Issue 10 2022 March 16 NG Times

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Vol. 10 No. 10

The Voice of North Grenville

March 16, 2022

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Celebrate

St Patrick’s Day

by Tom Graham, Sustainable North Grenville Saturday, April 23, is the date for the 13th annual Sustainability Fair. The event is to be held again at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Community Rooms and Arena. Residents are asked to note that the Fair – usually held on a Sunday – will be held on the Saturday of Earth Day weekend this year, due to availability of the space. It is expected that many of the usual vendors and community groups who have exhibited at the Fair previously will participate.

Vendor registration is already at 50%. It is hoped that the 2022 Fair will be as successful as ever. Local food, local music, tables with local vendors and community groups are expected. The usual space showcasing electric vehicles will be there, along with additional space this year for energy efficient home renovation information – specifically addressing the climate change issue. Recently rising gas prices have people think-

ing about electric vehicles. Efforts are underway to make the EV show bigger and better than before, with more dealerships participating and new participation from local groups to enable test drives and rides in electric vehicles. Many owners will be there to answer questions. Come see if it makes sense for you and how much money you could save. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 10 am and the event

wraps up by 3 pm. COVID-19 restrictions are changing over the next few weeks. As the event is being held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, it is expected that Fair participants and attendees will abide by any regulations in place at the venue on the day of the event. Watch for more information in the coming weeks, and visit the group’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville.

Join us at Salamander’s for an evening of songs, poems and stories of Ireland with David Shanahan 6 pm to 9 pm - No cover charge

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The North Grenville Times

Ontario Liberals call for a pause on proposed prison

Josh Bennett, Ontario Liberal Party candidate in the provincial election The Ontario Liberal Party is calling for a moratorium on construction of the proposed Kemptville prison until such time that the government holds public and stakeholder consultation on whether building a new prison in Eastern Ontario is the best way to use public funds to enhance community safety and explore

alternative options. The Ontario Liberal Party is also calling on the Ford government to release all relevant documents held by the Ministry of the Solicitor General concerning the site selection process and due diligence activities, such as environmental assessment, concerning the proposed

The Voice of North Grenville

Over $57,000 raised for Kika Smith

Kemptville Prison. Ottawa area MPP Lucille Collard, the Liberal Critic for the Solicitor General and Environment at Queen’s Park, said, “The failure of the Ford government to consult with the municipality is a legitimate concern for projects of this magnitude given the impacts that should have been discussed with the community.” Josh Bennett, the Ontario Liberal Party Candidate in Leeds-Grenville Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, said, “it is the responsibility of elected officials to consult, engage, and empower local citizens to have a say in the growth, vision, and future of their community. Steve Clark failed to do this when he announced, out of the blue, that a prison would be built in the middle of downtown Kemptville. We need robust consultations with Indigenous peoples, Kemptville residents, and the wider North Grenville community on how best to use the historic farmlands of the old Kemptville Agriculture College.”

by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A large fundraising campaign for a local coffee shop owner has successfully raised over $57,000. The fundraiser was started in support of Brewed Awakenings owner, Kika Smith, who is currently battling cancer. The campaign took place over several weeks, first raising $39,445 through the crowdfunding site, GoFundMe. This money was collected from 332 donors. For the second part of the fundraiser, 223 registered bidders placed 885 bids for donated items in a silent auction in Kika’s name, raising $17,597 against a $10,000 goal. There were 80 item donors to the auction, and an additional 8-10 people and businesses who offered donations, but were politely turned down due to time constraints. These numbers speak to

the sheer number of people and businesses who rallied in support of their neighbour, demonstrating a small town community spirit at a time when it is needed most. Kika’s friend, Paula Rhyndress, emphasized that it took many people to make the campaign a success. “This was not, by any stretch of imagination, a oneperson show,” Paula said. She listed the names of the others who were responsible for making the fundraiser happen, including Kirstin Nortstrand, Penny HeavensBeavis, Julia O’Grady, and Jordan Henderson. “I didn’t do this by myself, and nor could I have,” said Paula. “These ladies deserve kudos for seeing a need and acting on it.” In addition to those who helped organize the fundraiser, Paula also wanted to draw attention to the community

members and business owners who contributed auction items or donated money. “I’m glad the heavy lifting is done, but it has been hugely satisfying to see the response. In all honesty, Kika is an easy fund-raising target (who doesn’t love her?), but it’s awesome to see how many have helped,” Paula said. Community support in times of need is often hailed as one of the most significant benefits of small town living, and this case shows just how strong such support can be.

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March 16, 2022

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The Voice of North Grenville

Laura Rae set to release new single

October 29. Laura provided Local Journalism Initiative Reporter an advance copy of “You,” which is an upbeat love song Singer-songwriter Laura accompanied by guitar, bass, Rae, who grew up in North and drums. She describes it Grenville and currently calls as “much more reminiscent Dartmouth, Nova Scotia of an early Sheryl Crow,” home, is set to release her which represents a rediscovnewest single this weekend. ery of Laura’s love for early The song, which is called 2000's rock. The song shows “You,” is a big change from Laura’s penchant for musi“Glimpses of Ghosts,” the cal variety, and her ability to song which Laura released on speak through her music. It by Brandon Mayer

the acoustic guitar accompaniment. As reported in the Times on October 27, Brandon is a South Mountain local, with whom Laura has collaborated in the past. At that time, she credited him with pushing her to record her music and put it out for the public’s enjoyment. When asked about upcoming live performances, Laura joked, “Well, COVID!” However, with venues opening up in Nova Scotia next week, Laura has already started planning shows, with one already booked at the Good Robot Brewing Company on April 2. She also has some other shows in the works for the spring and summer.

will be officially released on March 18, with a follow-up release of an acoustic version on April 1. While Laura is the sole composer of “You,” she is joined by three other musicians for the recorded performance – Brandon Mooney on electric guitar, Alex Keoughan on bass, and Mark Murphy on drums. In addition to vocals, Laura provides

Laura shared a Spotify playlist inspired by “You” which is available for listening for Spotify members. The playlist features another one of Laura’s songs, “Didn’t Know,” as well a selection of similar music from other diverse popular artists such as Sheryl Crow, Jann Arden, and Maren Morris. The playlist is available at https://open. spotify.com/playlist/67t7Uen 0fu3vOii1ZPWq40?si=454c daf3bbd84bf2&nd=1. More information about Laura and her music can be found at www.laurarae.ca.

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Reunited after more than four years • he Brakes like is one of the family. • While Suspension Fadi was in Leba• Tire Sales non, he supported himself • finding Air Conditioning by work wherever he • Alignments • could until his sponsorship finally came through. For the 613-989-3839 past four years he has lived C o u n t y R d 1 , M ao unomadic ntain O n t aofr i olifestyle, type so he is so grateful to have come to Canada into a safe and secure environment. His fiancée’s family have settled in Kemptville, and he is very excited for the opportunity to also put down roots in the community. He is very grateful to his church sponsors and to his fiancée, Hiba, for their efforts to bring him to Canada. L-R: Fadi Karyo, Hiba, Dalal, Joud and Tamy Nahhas. (missing in photograph Dalals It was an enjoyable afterhusband, Walid Nahhas) noon with the family, with by Marguerite Boyer Syria, and just recently re- fiancé, Fadi Hanna Karyo, Dalal promising to make me I recently had the pleasure ceived her license to practice finally came to Canada after a homemade Syrian meal. of meeting the Nahhas fam- as a pharmacist in Canada. a four-year wait. Like Hiba Of course, Fadi also offered ily, a family of five who fled She now works in Merrick- and her family, Fadi was to make me pizza, boasting the war in Syria and were ville, while her sister, Tamy, also sponsored as a Syrian that he makes one of the best. sponsored over five years works for Ardron Landscap- refugee by the Presbytery of Right now, he is searching ago as refugees to Canada ing in North Dundas. Both Seaway-Glengarry. Fadi’s for work in Kemptville in the by the Presbytery of Seaway enjoy their work, and Tamy's flight arrived during a blind- restaurant industry. Glengarry. I spent a lovely son Joud attends school at ing snowstorm, but nevertheIt is heartwarming to see afternoon chatting with sis- St. Michael’s. He loves the less he is very thankful to be how well this family has ters Hiba and Tamy, Tamy’s freedom he has here to be in Canada. adapted to a new country, and son Joud, 12, and Hiba and able to skateboard with his I met Fadi and the Nahhas to see them move forward Tamy’s mother, Dalal. Dalal, friends in safety. He has also family at the Nestle Down from everything they left benow retired from over 30 learned to skate and is play- B&B on Highway 43, where hind. What a beautiful family, years of teaching in Syria, ing hockey, like most other Fadi is staying at the moment and I will eagerly await that is very grateful to be here Canadian kids! until he can find lodgings in promised meal - both Syrian in Canada with her husband February 17, 2022, was a Kemptville. His hosts, Ellen food and pizza! Walid and their family. special reunion for the family, and Allison Miller, love havHiba was a pharmacist in especially for Hiba, when her ing him there and treat him • • •

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

Twist and shout by David Shanahan This year was always going to be a fun one for the political animals among us, but it’s turning out to be even more interesting than anyone expected. Quite aside from really disgraceful actions taking place on the world stage, and just looking at the local Canadian scene, we are in for a number of fascinating contests. We already knew about the Provincial election coming up on June 3, and the municipal one in October. But now we have the added bonus of a leadership contest for the Conservative Party of Canada, which really promises to be a fierce and divisive affair. With five candidates already declared, and another two considering a run, this is a field that will decide the future of the party for some times to come. And the reason for that is that opposite wings of the party are going head to head, in the persons of Pierre Poilievre and Jean Charest, with the other candidates

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Well, here we are again. Another election cycle has passed. And nothing has happened at the local or provincial level to warrant our attention in that time, right? I hope you’ll excuse my feeble attempt at humour in the first paragraph, for ,indeed, much has occurred to draw the attention of those who understand the impact of political events on the life and well-being of their community. At the provincial level, among other things, an autocratic, tight-fisted government has promised to hear the voice of the people, and simultaneously crushed that very voice through denial of real consultation on real issues. I have led the way in illuminating this reality since the surprise announcement in August 2020 of the coming construction of a large new correctional centre in Kemptville, ostensibly without letting even our municipal council know of this plan previous to the surprise announcement. At the municipal level, among other things, our

looking to take advantage of any vote splitting between the two front runners. This may not be the usual topic for an Editorial, but we have to acknowledge that this Riding has always been a Tory stronghold since Confederation, which makes the leadership contest particularly relevant. In addition, the current M.P. for the riding, Michael Barrett, has been associated with Pierre Poilievre, since his own election to Parliament in December, 2018, and has formally supported Poilievre in his leadership campaign. There is no doubt that Barrett differs quite fundamentally from his predecessor, Gord Brown, in his more ideological stance on various issues. His endorsement of Poilievre includes the statement that: [Poilievre] has the brains and the backbone to lead our movement and to stand up to the leftists”. The same appeal to the dramatic is expressed by Poilievre himself, when his campaign fundraising campaign includes the slogan:

