175 Years to Celebrate!
"Proudly serving our Community"
Dan Pettigrew Owner & friendly neighbour
T: 613.774.1958
Dan.Pettigrew@sobeys.com foodland.ca
12015 Main Street
Winchester, ON
by Heather Stewart
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church on Prescott Street is celebrating in a big way this year! Since 1851 the beautiful stone edifice has stood strong for the families of Kemptville and surrounding rural areas. Many celebrations are now planned
for all to take part, commemorate, and have fun. All families in Kemptville and beyond are invited to join us for the festivities.
The first of four main events is the "Lord of Glory" Easter Cantata on Palm Sunday, March 29, beginning at 10:30 am. This wonderful per-
formance of 6 Choir Anthems depicting the story of Easter should not be missed. A very special service of Anniversary Celebrations will be held on Sunday, September 27 at 10:30 am followed by a luncheon. All are welcome. In anticipation, a Choral Festival of Com-
munity Choirs will be presented on October 25 at 3 pm in our sanctuary. Open to all. For a very meaningful Christmas season, the choir will present at 10:30 am on December 20, the lovely Christmas Cantata, "The Promise of a King", bringing to musical life the story of Jesus' birth. We invite you to share this with us.
Other highlights include a congregational Hungarian cabbage roll Mission Luncheon on April 12 at 12 noon, a public Workshop of "Family Stories over the Years" by Janet Stark at 1 pm on September 20, and another public Workshop for "Tips for Digging Family Roots," and "Having Your Stories Told" by Janet at 1pm on October 18 - both in our Church Hall.
The Fellowship & Social Group also includes a continued amalgamation of 175 years of our church families' photos for PowerPoint slide presentation, a congregational March Pancake Luncheon, a June congregational Strawberry Social and a 2026 175th Anniversary Year amalgamation of individual memories and meaning in St. Paul's.
Many families of old, and of those who have
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moved away, will be personally invited to return to share the events of this special year with us. Pease check your local Community Events in NG Times for updates. Any questions, please dial 613 8045132
In its 175 years of witness and service, St. Paul's has greatly focused on missionary work, spearheaded by the Women's Missionary Society and the Mission Committee. It has also been strong in delivering Christian Education, an Active Youth Group, and an enthusiastic Choir. It is not merely a congregation of members, but a family together in spiritual support, as many activities and events are shared throughout the year.
"Anniversaries are occasions for looking back and looking forward. The St. Paul's congregation looks back in gratitude to God and to the vision and courage, the commitment and sacrifice of ministers, elders and people who have served it. It also looks forward in faith and with hope and love, building upon the past, and beginning a new chapter in its story."
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church is proud to have its own History Souvenir books of 140th and 150th Anniversaries found in our Church Library. We continue with memories on-line at www.stpaulskemptville.ca and on Facebook: St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Kemptville.
Easter BrunchSunday
Buffet Menu
COLD TABLE
Lions Club March draw
by Willy Heidebrecht
Once more a hand reached into the drum to find a lucky winner. Thank you Dan MacKinnon. And the winner of a $2300 vacation trip is Graham Amey. Assisting from a distance are Lions Rafa Sanchez, Gerald Christie, Bill Neil, Robert Sentner and Robert Stevenson.
Assorted Salads, Cold Meats, Salmon, Buns, Pretzels
A LA CARTE COOK STATION
Panncakes, Omelette's, Eggs (Your Way), Eggs Benny
HOT TABLE
Classic Linden Leaf Schnitzel & Bratwusrt Sausages, Spatzel, Red Cabbage, Bacon, Beef Brisket, Soup, Home Fries
DESSERT TABLE
Many homemade cakes, squares & freshley baked pastries
Adults $45 12 and under $12 www.lindenleafrestaurant.com
2110 county Rd 20 Oxford Station 343.961.5065
The winners get the notoriety, but we do not, and cannot, see the ones that benefit from
the funds raised by this raffle. As times get more difficult, we at the Lions Club need your support in making it possible to provide some assistance. This lottery provides $17,690.00 in support to
ten charities. The community is the real winner and we thank every ticket holder for your support. If you are someone that enjoys serving the community and is looking for an opportunity to do that here in Kemptville, please consider the Kemptville Lions Club. For more information email: kemptvillelionsclub@gmail.com or call Lion Alan at (613) 4069976.
