population used at least one prescription drug in the month prior to the survey.

Some of these statistics are certainly made up by people who are taking medications they no longer need.

Among adults aged 6079, the most commonly used drug types in the United States were lipid-lowering June 16, 2021

drugs, antidiabetic agents, and beta blockers; in Canada, they were lipid-lowering drugs, analgesics, and proton pump inhibitors.

How should you proceed if you want to reduce the numbers of medications you take? First, take all your medications to your doctor and have a discussion. But don't expect miraculous answers, as doctors are known for writing more, not fewer, prescriptions - and sometimes, for good reasons.

About 50% of those prescribed medications for chronic conditions stop taking them within the first year of starting therapy. This non-adherence can further deteriorate health. More hospitalizations result, costing an estimated $300 million in avoidable expenditures per year.

About 1 in 5 individuals prescribed antidepressants who stop medication can suffer a host of problems, collectively called discontinuation syndrome.

But there are many situations where less medication is not such tricky business.

Sleeping pills, for example, should only be for shortterm use. Allergy medication should only be used when allergens cause symptoms.

Stopping blood pressure medication needs your doctor's endorsement. But one way to manage hypertension and get blood pressure into the normal range is to lose extra weight. Finding natural alternatives to strong, addictive painkillers is another smart move.

It's also highly advisable to have a strategy for reducing cholesterol medicines, known as statins, which can have devastating side effects, including liver damage and memory problems. Has your doctor made you aware of all your choices? If you've read this column for years, you'll know that high-dose vitamin C could be a life-saving option for reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A special note about those who are very elderly or frail.

These individuals can be more susceptible to medications, particularly when considering the extent of inappropriate polypharmacy (i.e., too many drugs, unnecessary drugs, and/or doses that are too high) that they are often taking without adequate oversight. If you are, or know someone, at risk, then be care-

ful to ensure that the doctor has full information about all medications and that the patient understands benefits and harms of medication and gives consent.

Socioeconomic factors are also noteworthy. Seniors living in long-term care facilities, low-income neighbourhoods and rural/remote neighbourhoods used more drugs, with one study showing 21.4% of seniors living in the lowest-income neighbourhoods were prescribed 10 or more drug classes, compared with 14.3% of seniors living in the highest-income neighbourhoods.

Finally, if you have been able to make reductions, how should you dispose of all the unused or expired medications? Most jurisdictions have drug take back sites. Health Canada has a guide outlining how medications can be disposed of. Whatever your means of disposal, remember that drugs pose a huge hazard to unsuspecting children or pets. Dispose of them safely.

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into suspected human trafficking.

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said about the changes, "It gives law enforcement the additional tools needed to help prevent and deter human trafficking and builds on the cross-government approach to supporting survivors, protecting victims, raising awareness among parents and community partners, and dismantling criminal networks."

"The Combating Human Trafficking Act adds strong new dimensions to our government's actions to support and protect survivors of this heinous crime," said Attorney General Doug Downey.

"In addition to providing new discretion to judges to lengthen restraining orders beyond the current limit of three years, the legislation extends protection to frontline workers and survivors' family members and recognizes customary care arrangements."

Ontario is a hub for human trafficking. It is the province with the most police-reported incidents of human trafficking in the country. The average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is approximately 13 years old. Almost 65 per cent of human trafficking victims identified by police are under the age of 25.

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