“Sign up now to help me replace Trudeau & restore freedom”. This approach is generating some negative feedback for Barrett online, as people, including traditional Conservative Party supporters, wonder which direction Poilievre and Barrett want to take their Party. Given the duo’s support for the truckers in Ottawa recently, it is especially interesting to note Barrett’s new role as Shadow Minister for Health, a position in which he could potentially have a role as a future Minister. “I am honoured to continue serving our community in my new role as Conservative Shadow Minister for Health and as the Vice Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, and I will be dedicated to advocating for the health and mental wellness of Canadians,” said Mr. Barrett. He was named Shadow Minister for Health by the interim leader of the Conservative Party, Candice Bergen. Mr. Barrett was duly elected by committee members as the Vice Chair of

the Standing Committee on Health during today’s meeting on the emergency situation facing Canadians in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The two men have a track record of stirring things up in Parliament by commenting loudly on any likely scandal that would throw the Liberals, and particularly Justin Trudeau, in a negative light. During the controversy over the WE issue, Barrett even warned that the National Archivist might destroy sensitive documents that would damage Trudeau. That kind of attack on a professional public servant, questioning their integrity and professionalism, smacked of the kind of thing Trump and his coterie indulged in, and still indulge in, to throw mud at their political opponents. Once again, that is not the kind of politics Canadians have been accustomed to seeing in their Parliamentarians, and bodes ill for any future Conservative Government. The leadership race for the Conservative Party will be a useful indication of

whether the party will follow the Republican Party in the U.S. and veer more sharply to the Right than has been the case in the past. Based on their statements to date, it may well be that, far from being Joe Clark’s, or even Brian Mulroney’s Conservatives, Poilievre and Barrett may yet take the party further right than even Stephen Harper. In contrast, Jean Charest represents the more traditional Conservatives, the party of Mulroney and Diefenbaker, with a far greater appeal to unaligned voters, those tired of Trudeau, or simply against the increasing rancour and nasty turn Canadian politics has taken in the last decades. Poilievre has deep support among his colleagues in the House, but the question is whether than support extends beyond Parliament Hill. And that is the issue for Conservatives generally. They may see Poilievre as a strong, no-nonsense leader of the party, but do they see him as a potential Prime Minister. Do they think he can win a General Election?

Charest appeals to the moderate wing, the Red Tories, and those who fear a move towards a Trumpstyle politics in Canada. It is thought that the election is a Progressives versus Reform contest, but the other candidates may yet have a pivotal role to play as each is eliminated, or gains traction against both leading candidates. If Poilievre wins, does that give Barrett, and, in theory, North Grenville, a greater ole in how the nation is governed? Or does the idea of Poilievre government make Conservatives rethink their party’s identity and direction? There will be many twists and turns, and much shouting and cheering before the winner is announced in September. And just think: before that, we have the other two elections, and we get to vote in them. What a fun year for politics!

municipal council chose en masse to roll over before the provincial juggernaut, refusing to engage in any meaningful leadership against the provincial assault on the rights and integrity of the citizens of North Grenville. They maintain they had no previous warning of the possibility of such a project. And they have parroted provincial arguments for the project. Well, those matters, and others, have been discussed over the last few years. Now is the time for action. We will see now who is serious about the ideas they have expressed, and who is not. Who is willing to stand for her or his community and its values and integrity – and who is not. Starting with myself, as I have had much to say on numerous issues. As it happens, I have known for many months now that the avenue of personal political action in the service of my beloved community would never again be open to me. A deadly illness has become present in my life. I probably will not be here when the election takes place. And those who know

me know I HATE to miss elections. But what about you? I know there are many bright, motivated citizens who would be honest representatives of the will of our community. There are some who have the courage to stand up against the odds. And fight. If that sounds like you, please consider coming forward with courage and integrity and firmness of intent. As you do so, know that you carry my respect and admiration with you. Stand up. Speak out. Help put the interests of your community on the decision-making map, both locally and provincially. Jim Bertram

an almost limitless amount of time. The maximum age of the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years, so that is the absolute upper limit on the amount of time available. However, life on Earth is thought to have commenced 3.7 billion years ago, so that is the effective upper limit on time available. (The Earth itself is thought to be approximately 4.5 billion years old). But we are not done yet. In the last 500 million years, there have been six major extinction events, one of which is thought to have wiped out more than 90% of species on Earth. (The Permian-Triassic Extinction, 250 million years ago). While it may be an exaggeration to say that life on Earth was back to square one at that point, it was certainly back to square two. And there have been two more mass extinctions since then, the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction 210 million years ago (75% of species destroyed), and the Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction 65 million years ago (80% of species destroyed). In conclusion, while the

amount of time available for life to evolve is definitely in the hundreds of millions of years, it is almost certainly not in the billions of years. Sincerely, Alistair McCleery Kemptville

worked from an early age, learning their trade and earning a living through grinding hard work. It was not just a job, it was all they knew and they were very good it. No trip to Home Depot to pick up a pre-hung (garbage) door. - this may be restating the above, but these buildings cannot be built again. Yes, maybe some 'crazy' person might want to imitate, but it'll never be the same thing. While one might be able to find the skilled trades, the cost would be beyond prohibitive when compared to what the minimum standard would require to cover the same 'footprint', given current methods and practices. So, 'history' aside' (and a MOST important aside), it's just common sense to preserve something that is both beautiful AND irreplaceable. Gerry Lipscombe

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March 16, 2022

The Voice of North Grenville

Dear Editor, Re. Steve Gabell, Intelligent Design Rebuttal, March 2, 2022 In his op-ed, Mr. Gabell states that, “An almost limitless amount of planets, combined with an almost limitless amount of time, combined with the power of evolution, is enough to explain life…” (emphasis added). This is simply untrue; there is not

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Dear Editor, Re: article 'battle for nevermore' Please pass on my appreciation for the article cited above to David Shanahan, and also a thank you for your paper publishing it. I wholehearted agree with all the points Mr. Shanahan raises. One more should be added. We (our community, past, present and future) owes respect and care for: - the materials utilized in the construction of even the humblest "heritage" building; most of which either are no longer available (first growth pine), the quarried stone; even the mortars, or are too expensive to produce. - the craftsmanship required to produce, again, even simple buildings. Make no mistake, this is not a romantic notion; these labourers Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Production production@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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Province offers tax credits for training, childcare and low-income workers The Ontario government has moved on its commitment to put more money in the pockets of seniors, workers and families by offering tax credits this tax season. “The people of Ontario work hard and our government understands that taxpayers are under pressure,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “As people gear up for another tax season, I want to encourage everyone to explore the credits they could be eligible to receive.” Ontario residents should file their 2021 Income Tax and Benefit Return to get tax credits and benefits, even if they have no taxable income to report. The government’s suite of tax credits and benefits includes: - The Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit helps workers get training that may be needed for a career shift, re-training or to sharpen their skills. The credit provides up to $2,000 in relief for 50% of a person’s eligible expense. The government is extending this tax credit to the 2022 tax year, to help more workers continue to upgrade their skills and transition back to the labour force. - The Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit helps make seniors’ homes safer and more accessible so they can stay in their homes longer. The credit is worth 25% of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses for a senior’s principal residence in Ontario, to a maximum credit of $2,500. The government is also extending this tax credit to the 2022 tax year, to help seniors who may not have had a chance to use it in 2021. - The Low-Income Workers Tax Credit, known as Low-income Individuals and Families Tax (LIFT) Credit, provides up to $850 each year in Ontario personal income tax relief to low income workers, and can be used to reduce or eliminate an individual’s Ontario personal income tax, excluding the Ontario Health Premium. - The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (known as Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit), which puts more money in the pockets of families and provides the flexibility they need to choose the child care options that work best for them. The government is providing a 20% top-up to this tax credit for March 16, 2022

2021, increasing support from $1,250 to $1,500, on average. - The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit to help low to moderate income individuals and seniors with property taxes and sales tax on energy costs. Individuals and families should also save their receipts for local travel in 2022, to claim the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit next tax season. This tax credit encourages Ontario families to explore the province, helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows Ontario residents to claim 20% of their eligible 2022 accommodation expenses (for example, for a stay at an eligible hotel, cottage or campground) of up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family. These tax credits build on the government’s efforts to make life more affordable for people and families, such as: - As of January 18, 2022, electricity prices for residential, small businesses and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board were automatically set to the offpeak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, less than half the cost of the current onpeak rate, for 24 hours a day until February 7. This measure supported workers and families spending more time at home while the province was in Modified Step Two. - As of January 1, 2022, the government of Ontario increased the general minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, and eliminated the separate minimum wage for liquor servers, raising their hourly wage to $15.00. With this change, more than 760,000 workers in Ontario are expected to see their take-home earnings increase. The deadline for most individuals to file their personal 2021 Income Tax and Benefit Return is Monday, May 2, 2022. Individuals can plan ahead and save time filing by using the Canada Revenue Agency’s suite of digital services to view and update their information in advance.

••

The Voice of North Grenville

UPDATE

For updates related to COVID-19 and the North Grenville Municipal Centre visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS

The Municipal office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please note: Renovations at the North Grenville Municipal Centre reception area are underway. Access to the facility will continue to be through the main entrance doors located on the North side of the building. Customer service will be moved upstairs for the duration of the renovation project. Access to the 2nd floor stairs and elevator will be available during this time. Sign-up to Mayor Peckford’s e-newsletter at: northgrenville.ca/connect.

MAYOR’S ADDRESS

Join the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville for an engaging and dynamic event as Mayor Nancy Peckford addresses key business topics in our community. Mayor’s Address – Thursday, March 31, 2022 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. North Grenville Municipal Centre – Suite A To register for the event (in person or virtual) visit: www.northgrenvillechamber.com.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETINGS Council will resume meeting in person on April 5, 2022. Please pre-register with the Clerk at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. Masks must continue to be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk when pre-registering so that we may best assist you. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting to clerk@northgrenville.on.ca Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube at: youtube.com/user/NorthGrenville/featured and on the Municipality’s website at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes. Council agendas are available at: northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes. • Council Meeting (Open) – Council Chambers – April 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Committee meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting, pre-registration is required by e-mailing the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. •Tourism Advisory Subcommittee – March 17, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. •Accessibility Advisory Committee – March 21, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. •Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – March 22, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. •Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee – March 23, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. •Active Transportation Advisory Committee – March 24, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. •Environmental Action Advisory Committee – March 28, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

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 the Clerk’s Office at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca • Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT

North Grenville Accessible Transit is available seven (7) days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The service is available for anyone who meets the definition of having a disability in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act or Seniors 65+. Visit www.northgrenville.ca/transit to register for the service or call 613-258-9569 ext. 133. 2022 INTERIM TAX BILLS All 2022 Interim Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Administration Office. The installment due date is March 31, 2022. Final tax bills for all tax classes will be mailed in June. Reminder: Payments can be made by credit card when paying online through our website.

VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for updates on volunteer and employment opportunities. Engineering Summer Students The Department of Public Works is seeking to fill three (3) Summer Engineering Student positions. Please visit northgrenville.ca/careers for the job description. Interested applicants may submit a cover letter and resume outlining qualification in confidence to hr@northgrenville.on.ca no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 18, 2022.