Ottawa's Masonry Repair & Restoration Specialists Chimneys - Brick - Stone info@csbw.ca / www.Ottawa-Masonry.ca 613.882.8856
Mayor’s Address 2026: Setting the Course for What’s Next
What’s ahead for North Grenville and how do today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s opportunities?
The Municipality of North Grenville, in partnership with the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Kemptville BIA, invites you to the 2026 Mayor’s Address on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 PM at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
This annual event brings together business leaders, community partners, and municipal decisionmakers for an evening focused on progress, priorities, and
the work underway to support a strong local economy.
Emceed by local business leaders William Pearl and Tina Murray, the evening will celebrate the achievements of North Grenville’s business community, recognizing milestone anniversaries, new ventures, and the people driving local success.
Mayor Nancy Peckford will deliver a keynote address outlining the municipality’s current direction, including insights into the 2026 municipal budget and the investments and initiatives shaping the year ahead. Topics will include infrastructure planning, eco-
nomic development, housing, and expanding recreational and community amenities that support business growth and quality of life.
Guests will also have the opportunity to connect with members of Council, municipal staff, and fellow business and community leaders. Admission is free. Registration is required as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided.
Date: Thursday, March 26, 20266:00pm
Address: Municipality of North Grenville, 285 County Rd #44, Kemptville.
Onset of Ticks
“Questing tick” (photo from envirobites.org)
by Aleta Karstad –Fragile Inheritance Natural History
As I write this, our landscape is still white after the storm of Friday, March 13; but, according to the calendar, it’s “Tick Time”! From March until midsummer, and then again
from September until snow-free days in early December, we can expect the hard-shelled little bloodsuckers to climb onto the tips of grasses and twigs each morning to begin their day of “questing.” They do this with their forelegs spread high to catch onto the fur,
fabric, or skin of passing mammals.
Last summer was so dry in eastern Ontario that Fred and I sailed right through autumn without seeing a single tick of either common species, which brings us to wonder if the entire tick population might have been severely knocked back by the drought, and how long it will take for their numbers to recover….. we shall see!
Our “common species” in eastern Ontario used to be only Dog Ticks, which do not transmit diseases to humans. Remember when we went carefree through the warm seasons wearing shorts and even rolling in the grass? That was not so long ago! We’re still “safe” from Blacklegged Ticks in northern Ontario and Quebec… for now… but they’re moving north with milder winters, carrying “tickborne diseases.”
WHAT CAN WE DO to keep from being paranoid about moving freely outside, restricting our children and pets to short
grass and pavement? By learning as much about “the enemy” as we can: which ticks are dangerous, when and where they hang out in quest for blood meals, what to wear outdoors to keep safe and confident in “ticky” places, how we can reduce tick populations where we live and play, how to safely remove a tick, and how to avoid being infected long-term by the “stealth” bacteria carried by most Black-legged (Deer) Ticks.
You can learn all this by finding our “Tick Table” at the Sustainability Fair on Sunday, April 26 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, where Dr Shawn Yakimovich of
Kemptville Naturopathic Clinic and myself will be holding forth on tickborne diseases, treatment of Chronic Lyme, and displaying educational material of all kinds as well as tick-repellent clothing and a clever way of getting your neighbourhood mice to treat their nests, interrupting the life-cycle of local ticks! You can also ask me about “Ghost Moose.”
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Editorial by David Shanahan
We live in a very strange time, when nations go to war for no reason, thousands of civilians are killed, for no reason, and the world’s economy is thrown into chaos, again, for no reason. One wonders how one moron can throw everything into such a horrible disastrous, unnecessary mess on what seems like a personal whim. Astonishing. We normally expect our political leaders to show some intelligent judgment, consideration and calculation in decisionmaking, and some awareness of how their decisions will affect people and events in the future.
Here in Canada, we can take some pride in the fact that we appear to be blessed with fairly logical and intelligent political leaders, although their followers may not share those same traits. But, now and again,
we hear of things being discussed in the corridors of power that leave us baffled and disturbed. A few things come to mind. One is the proposed High-Speed Rail [HSR] project that is being touted as part of the federal government’s infrastructure development plans. You will read something of the possible negative effects of the HSR routes elsewhere in this issue of the Times. It raises the question: if technological advances allow us to do certain things, do we really have to do them? Just because we split the atom, did we have to build nuclear weapons? Sadly, the history of the human race indicates that we simply cannot resist making the worst of the best ideas we come up with.