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 www.NorthGrenville.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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Inspirations: Manotick

Kemptville Snowmobile Klub celebrates 50th anniversary

The old clubhouse at Patterson’s Corners by Bruce Robinson On February 4, 1972, 18 snowmobile enthusiasts gathered in the home of Roger and Lois Beckett and formed the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub. Meetings were held in the Fire Hall, and later in the Legion, as the membership grew. Also in 1972, Bruce Turner, a game warden from Kemptville and a club member, organized a trip for 30 snowmobilers from Kemptville to Calabogie, staying overnight and returning the next day. This was a 200 mile round trip, without groomed connecting trails like we have today. This started a tradition for the club of organizing weekends away every year since then. In 1976, the club decided to join the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), and the OFSC snowmobile permit was sold to raise funds for trail maintenance. On February 26, 1979,

the club became incorporated and, shortly thereafter, on March 21, 1979, they purchased the old former Orange Lodge at Patterson’s Corners for $3,000. In 1995, the club purchased 2.5 acres of land that surrounded the clubhouse from Stevenson’s Christmas tree farm for the price of $20,000. In the early years, snowmobiling really caught on in Kemptville, mainly due to the fact that we had Limerick Forest close by, and the Ministry of Natural Resources groomed many snowmobile trails there for the enjoyment of the public. We also had the Scotch Line to Merrickville, and the Ferguson Forest, for snowmobiling. A family from Roebuck, by the name of Hilliard, and Sylvia Kenney used to run a coffee shop in Limerick where it was possible to see 2-3 hundred snowmobiles parked outside the old log building, waiting

Mayor’s Address coming up

The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, is hosting the second annual Mayor’s Address event on March 31, 2022. This in-person event will be held in Suite A at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (285 CR44, Kemptville) on Thursday, March 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. “The Chamber is thrilled to host this in-person event and provide an opportunity for the business community to network with one-another and hear directly from Mayor Nancy Peckford,” said Karen Quigley, Chair of the Chamber of Commerce. Building on the recently approved Municipal Budget 2022, this event will provide a spotlight on issues of key importance to our community, such as job creation and growth, affordable housing, rural broadband, and rebuilding our local economy post-COVID. “I am honoured to once again co-host this dynamic event alongside local business owner Tina Murray, and am delighted it will be in-person this year. We encourage members of the community to come out and listen to Mayor Peckford’s reflections and insights, and use this opportunity to reconnect with each other,” added William Pearl, Co-host and member of the Chamber of Commerce. While COVID restrictions have been lifted, space is still limited for this free event. Interested participants are asked to register for the in-person or virtual event. To learn more about the event and to register visit: www. northgrenvillechamber.com. March 16, 2022

The Voice of North Grenville

Art Association annual Spring Show and Sale is back

The new clubhouse, built in 2017 Lennox 2015-present. Over the years, the club has been a strong community supporter. Our charity of choice is Easter Seals, and we started raising money in 1975 with SNOWARAMA, a snowmobile rally where all the proceeds go to Easter Seals. We have also donated to the Snowsuit Fund, Salvation Army, Lazarus House, Ride for Dad (prostrate cancer), and the Pink Ride for Breast Cancer. We partnered with North Grenville in 2015 and turned over a cheque for $20,000, which was awarded to the club from the Ministry of Tourism. These funds went towards the development of the rail trail through the town of Kemptville. Our club has been very successful over the years, due to good management and providing an interesting variety of events for our members to participate in. We have included a mix of fundraising, charity, safety, and entertainment events. With the exception of these last couple of covid restricted years, our calendar has events all year around. We are an active community organization and we pride ourselves on providing thousands of hours of safe, enjoyable recreation at no cost to the taxpayer. We owe our success over the last 50 years to the generous landowners who let us use their land at no cost, and to the volunteers who run the club, again at no cost. We are looking ahead at the next 50 years with excitement and anticipation.

for hot chocolate and a hot dog. In the early days of grooming, we purchased a new 1975 Alpine, which was run by Percy and Gladys McFarlane, and later a used Bombardier BR100 came into service, which was operated by Aaron Scott and Arnold Williams. Then, in 1993, the club purchased a brand new Bombardier BR60 with the help of an OFSC grant for $50,000. In 1997, the club put an addition on to the clubhouse, and in 2012 a new roof was put on with the help of a North Grenville Community Grant. In 2012, the club purchased a used Massey Ferguson 4270 on tracks for $30,000, to give us two groomers to look after our 225 kilometers of trail. In 2014, the club purchased a brand new Pisten Bully trail groomer with drag, for $250,000 with the help of an OFSC grant, and sold the 1993 BR60. In 2016, we received an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to partially pay to build a new clubhouse, which was completed in 2017. During all of this time, our membership has grown from 100 members to over 700 today. Here is a list of the club presidents that have served since 1972: Roger Beckett 1972-73; Bruce Robinson 1991-96; Russ Brown 1973-75; Marty Lavigne 1996-2000; Jack White 1975-76; Liz Robinson 2000-04; Doug Graham 1976-77; Greg Lewis 200407; Ken Finnerty 1977-91; Dale Walt 2007-15; Penny

Heather Lovat-Fraser’s acrylic “Line Dancing” by Giedre Abromaitis, President The Manotick Art Association (MAA) is thrilled to announce that its annual spring show and sale, “Inspirations”, will be back again this April 22-24. The show will take place at the Manotick Curling Centre, 5519 South River Drive, and will feature the works of 40 area artists. After two years of virtual shows, the artists are excited to be able to be back ‘live’, and have been working hard to prepare a fabulous show. The show runs Friday, 6-9 pm; Saturday, 10-4:30; and Sunday 10-4:30. Entry is free and there is plenty of parking, as well as an accessible entrance. This year will welcome many new artists to the show, but will also feature some Ottawa favourites such as Rachel MacDonald, Jaynie Coulterman, Margaret Chwialkowska, and Ann Gruchy. The show brings a breath of fresh air into the community after a long winter through a feast of vibrant colours and images. Visitors can enjoy viewing landscapes, abstracts, florals, and wildlife, painted in oils, watercolours, acrylics, pastel, batik, and wood. There are also several photographers showing their art. The show will also feature live music on each of the three days. Scott Voelzing will entertain our guests on Friday evening. Saturday, 1-4 pm, will feature Chad Wolfe on fiddle and Mark Allen on piano, and on Sunday, Velvet Touch will be playing light jazz from 1-3:30. MAA has always taken pride in supporting charities through the proceeds of our spring show. Our charities this year are the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation and Canadian Guide Dogs. Larger booths and a slightly altered layout from previous years will allow for easy passage throughout the venue for viewing art, and also for distancing. We encourage our visitors to follow any masking requirements set out by Ottawa Public Health at the time of the show. Come out to the spring show! We would love to see you and your family have an enjoyable time viewing artworks that are beautiful, inspiring, and family friendly. Art, in any of its forms, beautifies and enriches our world. The painting that you fall in love with can bring you peace and joy for many, many years.

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Dandelion days

First Dandelion program by David Shanahan Things that seem contemporary one moment, become history the next. For those who are involved in various activities and festivals, it seems so disconcerting to turn around and realise that those days of frenetic activity and fun are now seen through the prism of the past, no longer known in the present. That is the way it is for the Dandelion Festival, which was an annual feature of North Grenville life for man years. It might have been the Strawberry Festival. Back in 2000, when the North Gren-

ville Arts and Culture Council [NGACC] made a presentation to the Township (as it was then) requesting matching funds to launch a new arts and culture festival in North Grenville, the proposal referred to the First North Grenville Strawberry Festival. That quickly changed to Dandelion, as the NGACC preferred the image of a wild flower and didn’t want people to think the festival was horticultural, rather than cultural! The motto of the NGACC Dandelion Festival became: “Art is like a dandelion, it spreads like wildflowers”. The NGACC had been

silent auction, and displays of the murals and poetry created by children during the day’s festivities. Then they danced the night away to the music of the RANA Orchestra. Hal Antony was the MC for the evening. All in all, it was an amazing day. The initial budget? The NGACC asked the Township to match the $1,000 they had raised, and this, along with the sale of tickets to the dinner-dance, made up the entire budget for the first Dandelion Festival. And it took off from there. By the third year, the Lions Club stage was being used, rented from the Merrickville Lions, and the schedule of events had increased, so that the Festival now ran from 10.30 in the morning until late at night, and the rows of artists’ and crafters’ booths filled the field. A second stage had been added, in St. Michael’s, and two MC’s were needed to co-ordinate them, Peter Nicol and David Shanahan, and the Dandelion Dash Race had been introduced. By its fourth year, in 2003, the Festival had moved to Riverside Park, as work on the new Municipal Centre took away the original festival grounds. The Festival had offshoots in the form of Dandelion Coffee Houses, which were held on a monthly basis in Maplewood, Oxford Mills. Many will remember the evenings of song and fun, as local musicians, as well as others from further afield, took turns to play for an appreciative audience, sitting at tables which had been lovingly decorated.

formed to bring together all the arts and culture interests in North Grenville to lobby for facilities, support, and to raise the profile of the arts and culture in the community. There was an awareness among the members of the immense range of talent that existed in North Grenville, talent that deserved a forum for expression, an event that would allow the people of the township to experience the wealth around them. The Dandelion Festival began on June 10, 2000 with a day-long extravaganza in the Ferguson Forest Centre, running from 11 am until 4 pm, and co-sponsored by the Township and the ten member groups of the NGACC, with the support of the NG Chamber of Commerce. On to the stage came a procession of local musicians, bands, poets, dancers, and actors. There was belly dancing, djemba drummers, brass bands, and a fencing demonstration. Around the grounds, visitors could browse through craft tables, art displays, and food vendors. People could enjoy the roaming musicians and poets, the face painting, clowns and jugglers. It was a magical day in the sunshine, and the organisers seemed as surprised by their success as the visitors were at the incredible range of things to see and do at this dynamic event. The late Pat Maloney acted as MC for the day, bringing his usual wit and warmth to the stage. In the evening there was a dinner dance held at St. Michael’s. Diners enjoyed a

OPP provide details on recent seizure

Some of items seized in the raid in Kemptville and Manotick As reported in the Times last week, members of the East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) assisted by OPP Tactical Rescue Unit (TRU), East Region Emergency Response Team March 16, 2022

(ERT) and OPP Canine Unit, executed a search warrant on March 3, 2022 in Kemptville and Manotick, which led to the arrest of three individuals and resulted in the seizure of drugs, cash and items

typically associated with drug trafficking. The OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit is also assisting with this investigation. The seizure resulted in a quantity of suspected cocaine and oxycodone, with an estimated street value of over $5,500. A male, aged 35, from Kemptville, was charged with: possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine CDSA 5(2); Trafficking in Schedule I Substance - Cocaine CDSA 5(1); and Possession of Proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada CC 354(1)(a). A female, aged 30, from Kemptville, was charged with: possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine CDSA 5(2); Possession of Proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 - in Canada CC 354(1)(a).

The third person arrested was a male, aged 23, from Manotick, was charged with: possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine CDSA 5(2); and Possession of Proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 - in Canada CC 354(1)(a) All three accused are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on April 12, 2022.

The Voice of North Grenville There was something quite magical about the Dandelion Coffee Houses, with tea and coffee flowing, cakes and cookies to eat (and the occasional brown paper bag mysteriously appearing outside, for some reason. Those who know, know! The Dandelion Festival was the brainchild of the NGACC, and full credit goes to the original committee members and the many volunteers who had the vision and talent to imagine it and make

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it happen. At its beginning, it was a remarkable statement about the depth and breadth of artistic and cultural energy and talent which we still have in the Municipality of North Grenville. In the end, the Dandelion proved to be a perfect image after all. Wild. Beautiful. Often unappreciated; but always returning to bring colour and an untamed presence to manicured structure. That is something to celebrate!

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Masks are off and What’s in a name? tion. “Someone forgot to tell by Brandon Mayer Kemptville Navy Cadets Local Journalism Initiative Reporter North Grenville the name was changed,” he said. are back in business What would you do if Dave contacted North

by Peter Milsom With the COVID constraints being relaxed, the masks are coming off in Ontario on 21 March, and the Kemptville Branch of the Navy League of Canada now has permission from National Defence, the Navy League, and the Municipality to get back to in-person training for the cadets. Moms and Dads, the boys and girls of your family can now get out and do the fun activities they enjoy. After months constrained to the house, snow-shovelling, and the TV, it is a great time to get out and try something new and interesting! Like, considering becoming a volunteer! Like, helping our community come out of its mandated shell! Coincidentally, we are looking for VOLUNTEERS for the Kemptville Navy League Branch Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of people just like you, parents, retirees, volunteers acting together in an elected Executive and functional directors, all of whom are people who possess different and valuable backgrounds, skills, experience, and interests but also a common focus on helping young people learn and grow confidently. The Board is a vital partner with the two Cadet Corps, RCSCC DEFIANT for girls and boys 1218 years of age and NLCC ASSINIBOINE for boys and girls aged 9-12 years. We support the corps and their cadets through our activities of community liaison, recruiting, and fundraising that are needed to support and sustain this volunteer-based, educational youth charity, so important to the young people of our community. The Board has several interesting positions coming open – President, VicePresident, Secretary, Director Public Relations/ Communications, Director Awards and Special Events and a Director Membership/Volunteer Liaison. These positions are supported by others, including a highly effective five-person Fundraising Team. March 16, 2022

Partnered with the outstanding officers and volunteers for our two excellent cadet corps, most of whom are parents and often excadets, these roles with the Board provide outstanding opportunities to give back to your community as it works to re-energise itself out of the COVID doldrums. Interested parents and leaders can e-mail us for more information about becoming engaged, enrolling their young people in the Program, or to volunteer at petersmilsom@ gmail.com for the Board, or for Defiant Sea Cadets at co@338rcseacckemptville. com, and for the Assiniboine Navy League Cadets, at assiniboine@kemptvillenavyleague.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!

Canada Post, other delivery agencies, friends, and possibly even emergency services personnel, were having trouble finding your home? That is the problem being faced by local resident Dave Smith, who lives on the boundary line between North Grenville and Ottawa. Dave talked of how, when the City of Ottawa expanded by amalgamating with a few surrounding municipalities, they needed to replace duplicate street names to avoid confusion. “The old Gloucester Municipality out by the town of Russell in the far east end had a road called Boundary Road, and that name was kept,” said Dave. However, Dave also lives on a “Boundary Road,” though he believes his road had its name legally changed to “South Gower Boundary Road” after the amalgama-

Grenville’s Public Works Department last summer, and he acknowledged that the official was helpful, though he did not get the answer he was expecting – he was told that the legal name for his road is, indeed, just “Boundary Road”. Dave believes that it is the Municipality’s responsibility to get in touch with officials from the City of Ottawa to get this issue sorted out. A major tipping point for him was when his neighbour broke his hip last spring, and the ambulance took almost 30 minutes to arrive, he alleges, because of confusion caused by Google Maps. Cheryl Fequet, the same official with whom Dave spoke in the summer, responded to a request for comment, insisting that the legal name of Dave’s road is “Boundary Road”. She also

The Voice of North Grenville

confirmed that there is no road called “South Gower Boundary Road” in the fire dispatch system, and that Google Maps is an independent map tool that is not linked to the dispatching of emergency services. “Boundary Road designates the boundary of City of Ottawa, Municipality of North Grenville, and the Township of North Dundas, as well as the boundary between the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry,” Cheryl said. She confirmed that she consulted with the Fire Chief, as well as Director of Public Works, Karen Dunlop, when gathering the information. But Dave has one more point to make. “Even the federal government got it right,” he said. “They sent my census survey to South Gower Boundary Rd.” Until he gets some answers, Dave is sure to keep asking questions.

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Notice of Completion Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment, Highway 416 and County Road 43 Ramp Terminal Intersection Improvements, GWP 4129-18-00 Study Overview The Ministry of Transportation, Ontario (MTO) retained Dillon Consulting Limited to complete the Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for intersection improvements at the east and west ramp terminals of Highway 416 and County Road 43 located in the Municipality of North Grenville, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. The purpose of the study was to further refine the Technically and Environmentally Preferred Alternative (TEPA) identified in the recently completed Preliminary Design and Class EA (June 2020) to a construction level of detail. The study is now complete. The project includes the installation of traffic signals, including illumination, at the east and west ramp terminals on County Road 43, addition of a second eastbound through lane at the west ramp terminal intersection, partial realignment of the W-S ramp, milling and paving of all ramps, replacement of select culverts, as well as replacement of four ground mounted signs on Highway 416. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2024, subject to provincial priorities, funding and approvals. The majority of work will occur within the existing, previously disturbed MTO right-of-way. Construction of the project will be staged to maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction on Highway 416 and County Road 43 at all times. Temporary lane and ramp closures will be required to accommodate construction and will be scheduled to avoid peak traffic volumes, where practical. Advanced signage will be provided along Highway 416 and County Road 43 advising motorists of any closures. Detours will be provided during ramp closures within the MTO’s existing road network.

In order to ensure the safety of the public given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, physical locations to review a paper copy of the DCR will not be provided. Members of the public without internet access who wish to review the DCR may contact one of the project team members listed in this notice to discuss review options. Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team between March 16, 2022 and April 17, 2022. All comments and/or concerns should be sent directly to: Dennis Regan, LEL Consultant Project Manager Dillon Consulting Limited 130 Dufferin Avenue, Suite 1400 London, ON N6A 5R2 tel: 1-888-345-5668, ext. 1315 e-mail: Hwy416-CR43@dillon.ca

Consultation and Comments The study was completed following the Class EA for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000) as a Group ‘B’ project. The development of the approved Detail Design and Class EA is documented in a Design and Construction Report (DCR). The DCR covers the design of the project and environmental mitigation measures and monitoring provisions that have been incorporated into the Construction Contract. The report will be available for review between March 16, 2022 and April 17, 2022 at the project website: www.Hwy416-CR43.ca

Ken Rogers, P.Eng. MTO Senior Project Engineer Ministry of Transportation – Eastern Region 1355 John Counter Boulevard Kingston, ON K7L 5A3 tel: 1-800-267-0295, ext. 4701 e-mail: Ken.Rogers@ontario.ca

If there are no outstanding concerns after April 17, 2022, and subject to receiving all other required approvals, the project will be considered to have met the requirements of the Class EA and may proceed to the construction phase. If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Pour des renseignements en français, veuillez communiquer avec Sydney Tasfi au 1-888-345-5668, poste 1005.

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Modernizing through Human Resources Transformation The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is committed to providing employees and job seekers with the online service experience they expect in a digital age. In support of this objective, the Counties is transforming its Human Resources Department to capture efficiencies through streamlined processes and the use of technology. As part of this transformation, a new Human Resources Information System will consolidate eight standalone HR systems into one integrated, modern solution. The new system will: • Modernize the user experience; whether an applicant or an employee, users will have access to information and service at their convenience • Provide data to inform timely decision making and planning for growth • Transform how we work by tackling barriers to change and innovation • Replace outdated paper-

based and manual processes This new solution is funded in part by the province’s Municipal Modernization Program which helps small and rural municipalities become more efficient and modernize service delivery. The provincial investment in an integrated County-wide Human Resources Information System is critically important to support a modern and effective workplace. “COVID-19 has highlighted the need for municipalities to be as efficient and nimble as possible, and I announced Municipal Modernization Program funding at ROMA to help our municipal partners to streamline processes to deliver high-quality, sustainable services for residents and businesses, when and where they need them,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, and Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I'm pleased to see this pro-

gram investment leveraged to enable the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville to redevelop their vision for such an essential service and to attract and support highly talented staff within the municipal sector for years to come." The new solution is a game-changer that will provide the tools to better meet the expectations of Counties employees and its business units. The end-to-end solution designed around the user experience will feature online self-service, integrated payroll, scheduling, learning management, and recruitment. The HR Department is also realigning its workforce as part of this transformation. Having a team of highly skilled and adaptable talent working with modern tools, positions the Counties to recruit, retain, and develop its employees, now and into the future. The Counties will be seeking additional team members to enhance the expertise

required to bring to fruition, the changing vision of human resources service delivery over the coming years. Careers - Leeds & Grenville (leedsgrenville.com) Warden Haley is very pleased that The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville use of Provincial modernization funding has been able to develop systems and enhance operational approaches that will enhance our ability to attract, support and retain our exceptional staff now and into the foreseeable future. The technology powering this transformation has been selected specifically for the multi-faceted business of the Counties following the completion of an extensive and competitive procurement process. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville employs nearly 500 people in the delivery of social services, paramedic services, long term care, public works, provincial offences court and administration.