One possible and very nasty piece of legislation that, fortunately, died on the order paper with the last federal election dealt with the issue of Residential Schools. After the hysteria caused by claims of
Letters to the editor
Dear Editor,
Last evening, Friday, March 13 at the United Church in Kemptville, The Troubadour Musical Group entertained all those people who wish to be Irish, and the rest of us who are of Irish Heritage to a Standing Ovation evening.
The choruses to the Irish songs were shown on the overheads so everyone could sing along and sing along we did! Doug Hendry graciously offered a short background education as to the composers’ reason for composing each song.
My heritage hails from the Republic of Ireland, the land of poets and playwrights. My father’s mother was a Wall, my family name is Byrne, which would have been O’Byrne had the family stayed in Ireland. My mother’s family is Brennan, her mother was Foley. My mother gave birth to 10 children, 4 born in a fishing village, Harriott, 1 born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and 5 born in Halifax Nova Scotia. When my
hundreds of hidden graves being found at the old Kamloops Indian Residential School (no graves have been found, in fact), the Government introduced a number of measures to repair relations with Canada’s Indigenous peoples, something long overdue. A Bill was introduced in Parliament that would have made it a criminal offense, punished by jail time, for anyone to raise doubts about the “genocide” that took place in those institutions. Aside from not providing a definition of “genocide”, the Bill would have made any research into the situation at the schools impossible. No historian, academic, or researcher would have been legally allowed to indicate differences in the experience of children over time in different schools, for example.
To even question whether children had been unlawfully murdered in large numbers would have been
an offense. This would not have helped anyone to find the truth, much less achieve reconciliation. Fortunately, the Bill died on the agenda before it could become law.
Now there is another Bill before the House, Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act. The original intention was to strengthen the Criminal Code to act against hate speech, or other acts that would spread fear, intimidation, or acts of hatred against identifiable groups. No-one can object to those aims, but a further review of the Bill, following consultations with the Quebec Government, added a clause that would repeal the defence based on the expression of opinions on religious subjects or texts in relation to the offences of wilful promotion of hatred or antisemitism. In other words, Charter protection of freedom of speech or religion might no longer be protected.
tempts to have religious organisations banned from taking part if municipallyfunded events, such as Canada Day. Should Bill C-9 be enacted, that kind of challenge could mean an end to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and make various groups, churches, organisations, even political parties, open to criminal charges by those they disagree with.
613-215-0735 ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca
parents left Newfoundland, it was still a British Colony. In 1949 it became a province of Canada. At that time, Catholic babies were born in Halifax Infirmary, and the non-catholic babies were born at The Grace Maternity Hospital. By the time I gave birth in 1980 and 1983, both our children were born at the Grace Maternity. Happy Easter. Josephine Herman
Dear Editor, Democracy dies in darkness. What information should be kept secret or confidential by governments? Clearly there are things that need to be kept from public view for reasons of national security, but the guiding principle should be for more openness and transparency, not less.
Doug Ford is proposing to retroactively change the law to exempt himself, cabinet ministers, parliamentary assistants and their offices from Freedom of Information requests. The same Doug Ford who's
tied up in the Greenbelt scandal and the Skills Development Fund scandal which journalists learnt about largely through FOI requests.
Frankly, this proposal stinks to high heaven and is exactly the type of move someone trying to funnel public funds to their donors would take. Let's not forget that there is an ongoing criminal investigation into the Greenbelt scandal.
Politicians work for the public and they spend public funds on our behalf. The electorate has a fundamental right to see where our money is going and the decision making processes behind the allocation of funds.
Steve Gabell Kemptville
We have had the experience in this community where individuals decided that certain religious groups held beliefs that promoted hatred based on their scriptures. The fact that this was not the case, didn’t prevent official complaints and at-
That may seem an exaggerated response to a piece of legislation that has not yet been passed, but it is a view shared by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, among many other groups concerned with the impact on Canadian civil rights guaranteed under the Charter. We’ve seen people try to impose their views on others in this community, and this legislation would only make that more likely. The fools on the Hill need to think about the possible implications before they rush ahead with laws that would make it possibly illegal to publish articles such as the one in this issue discussing Christian history. Authoritarianism, as we have seen, can take over remarkably quickly, given the right environment.
Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
cfo@ngtimes.ca
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
All the good times are all gone...
by Peter Johnson, Upper Oxford Mills
It's the Ides of March. Is this the best time of year for a Caesarean prediction? I'd tell Julius to watch his back, but it's a couple of centurions too late. So, here's a predilection regarding a modern Caesar.
Have you noticed the plethora of notices stating that the teaching federations in Ontario want to begin negotiations early. There are many obstacles to this. The biggest is Doug Ford...now being referred to a 'Lord Ford' in some corners of the Web. Simply put, the Premier, who as an oligarch, pulls all the strings in his government, will not allow his negotiators to sit down early. When they are finally sitting across from each other, whatever the federations propose: food for students, oxygen for students, health care for students, pa-
Op-ed
per, pencils, water, etc...no matter how basic, all will be rejected.
The strategy here is to get the teachers to walk out. Work to rule first, then go on strike. It's called The Mike Harris Blueprint. His plan was to frustrate the teachers so much that they did something that had never happened before in North America: more than 126,000 teachers went on strike against the government's educational cutbacks. That was the largest strike of any kind in the history of North America. It takes a lot to upset teachers, but it was something Harris planned to perfection.
For many elementary teachers, it was the first time that they'd walked a picket line. They walked for 10 teaching days. Mr. Harris was likely ecstatic. It cost every teacher more than half a month's salary.
And Mr. Harris went on to make further cuts to health care in addition to cutting education to the bone.
The results can still be seen in hospital wait times and children with no access to one-on-one help in schools. 'The Common Sense Revolution' had no common sense and it was more revulsion than revolution.
The Conservatives love a good fight with teachers. Why? Teachers refuse to vote Conservative. And so, when 'Lord Ford' asks, 'What would Mike do?', he'll follow the blueprint: no real negotiations, no meaningful talks, lots of government propaganda about how insincere and unreasonable the teacher's demands are...all paid for by the tax payers of Ontario. The federations will call for work-to-rule. This will have no effect on the
The Breakfast Champions hold a picnic in a field of stalled tractors
by Chris Turnbull
Some good news is that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has appealed the adoption of the Agricultural Area Review (AAR) results at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). You'll remember that the County Council voted to support the results of the AAR, conducted as part of the County Official Plan process, on January 22. This would have changed the agricultural designation of the Campus lands to "rural lands", which enables some settlement uses. The lands remain designated Agricultural, for now. From what I understand, no activity related to the proposed Sportsdome should occur on those lands, as result of the appeal. Whether it is all the lands affected by the AAR in the region, or some of them, should be clear soon enough. Why was it appealed? The decision contravened policies outlined under Agriculture in Ontario's Provincial Policy (2024). The Planners at County advised against adopting elements of the AAR, for that reason. Take a look at the AAR map, online. You'll see what was removed, and when, and the extent and focus, by using the layers option.
An agricultural system outclasses a Sportsdome because the agricultural
system can produce food, contribute to biodiversity, offset carbon (forests), and also offer educational opportunities. It has longevity. The Campus is publicly owned. The FFC is too, as well as containing Crown land. The FFC has a tree nursery, and its format was actually a result of the experimentation at the Kemptville Agricultural College, once upon. The former College's, or current Campus', proximity to Kemptville and related surrounding areas is opportune: it can still showcase agricultural innovation through education and community expertise, as well as provide recreational outlets via its trail system. Overall, it also supports significant biodiversity. It could, with good management, function as a model in this region.
Will there be a community consultation for the Campus Master Plan (its 5 year term must be up by now)? Why is the AGM not public? What is the Campus' underlying organizational structure? When one reads along the webpage for the Kemptville Campus, one eventually gets to what it is:
“The operation and maintenance of the renewed Kemptville Campus is through a wholly-owned not-for-profit corporation, which operates at arm's length from
talks. Finally, with the only option left, the teaches will go out on strike, and the Queen's Park Oligarch will use more tax payers' money to produce lots of ads that will tell us that despite his best intentions, the teachers have sabotaged all bargain ing.
After a while, the teach ers will return to the class rooms - legislated back. They will have to take what the arbi-traitors forced upon them. Long term? We've been seeing those results for quite a while...more and more educators leaving the profession. They do not want any part of this onesided/lob-sided process. Caesar and his advisors will have a victory celebration. But the biggest losers? Yep, you got it...our children. Where are Brutus and Cas sius when we need them?
the Municipality. The mandate for the not-forprofit is to develop the Campus as a multi-tenant site with a mission to serve not just the community, but eastern Ontario, in ways that promote innovation and business incubation, that sustain and grow opportunities for agricultural education and advance health and wellness.”
There are a lot of agriculturally based possibilities: how about the Living Labs for agriculture. There's Sustainable Farming examples, UBC and Guelph have well known focuses. Ontario Organic and organizations like Farmland Trust can talk about soil regeneration and biodiversity. There are farm stewardship programs…there are youth agricultural networks and businesses…. there are community experts, oh, there's the Experimental Farm….
The Sportsdome costing, in the draft Budget details, is in Appendix B: Capital Costs, Parks, Rec and Culture, Unbudgeted Projects. The cost is $17,000,000. I'm sure there's a breakdown of what the expenses consist of. It was passed March 3 at Council. There is an expansion to the initial build. Curious and curiouser.
According to the Draft Budget Survey (Jan.,
2026), a Sportsdome was not a priority. 29% wanted environmental initiatives, public transportation, local business and eco nomic development, and community programs and events. 22% wanted roads and infrastructure im provements. 19% wanted parks and trails and rec reation spaces. The other categories made up the rest. The draft Budget survey came with some fulsome comments, and, of recreational space, the pool remains a focus for additional recreational indoor space. It seems to me that a Sportsdome, on a currently unserviced agricultural field at the "campus lands", causes problems for roads and infrastructure, doesn't contribute anything to biodiversity or environment, and should be discussed at an all-of-North Grenville public forum, rather than by a few at at Breakfast event.
My concern continues to be related to a blatant lack of transparency regarding the Sportsdome and the Campus. Perhaps the Municipality could put their $17 million toward the goals of the Master Plan at the Campus/Agricultural College. Once the MOU is finally past its extensions, and is completed, that is.
Op-Ed: Investing in Community and Recreation in North Grenville?
by Mayor Nancy Peckford
Over the past several months, our community has been talking about the Municipality's proposed multi-use Indoor Sports Dome at the Kemptville Campus. I have appreciated the thoughtful questions, the passion, and the pride residents bring to conversations about our shared future.
Recreation facilities are more than buildings and fields. They are where children learn teamwork, families gather, volunteers grow strong organizations,
and neighbours connect. That is why these conversations matter. The idea of an Indoor Sports Dome builds on years of community feedback, planning, and the Municipality’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan, which clearly identified a growing need for indoor recreation space and flexible facilities to support activities for all ages.
Anyone involved in local sports and recreation knows the challenge: indoor space is limited, especially in winter. Many families and teams travel outside North Grenville
simply because we do not have enough facilities. A multi-use dome could start to close that gap. Dome structures are cost effective. Across Ontario, they provide flexible space for soccer, football, pickleball, walking programs, youth programs, and community events, all without the expense of a traditional recreation complex.
At this stage, Council has directed staff to explore the concept, pursue potential funding opportunities, develop detailed designs for the proposed facility, and gather the facts about
Council Adopts Budget
Tax Rate Increase
the potential usage and collaboration with so many different organizations. Community input will remain central throughout this process.
To date, we have received over 230 letters of support, including 30 local organizations, as well as four school boards, plus our local OPP and Kemptville District Hospital who see the immense benefit of increasing recreations options. We also have a team of over 50 Community Champions representing a broad range of recreational and community groups who gather for quarterly meetings to review project updates and provide feedback as we work toward a draft design for community input.
As this conversation continues, I encourage residents to keep sharing their perspectives as we consider the many ways recreation infrastructure contributes to a healthy and connected community. It supports physical and mental health, youth development, social connection, and local eco-
nomic activity. It helps to ensure families in North Grenville have access to opportunities that many in larger urban centres take for granted.
One question that has come up is the use of approximately ten acres at the Kemptville Campus. Some residents have raised concerns about whether land currently used for agricultural should be utilized. Agriculture is an important part of North Grenville’s history, economy, and identity, and those perspectives need to be part of the discussion. It is worth noting that this parcel is part of a roughly sixty-acre property leased by a third party who would continue farming the remaining fifty acres. The land under discussion is adjacent to existing recreation infrastructure. The detailed design and site prep where geotechnical and related evaluations will be undertaken to ensure that there are no negative impacts on adjacent lands.
Across growing communities, it is common for lands at the edge of settle-
ment areas to gradually support schools, parks, and community facilities. Planning thoughtfully for that transition is part of responsible municipal stewardship.