The perils of rental insecurity by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Those who rent their homes, rather than owning them, know all too well the insecurity that renting can bring. When someone else owns the property and building in which you live, the threat of possibly being kicked out of your home will always loom. For potentially more than 100 tenants of an apartment and townhouse complex in Cornwall, known as Cumberland Gardens, this fear became a very real nightmare at the end of last month. All tenants at the five apartment buildings and 30 townhouses were served with co-called “renoviction notices” – a play on words referring to landlords who serve eviction notices so that they can repair or upgrade their properties. The action is completely legal, and also includes some simple protections such as the

ability of the “renovicted” tenant to move back in after the renovations, without any rent increases. However, this can be a small comfort to those forced to move themselves and their families into small accommodations, such as motels, for months, and can be even worse for those who cannot find temporary replacement housing given the state of the current housing market. Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry, issued a statement in support of the tenants facing eviction in Cornwall, which spells out the laws in place meant to protect and compensate tenants in cases of “renoviction”. While many people may be quick to blame landlords for the perils caused by such mass temporary evictions, the pervasive lack of affordable housing, both locally and nationally, makes the problem much worse than it

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Nancy Peckford also created a similar task force for North Grenville in 2019, which completed its final report in 2020. New housing projects have taken shape in the Municipality since then, but progress cannot be expected in any issue of such magnitude overnight. With rent and house prices still highly inflated across the country, combined with other increasing financial burdens, such as the cost of food and gas, the housing issue continues to bear down on families. There is no one factor to blame, only progress to seek.

otherwise would be. Much the same as tenants may have a difficult time finding replacement accommodations when evicted, landlords would undoubtedly face difficulties completing much needed, and possibly even critical, upgrades and repairs if their tenants must be allowed to stay. It is a no-win situation exacerbated by a lack of housing options. The Province of Ontario commissioned a housing task force, which released its report recently with recommendations intended to increase housing availability and affordability. Mayor

DRAFT DRAFTHORSE HORSECLINIC CLINIC APRIL April30, 30,2022 2022

Introduction to Harnessing & Driving

Location: Lombardy Fairgrounds (corner of Kelly’s Rd & Highway 15) Cost: $50 per Registrant ($30 for LCDH Members) Limited to 50 registrants Feature Demonstration by RON PYNE For more information and Registration Form go to: www.leedscountydra�horseclub.com or email @ lcdra�horseclub@gmail.com

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Music for the Mind Music may be the world’s greatest medicine. From infants to centenarians, people love music and the way it makes them feel good. In tribute to its universal qualities, Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Even without lyrics, songs certainly convey feelings. Among healthy people, researchers have shown that across cultural divides, people can readily place vastly different types of music into emotional categories, ranging from sad to heroic, annoying to beautiful, and desirous to indignant. But the miracle of music is in its healing qualities. Scientists studying people with brain injuries and neurological conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, are making remarkable discoveries. Music, for example, can improve the gait of people relearning to walk after a brain injury. Listening to music has also been shown to reduce perceptions of pain. People who have lost the ability to communicate due to severe brain damage can regain function by singing the words. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s typically become evident when the part of the brain involved in memory starts to fail. This gradually erodes the ability to manage everyday life independently. Loss of the sense of identity is confusing for the patient and heartbreaking for family and loved ones. But playing music lights up wide networks in the brain, including areas responsible for motor actions, emotions, and creativity. Researchers are studying how music can help treat Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Thaut, director of the University of Toronto’s Music and Health Science Research Collaboratory, has studied patients with early Alzheimer’s disease who listen to personally meaningful music. He identified “autobiographically relevant, long-known music” – wedding songs, for example, or favourite records from teenage years – and played these songs repeatedly to test subjects. Whether the participants in the research were accomplished musicians or non-musicians, the results were similar: brain function improved. Ground-breaking research by Dr. Lola Cuddy of Queen’s University, demonstrating that patients with Alzheimer’s disease have an ability to recognize music and display musical memory, has informed the development of musical therapy programs as simple as creating a familiar playlist for people with dementia. What’s going on in the brain? It appears that familiar music stimulates activity in the brain that leads to rewiring new circuits that bypass damaged regions and re-establish connections to memories. “Music is an access key to your memory, your pre-frontal cortex,” Michael Thaut says. For those hoping to prevent dementia, he adds, “It’s simple: keep listening to the music that you’ve loved all your life. Your all-time favourite songs, those pieces that are especially meaningful to you. Make that your brain gym.” Experts disagree on whether it is better to listen to familiar music or new music. While familiar music elicits happiness, some experts suggest that listening to the grandchildren’s music might help the brain create and reinforce additional neural pathways. On this, the jury is out. What is certain is that music does what no pill can do. Within seconds of exposure, and for sustained periods, it heals the mind. More good news: it’s not just the brain that benefits from music. Music can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, ease pain, improve sleep, boost mood, and elevate alertness. But there is something remarkable about music that helps stow away, and later retrieve, deeply valued information and connections. Shelley, the English Romantic poet who tragically lived only to 29 years, wrote, “Music, when soft voices die, Vibrates in the memory—” Today’s researchers have proven him right. And what sweeter medicine than to turn on the music and enjoy the journey through happy memories while also exercising the mind? Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly enewsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones

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Village of MerrickvilleWolford flies Ukraine flag in support and solidarity

On Tuesday March 7, 2022, Council approved flying the Ukraine flag at the Merrickville-Wolford Municipal Office to show solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine and to communicate that the Village stands together with them in strongly opposing the atrocities that are being committed against them and their families.

New survey by Equal Voice to change.” Conducted online by Abacus Data, questions were asked of the general public, with a more detailed survey of 1,500 women aged 18-30, and found: 85% of Canadians say having more women in politics would have a positive impact on government policy, actions, and decisions. When it comes to women running – one in five would actively consider running for office. The biggest perceived barrier was not knowing enough to run for office. Women are being approached to run for office half as often as men (7% vs. 14%). “Not only are women not

Results of a new survey released by Equal Voice highlighting why now more than ever, young women and gender diverse individuals need to feel encouraged and empowered to run for office, show that Canadian agree that having more women in politics would have a positive impact on government policy, actions and decisions. “Our democratic institutions are facing the biggest threat in decades, and we need to empower the political leaders of the future to stand up and lead,” said Eleanor Fast, executive director of Equal Voice. “Our survey results show that young women in Canada value community service, and see holding elected office as an opportunity to serve their communities, yet they are significantly less likely to be approached to run, or to feel qualified or comfortable putting their names forward. This needs

the sector for the future.” Discussions during the summit addressed strategies to strengthen and make the food supply chain more resilient, boost the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, and create jobs and economic growth across Ontario, by improving programs, services and supports for farmers, producers, suppliers, transporters, and distributors across the supply chain, retaining and attracting workers and building the “made in Ontario” capacity. During the summit, Minister Thompson announced the launch of an expanded Excellence in Agriculture program to recognize farmers, processors, educational institutions and agri-food organizations and businesses who contribute to the industry’s success and drive innovation in the province’s agri-food sector. The Excellence in Agriculture program recognizes the dedication, hard work and groundbreaking ideas of local agri-food innovators whose leadership and entrepreneurship keep raising the bar for agri-food excellence. Whether it’s developing new

a common cause. Women are over 50% of Canada’s population and currently comprise an average of 25% of Canada’s municipal councils, provincial legislatures and the House of Commons. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was about breaking the bias, and showing that there is still a lot of work to be done for young women to feel comfortable and empowered to step forward as potential elected officials. For more information on this latest survey, and to learn more about Equal Voice’s initiatives, visit equalvoice.ca.

Ukraine initiative for Merrickville-Wolford by Yves Grandmaitre The Merrickville-Wolford Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and Community groups have come together for the "Merrickville-Wolford Stands with Ukraine" initiative. We have wrapped the downtown posts in blue and yellow, and the bridge over the canal will have the same treatment. Flags are flying all over as well. We are kicking off the initiative on March 20 at the Mainstreet Family Restaurant, and it will last for three weeks. Businesses are doing a variety of fundraising activities from Ukrainian dinners, silent auctions, donating a portion of food sales, Ukrainian egg decorating workshop (all fees being donated), and more to come. We are also working with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will be challenging all Ontario Chambers to start their own initiatives. More details coming in future issues.

Summit on Food Security

Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, met with over 125 leaders in the food supply chain to discuss food security and to collaborate on strategies that will help Ontario’s food supply chain remain one of the strongest, safest and stable in the world. The Ontario Food Summit builds on the province’s continued actions to support the agrifood sector through investments in processing capacity, labour initiatives, innovation, research and pandemic supports. Participants included agri-food businesses, farmers, Indigenous organizations, transportation services, and food service providers. “Our government is ensuring that everyone can access safe, high-quality and nutritious food grown right here at home”, said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our partners in the food supply chain all have an important role to play and I appreciate hearing their thoughts and ideas on the actions needed to continue a safe and stable food supply. The ideas we heard today will help us strengthen and build March 16, 2022

being approached, or feeling as though they are qualified to run, many don’t think that the work-life balance for elected officials is good, and are concerned about the potential harassment they would face as candidates or as elected officials,” added Eleanor Fast. “This survey shows the urgent need for Equal Voice’s work in providing political training for women, and advocating for women politicians”. Equal Voice is a national organisation, founded in 2001, dedicated to encouraging and supporting women to run for political office at all levels in Canada. It is a multi-party organisation, with individuals from all political parties working together for

types of value-add products, finding new solutions to increase efficiency, or helping to create or retain jobs, these innovators demonstrate why the agri-food sector continues to be an economic force in the provincial economy. In 2020, Ontario's agrifood industry contributed $45.0 billion in GDP to the provincial economy. One in every ten jobs in Ontario was related to the agri-food sector in 2020. Guidelines and application forms for the Excellence in Agriculture Awards are available at Excellence in Agriculture program, ontario. ca. Award categories for the Excellence in Agriculture program include: COVID Agri-Food Innovation Champion; Innovation in Food Processing; Innovation in Agriculture; Women in Agriculture; Youth in Agriculture; Education in Agriculture; and, Northern and Indigenous Owned Business and Communities. Applications for the 2022 Excellence in Agriculture Program are open until April 5, 2022.

Baldwin's Birds

Winter Berry Eaters

10

by John Baldwin Sunshine and some more reasonable temperatures have already affected some of our birds' behaviour, but not before a few surprises have been encountered by at least one of your fellow readers. During the most recent cold bite of winter, they had a flock of about twenty Wild Turkeys appear for a number of days, under their feeders. This was a treat for them, but then they happened to get an even big-

ger one when a very uncommon visitor appeared on their bush with berries still on it - a Pine Grosbeak! What an exciting spot by them, as this one just happened to be a lone female of the species, a rarity in itself, since they usually travel in flocks and not very often this far south at all. The more common Grosbeak, the Evening Grosbeak, once very common in our gardens, hasn't put in many appearances at all in our garden for years now, and the Red Breasted variety we may only get maybe a glimpse of on its passing through here during the Spring migration. Our lone Robin put in an appearance in our old tree at the front of the house, with a few berry type buds still

clinging to it for it to feed on. A female Cardinal was also in the same tree, but, being a seed eater as well as a berry one, doesn't tend to dwell on the fruit so much, being able to sustain itself from the easier and more readily available feeders. A warmer day today has already seen a quick decline in our feeder use, so, hopefully, things will continue that way and we can start keeping an eye out for our early Spring visitors, be it on their way through here, or maybe to stay for a few months. We shall see over the next few weeks which it is to be, and so will you, but please enjoy them all whilst staying safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin www.ngtimes.ca

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The Voice of North Grenville

Ontario to do away with masks mandate by the public, on October 3, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 2020. This provincial mask mandate was consistent with Last week, the Ontario rules in other Canadian provgovernment announced that inces, and many jurisdictions mask mandates in the prov- worldwide, and has remained ince would end for most set- in effect continuously until tings on Monday, March 21, now. with an end to the mandates Settings where masks in nearly all remaining set- will no longer be required tings on April 27. Medical include restaurants, retail and non-medical masks and stores, recreation complexes, other face coverings have and schools, among othbeen a visible sign of the ers. Hospitals, long term COVID-19 pandemic since care homes, jails, and public news broke of the first posi- transit will all see mask mantive cases of the virus being dates continue until at least diagnosed in Canada in early April 27. Public and expert 2020. However, masks only opinions on the ending of became mandatory in North mask mandates have been Grenville on July 7, 2020, mixed. Public health advice after the Leeds, Grenville, and has largely recommended Lanark District Health Unit that school students, at the announced that the mandate very least, be allowed to go would be adopted regionally mask-free to help improve in conjunction with surround- poor student mental health ing health units. and return a degree of social The regional approach normalcy for the millions of was replaced with a provincial students who have been living mask mandate, which applied through an event for the past to all indoor settings accessed two years which is unprecby Brandon Mayer

Charlee’s Run is coming to Kemptville by Jane Adams Join us for the 6th annual Charlee's Run on May 7! This event is coming to the Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville for the first time this year - with proceeds supporting the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Unit. Charlee's Run is a 1 km/5 km Fun Run/Walk named in memory of Charlee Clare Holmes, started by her parents, Dave and Mallory Holmes. It has been held annually since 2017 in honour of all those who have experienced prenatal and infant loss. The Run aims to bring the community together to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss, to offer support for those in need, and to provide an outlet for families to remember the little ones that have been lost too soon. “When we lost our daughter, Charlee, we felt alone in our loss. There are no words, no language surrounding pregnancy and infant loss; this often leaves people silent, which adds to the loneliness of an immeasurable loss,” explain Mallory and Dave. “After losing Charlee, we never wanted another family to feel alone. We thought if our story could reach even one family in need then it was worth it.” Proceeds will be used for two special purposes at WDMH. First, funds will be used to purchase a cuddle cot, which is a special bassinette that allows parents time to bond with their child – to love and hold them, take pictures, and create a bond with lasting memories. Plans are also underway to set up a bereavement program at WDMH. A bereavement cart will be kept on the Family Birthing Unit, offering helpful resources for families who experience a loss. “Thank you to Mallory and Dave Holmes for organizing this special event in honour of Charlee,” says Justine Plummer, the WDMH Foundation’s Manager of Direct Mail & Events. “The proceeds will support other families during a difficult time, and we are very grateful.” To register or to donate to Charlee’s Run - Winchester, please visit www.charleesrun.com. Another run will take place on the same day in Orillia, Ontario, supporting Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Your donation will be managed by Orillia Solders’ Memorial Hospital, with proceeds coming to the WDMH Foundation after the event. March 16, 2022

edented in their lifetime. Others have criticized the ending of the mandates in schools in particular, saying the students continue to need protection from the virus. Teachers’ Unions in the province have already voiced opposition to the provincial government’s announcement. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, has reminded the public that wearing a mask is still an option, and that each person should consider the risks at the individual level, and make a decision from there. For example, immuno-compromised individuals might choose to continue masking, as may large numbers of Ontarians in crowded settings. Dr. Moore is encouraging the public to be understanding of those who choose to continue masking after the mandate is lifted. In addition to the lifting of mask mandates, schools and child care centres in On-

tario will have other mandates lifted on March 21, including the requirement to confirm screening daily, as well as the requirement to maintain cohorts. Children and adults alike in these settings will be allowed to go mask free, and adults will no longer be required to wear eye protection. Additionally, beginning on March 14, individuals working in schools and child care centres who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to complete rapid testing three times per week to keep their jobs. It is not yet clear how individual school boards will apply the new rules when it comes to taking steps such as eliminating the use of recess “zones”. The province has been clear that, while masks mandates are being lifted now, it does not guarantee that their use will not be necessary in the future if the pandemic worsens.

Soccer is back in Kemptville by Mike Sutherland, President of Kemptville Soccer Summer soccer is back and the Kemptville District Soccer Club is planning on returning to business as usual, with return to Development and Competitive leagues and to travel play. It’s been a long two years, with the 2020 Summer season being cancelled due to the pandemic and the 2021 season having been played exclusively in an intra-Kemptville format, due to restrictions in place at the time that we launched the season. In 2022, we return to a full slate of U3 – U18 House Soccer, U9 – U12 Development Soccer, U13 – U18 Competitive Soccer, Women’s and Men’s House Soccer and our Women’s, Men’s and Old Timer’s (35+) Ottawa Carleton Soccer League play. Whether you are new to the sport, or are a long time player, you are welcome to register for our upcoming summer season at: kdsc.e2esoccer.com. Of note, U13 – U18 boys and girls evaluations are being held on Sunday, March 20, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Ottawa Sooners Mega Dome in Stittsville. Please check out our website for more details and make sure to register. A Club of our size can only deliver the quality programming that our Members have come to expect with the help of our passionate and dedicated volunteers. We critically need referees this year. Our Club has lost about 2/3 of our referee base over the course of the pandemic, which has been a systemic issue across the province. These are paid roles. Please send an email to referee@kemptvillesoccer. com if interested. We will need team coaches, age group coordinators, and general volunteers to help coordinate at the field activities such as handing out equipment, directing players, and managing the player's environment. Please send an email to club@ kemptvillesoccer.com if interested. Our Board has been running short-handed for over two years and, without more volunteers, we may be unable to continue delivering our usual high standard of programming. If interested in a Board position then please send an email to club@kemptvillesoccer.com. We look forward to a return to normalcy and we will see you on the pitch!

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Are TFSA’s worth it? by Cole Seabrook, Financial Advisor, O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning; Assante Capital Management Ltd. This is a question that Advisors are frequently asked. Let’s review Tax Free Savings Accounts - how they work, their benefits, and how they can play a major role in your overall wealth plan. In 2009, the Canadian government implemented the TaxFree Savings Account (TFSA) program to help Canadians grow their wealth while retaining more of their investment earnings. To open a Tax-Free Savings account, you must be 18 years of age and a Canadian resident and adhere to the contribution limits. Since 2009, the contribution limit has changed from year to year, ranging anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. If an individual was age 18 in 2009, their total contribution limit as of 2022 would be $81,500. Individuals need to be aware of the contribution limits to avoid the penalties that can occur. TFSAs or RRSPs? It is important to understand how different investment account types can play a role within your overall wealth plan. RRSPs provide you with a tax deduction in the year you contribute, but you are taxed when the time comes to take money out of the account. With a Tax-Free Savings Account, you do not receive a tax deduction when you deposit funds into the account, but you are also not taxed on your investment returns or when you withdraw your money. TFSAs also do not have to pay capital gains tax on withdrawals as they would with a non-registered account. While TFSA’s have many benefits some people wonder how this type of account fits into their overall wealth plan. The nice thing about Tax-Free Savings Accounts is that they can be used for many different purposes and provide investors with flexibility. They can be used to increase savings to help supplement income in retirement, or to save for an investors next vacation, home improvement or renovation. If you have not opened a Tax-Free savings account, it may benefit you in more ways than one. Speak to your Financial Advisor today to see where a TFSA fits into your wealth plan. We welcome questions so feel free to reach out! We welcome questions so please reach out! See our ad in this week’s North Grenville Times and follow us on Facebook. Cole Seabrook is a Financial Advisor with Assante Capital Management Ltd. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Assante Capital Management Ltd. Please contact him at 613.258.1997 or visit ofarrellwealth. com to discuss your circumstances prior to acting on the information above. Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. www.ngtimes.ca

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Classifieds eds Classifi FOR SALE

Champion portable generator, 1500 starting watts/ 1200 rated watts. Never used, $250. Call John 613258-8820 Wheelchair, Fuse 5.0 with accessories; Shower chair with coasters & commode. $375 each. Call 613-5678533. Walker, Barber Kit, Women's, Bowling Shoes Women's Short Leather Boots call 258-5547 Triplex, waterfront, downtown Kemptville. Email redmondjg52@gmail.com for details. Old used POS system along with two cash drawers, two receipts printers AS IS. $500 OBO. Contact dqkemptville@gmail.com

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Firewood for sale $110 a cord delivered, min 2 cord for delivery. Call Jon 613227-3650

and 12) in Burritt's Rapids. Please contact Kerry Coleman at 613-791-7515 or kerrycoleman@xplornet.com.

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Cedar posts and rails for sale, various sizes available. Call Jon 613-227-3650 Dust Free N #1 Horse & Cow Hay. Round or small square bales...call Jim 613.258.3561 Horse drawn machinery for horse or small tractor, all types...call Jim 613.258.3561

MISCELLANEOUS Firearms Course (March 5 and 6) and Hunter Education Course (March 11

March 16 first rehearsal of Malala Women’s Choir Open to all women who love to sing 6:30 pm Town Hall, Spencerville Contact Sheila Fawcett 612-658-5290

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The Voice of North Grenville

HISTORIC HALL AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS in Beautiful Burritts Rapids! Spring is in the air, but it’s not quite time to be outside! Gather your favourite people in a hamlet near walking trails and parkettes. Our hall is well equipped for any gathering or celebration, and we offer very competitive rates. http://burrittsrapids.com/ WANTED Local young farming family looking to buy a farm. Min. 10ac tillable with a liveable house. Open to creative solutions. davidrbailie@gmail. com.

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ACROSS 1. Snake poison 6. Smudge 10. Droops 14. Not below 15. Teller of untruths 16. Assist illegally 17. Not a winner 18. Unit of land 19. Not any 20. Invigorate 22. Grow older 24. Yield 25. Removed by eroding 26. Musical tune 29. A stubborn person 30. Any thing 31. Management skill 37. Escapade 39. Twenty-one in Roman numerals

40. Not here 41. Quality of arousing interest 44. Minerals 45. Dormitory 46. Apprehend 48. Endurance 52. Detect 53. Shackle 54. Be pregnant with 58. Auspices 59. Distinctive flair 61. Nimble 62. Bird home 63. Not warm 64. On edge 65. 3 66. It was 67. S S S

DOWN 1. Low-lying area 2. Black, in poetry 3. Beak 4. Subduer 5. Joined 6. Fire 7. Vermin 8. Paddle 9. Quiver 10. Father Christmas 11. Give or take 12. Category 13. Horse 21. Tranquil scene 23. Ready for anything 25. Sound 26. Isinglass 27. French for "State" 28. Anagram of "Pelt" 29. Aphorism 32. Surplus 33. Dearths 34. In this location 35. Angers 36. Annoyance 38. Audio communication device 42. Get in touch 43. Short sleeps 47. Spin 48. Exhausted 49. Striped wild cat 50. Licoricelike flavor 51. Foggy 52. Dispatches 54. Big bash 55. Cans 56. Otherwise 57. D D D 60. Downcast

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

HANDYMAN SERVICES Call Bill 613 774 2922

INCOME TAX SERVICE

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SEND IN YOUR CLASSIFIED to classifieds@ ngtimes.ca

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Solution to last week’s Crossword

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12

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The Voice of North Grenville

Op-ed 1

Missed-representation

by Don Palmer David opens his most recent attempt to defend his Christian beliefs by claiming that my letter entitled, "Missed-understanding", left him deeply depressed and sad. Quite frankly, in my opinion, David managed to side-step, ignore, or frankly just did misunderstand my arguments questioning the absolute authenticity of the

bible. In structuring part of his evidence to defend the bible's authorship and truth; what experts does David choose to quote? He quotes Luke and John, other authors of the bible. This is an excellent example of circular reasoning. David totally mis-reads, or more likely simply misrepresents, my comments on the forgery of the donation of Constantine as being an

ferring to the Gnostic Codex. According to the theologists, linguists and historians that composed the team of scholars that translated the Nag Hammadi, there are sections of Codex that likely cannot be attributed to their designated author. The authenticity, or lack thereof can be discovered if one takes the time to read the entire translated version of the Nag Hammadi, which I have done on more than one occasion. Given the period of time when the Codex was written and where it was discovered, I was suggesting that maybe, just maybe, like the apostles who supposedly authored a portion of the Codex, that authorship of some sections of the bible may have been incorrectly attributed. I was laying the argument out as a possibility and something that should be considered. I was not claiming it as the truth. David talks about "the canon of the New Testament having been fixed centuries before. And that process validates the new testament we have today". So which version of the new testament is David referring to? Is it the King James version? If so, how does he square this statement by the English historian Dr. J.P. Kenyon, and I quote, 'The only notable reform resulting from the Hampton Court Conference in 1604 was the complete retranslation of the Bible - the Authorized Version of 1611. Typically enough, James supported this because he objected to the annotations in the current Geneva Bible,

attempt on my part to illustrate evidence of the forgery of the new testament. That is clearly not what I meant, nor was it what I was claiming. I was merely pointing out that there have been forgeries, or misrepresentation of authorship in Christianity throughout history, and maybe, just maybe, the bible may not be 100% authentic. That was also my entire rationale for re-

Op-ed 2

Missing the point

by David Shanahan I promised Don he would have his say in the paper, so here we are. However, it seems he has completely missed the point, and doesn’t understand the issues. The point is that we can be very sure of the historical content of the New Testament, because we have so many (thousands, in fact) manuscripts to use. The argument about Luke is primarily to establish his credentials, in the eyes of modern historians, as a reliable source of information, because of his methods stated by him in his two volume work. But the important thing to emphasise is that it is the content of the New Testament documents that is considered vital to the Christian, not the identity of the author. For example, we simply don’t know who wrote the letter to the Hebrews, and that has been debated almost from the earliest days. But what the author writes is recognised as Scripture, and accepted as inspired. Some don’t accept the 2 and 3 John were written by John the Apostle, or that he was author of Revelation. That doesn’t matter. The content is all. Don also falls into the error of thinking that, when I talk about the New Testament, I refer to the Authorised, or King James version; but that, again, misses the point. The Authorised is a translation from the original Greek, as are all the other more modern translations, such as the New International or the American Standard. It is the original manuscripts that are considered fundamental, and not the translations. As anyone with experience of languages knows, it can be extremely difficult to translate from one language to another, especially where there are sayings, or phrases that cannot be directly moved to a new language. The referral to Mary March 16, 2022

Douglas is fine, but what is her authority? We can swop expert opinions as much as we like. It is easy to formulate an opinion or theory, especially when you’re starting from assumptions. Very plausible theories can be built on very unstable foundations, and simply finding one that suits your previously held position is easy, but (to use Don’s favourite phrase, maybe, just maybe) not necessarily safe. The approach should be that used by Christians in studying the Bible, ironically enough. Don’t base your belief (opinion?) On one source, or one verse. Find the “whole counsel of Scripture” to understand the underlying truth of the matter. But, perhaps the most egregious error in Don’s approach, and one that is all too common among those opposed to “religion”, is the idea that belief is somehow a crutch, a sign that believers need to find some security in an insecure world. I have always found that hard to accept. I can see how people do use various things to get them through the night, and religion has certainly been used as one of those. In most religious systems, there is a sense of fear, of trying to measure up and not be condemned at the last. There can be a sense of dread, now knowing what activity, sacrifice, ceremony would be sufficient to mollify some unseen and unknown deity or deities. Whether ancient Egyptians, Norse tribes, or any of the polytheistic religions, this phenomenon was even pointed out by Paul when he visited Athens and noticed, among all the many temples and statues, one dedicated “To the Unknown God”. These people were covering their bases. So, why is Christianity different from these others? To start with, it does away with the blind attempts to

stay on God’s “good side”, because we are put right with him already through Jesus. John Lennox compares the university student with the Christian. The student enters the course hoping to do enough to graduate. There is a final test that either fails to measure up, and so no graduation, or else it convinces the authorities to let you through. The Christian, on the other hand, is like someone who, from the time he enters the school is already guaranteed to graduate. It is, as Paul says, through grace, unmerited, unearned, a free gift. The fact that some calling themselves Christian have distorted that “good news”, for political or other reasons, is not the point. Counterfeit currency only testifies to the fact that there exists the genuine article it is trying to copy. Ultimately, the main evidence for Christ is in the lives of the millions who have come to know him over millennia. Don and others may scoff and say they are only fooling themselves, that it is all one big conspiracy to con the world into... what, exactly? Being loving and kind to each other? Being joyful and free of the fear of death that plagues the world? I will point to those millions who have had, and still have, a living and lifechanging relationship with God because of Jesus, who is himself God. Take it or leave it, accept it or deride it, it remains true and that is the witness of people from all walks of life, all levels of education, all classes, in all cultures throughout the centuries. And the key is that, unlike others who follow religions other than Christianity, they have the evidence of history, of written records, as well as personal experience on which to base their stand. I honestly think Don, and others, have missed the point of that.

which, according to him, were "very partial, untrue, seditious, and savouring too much of dangerous and traitorous conceits". It seems to me that the version of the New Testament we have today was fixed more than once in centuries past, and possibly, again just possibly, these retranslations were influenced by politics, and the leanings of the various Christian sects at the time. Let me comment on the closing sentence of David's rebuttal. I quote, "For, if Christianity is true, as I know it to be, it will be a bit late to believe then." This definitive statement on an absolute truth reminds me of the kind of Christian indoctrination I was subjected to when I was a young boy. Our family attended the local United Church of Canada every Sunday for all of my pre-teen years. While the adults went to the church service, the children were shuttled into the basement for what was referred to as "Sunday School". In Sunday School we were given crayons and colouring books depicting Jesus performing a variety of activities as depicted in the bible. During each session we lead in the singing of various hymns. The one that has always stuck with me goes as follows, "Jesus loves me, this I know, cause the bible tells me so". When reading David's closing sentence, I find it and the salient verse from this hymn directed at impressionable children eerily similar. In closing, let me refer back to what I feel is the crux of the matter. Here I will

quote anthropologist Mary Douglas from Implicit Meanings: Essays in Anthropology (London 1975). Douglas' analysis claims that human societies relegate certain information to the category of self-evident truths. Ideas that are treated as self-evident, as to be too true to warrant discussion, constitute a society's implicit knowledge. At one time explicit, implicit ideas have not simply been forgotten, but have been actively thrust out of the way because they conflict with ideas deemed more suitable to the social order. But the conflict is more apparent than real. In the elusive exchange between implicit and explicit knowledge, the implicit is obliquely affirmed and the society is shielded from challenges to its world view. The implicit resides in society's symbols, rituals, and myths, which simultaneously describe, reflect and mask that world view. The world has always been a scary place, but with the rapid growth of technology and in particular the priority attributed to the monetization of both print and social media, the vastness of that scariness is even more apparent, tribal and accessible. Clinging on to certain beliefs, myths, or what Douglas refers to as implicit knowledge provides for our societies a sense of impending order in a chaotic world. Whether in this life, or the next, the belief in the establishment of order is essential for the psychological stability of both societies and the individuals they contain.

Lifting of health and safety measures in schools Following the statement from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, on the end of the majority of public health measures in the provincial reopening process , the Ministry of Education also announced on March 9 the gradual lifting of protective measures against COVID-19 in schools, in order to continue to promote a return to a more normal learning experience for students. However, certain prevention measures such as rapid tests, improved ventilation, screening and continued access to personal protective equipment, free for students and staff, will be maintained. The Franco-Ontarian Association of Catholic School Boards (AFOCSC) welcomes 13

this announcement from Dr. Moore and the Ministry of Education, but nevertheless deplores the fact that school boards were once again somewhat taken by surprise: “Our councils would have greatly appreciated having a little more time, than just a day, to prepare messages for families and staff, as the province heads into the school break period this weekend ,” said Johanne Lacombe, president of the AFOCSC. Upon returning to class after the break, it will be important for each family to continue to carry out a daily self-assessment of their child with the modified tool and to follow the recommended instructions: https://covid-19. ontario.ca/autoevaluation/

Now that protective measures, such as wearing a mask, are becoming a personal choice, we hope that families and their children will continue to take a preventive approach towards others, still wearing the mask when necessary or staying home if symptoms are detected. AFOCSC continues to encourage full vaccination of all to ensure the protection of every member of its schools, children and their families.

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The Voice of North Grenville

73’s can’t continue their streak

Staying the course…Kemptville 73’s coaching staff of Jason York, Shawn Fensel, and Wes Cory whipping their defensive corp into shape to keep them focussed for the upcoming tasks at hand to make the playoffs by the sportsguy Kemptville on the road to visit the Canadians in Carleton Place for a Sunday 3 pm matinee. Tyler Laureault for Kemptville and Joe Chambers for Carleton Place answered the call as starters. Kemptville came out hot with their adrenalin in overload as Logue combined with Merrett to feed Adam Cavallin at :41 to draw first blood in the opening stanza. At 7:24, Brazier reversed to Howie on the line to drive it through traffic, and Devon Savignac deposited the loose change for the second marker for Kemptville. Logue on the attack with Cavallin, back to Johnny Howie on the point to drive it home at 7:43 to make it 3 zip. Canadians’ Marco Iozza on his own spoils Tyler Laureault’s SO attempt at 11:58 to close out the first. Kemptville controlled the second, with Lammi on his bicycle, back to Howie on the line to Grant Eastwood above the circle to rifle it home at 10:35. 73’s with man advantage as Howie with York held the line so Hunter Brazier

PPG could pull the trigger for his 21st goal for the season at 16:07. Mark McPhee PPG, with helpers from Colter and Woolsey, to give Carleton Place their final point at 13:45 in the final twenty. The 73’s outshot the Canadians 33 to 27 and walk away with a needed victory. Kemptville motored into Pembroke for a Wednesday night meeting with the Lumber Kings. The 73’s seeking revenge after being hammered 5 to 2 in their last confrontation. Connor Blackwood with Reece Proulx received the honours as starters for their squads. Pembroke opened the initial period with a PPG from former Kemptville sniper Carter Vollett, assisted by Jordan and Coltart at 3:54. Kemptville countered in the second with Logue combination to Eastwood to find Ty Whyte to stretch the mesh at 4:49 for the tie. Noah Houle would show his magic with a lone effort to break the tie at 11:00 mark to end the frame. See saw battle in the final

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twenty miler, as Pembroke pulled their stopper at 17:46 for extra attacker that the 73’s shut down to end the fracas with a 3-2 win. Rolling into Ottawa on Saturday night to meet with the Jr. Senators, the Kemptville 73’s hoping to maintain their winning streak, unfortunately it didn’t happen, as they suffered a 5 to 3 loss. Connor Blackwood with Collin MacKenzie would be the starters for their respective team. The first was end to end action, with Ottawa capitalizing on PPG from Samuel Edwards with helpers from Taylor and Murphy at 14:55 to draw first blood. Thomas Freel assisted by Recine with Isabelle for Ottawa 2 goal lead to open the second at 1:41. Brock Krulicki would strip the rubber during PK to ram it home for his first SHG to spoil Ottawa’s stopper SO attempt at 4:25. Jr. Senators would counter when Vincent Velocci, with helpers from

Jacques and Guiliette, for the insurance at 17:17. Bodie Nobes from Brennan to find open space at 2:27 to commence the last twenty and give Ottawa a 3 goal advantage. Kemptville came within two when Campeau teamed with Howie to Lane Morency from the slot at 6:42. Man advantage for the 73’s, as Brazier pushed back to Howie on the point so Brock Krulicki PPG could deposit the loose change for his second at 14:13 to put them one behind. Connor Blackwood pulled for extra attacker at 18:57 that Provost stretch pass to Philippe Jacques for ENG at 19:10 to award Ottawa a 5-3 win. Ottawa peppered Kemptville 42 to 27 SHG, with 73’s 7 PP and Jr. Sen’s having 6, and only one successful marker for both squads. Smiths Falls Bears on 73’s home ice for a Sunday matinee that we will cover next week. Hockey with edge...see you around the wall.

#22

Chase Lammi Nickname: Lam’s or Lambo Born: Sudbury Ontario, July 3rd, 2002 Position: Left Wing Previous Hockey Club: Islanders Hockey Club Hockey Hero: Tyler Seguin Most Inspiring Person: My Brother Favourite Movie: Hitch Favourite Food: Pasta Favourite sport (beside hockey) : Fishing Favourite Hockey Moment: Winning a hockey tournament in the 3rd overtime Life as a Jr. A player: Having lots of fun with the team on/off the ice and being good role models for young kids. One word that describes me: Determined

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Call out for volunteers in Ontario The Food Corner The Ontario government is calling on citizens 16 years of age and older to help their communities in times of crisis by joining Volunteer Corps Ontario. The new program will register, screen and train volunteers so Ontario is better prepared to mobilize volunteers and safely respond to emergencies, from public health crises to natural disasters. “We saw the true Ontario Spirit in action during the COVID-19 pandemic when countless heroes stepped up and volunteered their time,” said Premier Ford. “We want to harness that Spirit by establishing Volunteer Corps Ontario to ensure we are prepared and ready to respond when the next emergency comes and requires everyday heroes to once again stand tall and support each other.” Volunteer Corps Ontario builds on the success of the COVID-19 Volunteer Portal launched last year which matched volunteers to public health units to support vaccine deployment. The new Volunteer Corps Ontario database will be made available to ministries, municipalities, First Nation communities and NGOs in need of emergency volunteers so they can respond quickly and consistently should an emergency arise.

“During times of crisis, our province is stronger when we come together to support our communities,” said Parm Gill, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and flooding and fire seasons around the corner, I hope people from all backgrounds and abilities will answer the call to join Volunteer Corps Ontario.” Ontarians can register online at volunteercorps. gov.on.ca. Volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to register. All volunteers would be required to take online foundational courses prior to deployment. Since launching on December 22, 2021, more than 3,700 Ontarians registered with the COVID 19 Volunteer Portal to support health care providers and others working at COVID-19 vaccination clinics across the province. Individuals who registered with the COVID-19 Volunteer Portal will be automatically added to the Volunteer Corps Ontario database and given the choice to volunteer for other emergencies.

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by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville We have looked at two great Irish dishes to date, Boxty and Colcannon. There are many more, and none more famous that Irish Stew. Virtually all nations have one form of stew or another, but the one from the Emerald Isle is famous for its simplicity and unique and hearty flavour. I strongly recommend you use the traditional lamb, and not substitute beef, to get the full impact of this great dish. Don’t forget the Guinness, Harp or Kilkenny… Traditional Irish Stew Ingredients: 3 pounds of lamb cut in 2 inch chunks 6 medium onions cut in wedges 6 to 8 medium sized carrots, cut into chunks 4 cups of water (you can use half vegetable broth if you wish) A dozen small potatoes cut in halves 4-5 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons of thyme Pepper and salt (beware: use salt sparingly and taste as you go). Preparation: 1. In your soup pot set on medium heat, brown the lamb on all sides in the oil. 2. Set the meat aside and cook the onions and carrots in your pot for 5-10 minutes. 3. Put the lamb back in the pot, add the liquid, thyme, pepper and salt. 4. Lay the potatoes on top of your mixture. 5. Cover the pot, lower your heat and simmer your stew till the lamb is tender. If you wish to thicken the mixture prior to serving, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water and mix it into the stew slowly. Stove top simmering allows for periodic taste checks, so you can adjust accordingly. However, Irish Stew also lends itself well to placing in the oven at 350F if you prefer that approach to stove top simmering. Serve in bowls with Irish Soda Bread or some Grahame’s buns and stay in touch at: pcormier@ranaprocess.com. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

May Gauthier (nee Vigneux) Menu #104 Wed Mar 16 - Fri Mar 18

Please Preorder the day before for next day pick up Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136 $39.99 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $74.99 Complete Meal for 4 + HST All Family Meals include Chef's choice of appropriate Side Dishes. (Some items may be modifed based on product availability)

Happy St Patrick's Day

Add on a Dessert of the week: Add on a Dessert of the week: Irish Trifle (3 each) $2.50

St Patrick’s Irish Beef & Guinness Stew

Slow Braised Beef with Aromatic Vegetables | Colcannon (Whipped potatoes, bacon & Cabbage) | Irish Soda Bread | Leek & Potato Soup Cheesy Shepherd's Pie Saucy Ground Beef with Peas and Corn topped with Cheddar & Bacon whipped Potatoes | Irish Soda Bread | Veggies | Leek & Potato Soup Catered Affairs Chinese Take Out Sweet & Sour Chicken balls | Beef & Vegetable Stir Fry | Garlic Fried Rice | Pork Egg Rolls (1per person) Plum Sauce | Wonton Soup Green Thai Pork & Coconut Curry (D/F) or Tofu (Vegan) CIlantro Jasmine rice | Asian Rice Noodle Salad | Veg Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce | Wonton Soup

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Menu #105 Wed - Fri March 23-25 Butter Chicken or Tofu & Cauliflower (G/F) Boneless Chicken in Mildly Spiced Tomato Cream Sauce | Basmati Rice | Housemade Samosas & Cilantro Chutney | Chef's choice of veggies | Naan Bread | Salad Fish & Chips Beer Battered Cod | Hand Cut English Style Fries | Tartar Sauce | Slaw | Mushy Peas | Veggies | Salad General Tso’s Chicken Sweet n Spicy Chicken | Egg & Garlic Fried Rice | Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry | Egg Rolls with Plum Sauce | Wonton Soup Bacon Wrapped Salisbury Steak Bacon Wrapped Beef Patties in savory Gravy with Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms | Mashed potatoes | Vegetables | Salad Branch Reunion BBQ Takeout Available Sunday March 27 Pick up Hot 4.30 - 6pm $45 meal for 2 $85 meal for 4 Dinner For 4: One Pound Branch BBQ Brisket & BBQ Sauce | Brined and Grilled Half Chicken & Chimichurri | Herb-roasted potatoes with Sundried Tomato Aioli | Cider Slaw | Cornbread

Passed away peacefully, on March 2, 2022 at 86 years of age. Beloved wife of 67 years to Joseph. Cherished mother of Aline Wright (Jim), Joseph, and the late Suzanne (1974). Adored grandma of Kristel, Dawn, Nicole, Jay, Caitlynn, Mandi, Meaghan, Jessica, Jordan and Mikayla. Dear great-grandmother of Evan, Avery, Aria, Alivia, Ashley, Hailey, Shelbey, Hunter, Nigel, Kahlen, Kamryn, Dakota, Haiden, Holden, Hadleigh, and Jaxon. Loving great-greatgrandmother of Aubrey and Emberleigh. Survived by her siblings Ray Vigneux (Gail), and Rita Austin (Frank), and sisters-in-law Debbie and Carol Vigneux. Predeceased by her parents Norman and Diane Vigneux, as well as her siblings Remy Vigneux, Richard Vigneux, Theresa Bowler, Ronald Vigneux, and Irene Isherwood. She will be sadly missed by many extended family members, nieces and nephews. May loved to sing and was a member of the Holy Name Church choir for many years and a member of the Life After 50 club. She will be sadly missed for her tourtière and the best sour cream apple pie. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Banwell Gardens for their compassionate care of mom. If you so desire, donations to the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of May’s Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor (519)969-5841.

Casseroles… Easy go to Meals or Stock Your Freezer $40 each Cabbage Rolls | Beef & Cheese Lasagna | Mac ‘n’ Cheese | Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Fuel prices reach record numbers by Brandon Mayer

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Drivers of gasoline and diesel vehicles saw a huge jump in the price of fuel in the past two weeks, with prices in the region hovering around the $1.82 - $1.88 per litre range locally for gasoline, and even higher for diesel. Unlike small, typical fluctuations in prices which most drivers are accustomed to, the current exorbitant prices hit hard and fast. These price increases are the kind that can cause real hardship for families. The popular website, “Gas Buddy”, which tracks regional gas price information and historical fuel price data, shows that in a span of just over a month, average gasoline prices in Canada soared from about $1.47 per litre to about $1.87 per liter. As an example, a family spending about $300 per

month on fuel in early February would be spending about $381 per month at today’s prices. For families living within tight budgets, the question of where to get the extra money can be a tough one. No region should consider itself “lucky” to be paying current fuel prices, but there are many regions of Canada paying significantly more for gas than North Grenville residents. Some parts of the west coast, including Vancouver, are seeing prices in excess of $2.08 per litre. Even travelling to the nearby city of Kingston and the surrounding area results in fuel prices about 10 cents per litre more than what one would expect to pay in the Kemptville area. What is causing these price increases? While there are likely several factors at play, the most significant appears to be the current war between Russia and Ukraine.

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Russia is the largest exporter 20 cent per litre off the price of oil in the world, and the at the pumps. Fuel prices are value of gas has therefore unlikely to return to previous been impacted by both bans averages any time soon, as on importing Russian oil in the war in Ukraine continues some countries, as well as the to rage on. increased risk of importing Locally, it is likely that Russian oil for those countries gas station owners will see still using it. Even Canadian an increase in fuel thefts families who are financially from their businesses as desstruggling the hardest can ap- perate people struggle with preciate that things could be the choice of stealing gas to worse, and it is significantly get to work. Canada’s 2022 less perilous to be paying Food Price Report predicted more at the pumps than to be an increase in thefts from watching one’s country and grocery stores this year due to family destroyed by invasion. rising food costs, and there is The federal carbon tax in- no reason to expect different troduced by Justin Trudeau’s trends for those struggling to government has also been pay for gas. Current fuel price partially blamed for rising information can be found at fuel costs, with many calling https://www.gasbuddy.com/. for the tax to be lifted, even if just temporarily, to provide relief for struggling families. Some countries have lowered their share of the gas tax already. In Ireland, for example, Ad Size:10.25" the government have taken

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March 16, 2022