Council’s role is to weigh long-term needs, evaluate timing and consider public input to make decisions in the best interest of residents and local businesses.
Projects like this are not just about a building; they are about the kind of community we want to be and the opportunities we want to create for the next generation. Continue to stay engaged, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
Visit the project page at www.northgrenville.ca/ dome to learn more about the proposed sports dome, including responses to frequently asked questions. Whether your passion is sports, the arts, the land we live on, or simply the people around you, every perspective matters.
North Grenville's Council has approved the Municipality's 2026 Budget, lowering the proposed municipal tax rate increase to 1.9% (from 3.1%) while advancing a robust capital investment program supporting roads, recreation, housing, public safety, and community organizations. A municipal residential tax rate increase of 1.9% represents approximately $39 annually on a home assessed at $300,000.
The municipal portion of the 2026 budget is funded not just through taxation, but also reserves, development charges, provincial and federal grants, user fees, and other sources. The combined Counties, school board, and municipality taxes in 2026 contribute to an overall tax rate increase of under 2%.
"This budget is about continuing to foster a quality of life that makes North Grenville such a special place to live” says
Mayor Nancy Peckford.
“Whether you're a young family moving into a new neighbourhood, a senior seeking recreational options and community connections, or a business investing in our future, this budget works for you. We've always been careful with public dollars, and that discipline is paying off."
"North Grenville residents can feel confident that their tax dollars are being deployed responsibly," said CAO Karen Dunlop. "A modest rate increase, and a strong capital program mean we are investing in real priorities - roads, recreation, housing, and community services."
Over 270 residents and business owners responded to the Municipality's public budget survey, with additional input gathered through several public consultation sessions.
These engagements helped Council and staff identify priorities and
translate them into concrete spending decisions.
North Grenville enters 2026 from a position of financial strength, with municipal reserves significantly above the threshold that the province uses to define a healthy, resilient municipality that can address future infrastructure needs without placing undue burden on taxpayers.
Council also approved long-awaited exterior renovations to the historic Oxford Mills Township Hall, which has a federal heritage designation, preserving an important public building that is over 150 yrs old. The Bell Hall project at Kemptville Campus continues to advance, with North Grenville's five million dollar investment helping leverage an additional seventeen million in external funding to convert the building into sixty affordable residential units for seniors and residents.
The capital program also includes renova-
tions to the North Grenville Municipal Centre, a very busy 20 yr old facility, which has its own dedicated reserve fund, to support the long-term functionality and accessibility of the facility.
Council also adopted the 2026 Water and Wastewater Budget, with a zero percent rate increase for users of the system. However, North Grenville has launched a multi-year expansion and modernization of its 30yr old Wastewater Treatment Centre, which will soon move into phase 2. Remarkably, to date, the Municipality has received a total funding commitment from the Government of Ontario of just over forty-eight million dollars to support these upgrades. Water and wastewater services are funded exclusively through user fees and have no impact on the municipal tax rate.
"As a dynamic community that brings together families who have been
here for generations, and newcomers looking for a compelling small-town experience, we recognize that the municipal budget is key to enhancing a quality of life that we all deserve- young or oldwhile also being fiscally prudent. At a1.9 percent rate increase, one of the lowest in the region, I thank Council colleagues and staff for helping us to find that balance," highlighted Mayor Peckford.
For the full breakdown of 2026 budget investments and projects, visit www.northgrenville. ca/budget.
Opposition grows to the proposed Alto High-Speed Rail Development
by David Shanahan
The federal Government has announced plans to build a highspeed rail line linking Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto at speeds of 300kph, one of the major infrastructure projects proposed by the government recently. However, the two routes which are being considered for the rail line have raised serious concerns and opposition among municipalities, farming organisations, and opposition politicians.
The Crown Corporation established to build the 1,000 km HSR is estimated to cost around $90 billion, and the routes put forward for
the Eastern Ontario line between Ottawa and Peterborough are the one of the main issues in dispute. The proposal is for either a northern route running along the Highway 7 corridor, and a southern route which would cut through several rural municipalities, and could possibly, depending on a final route, impact North Grenville also.
The impact on agri-
cultural lands was underlined by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and l'Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), who called for “an immediate suspension of the high-speed rail project in pursuit of a cautious, transparent approach”. The two organisations point out that the proposed line cuts through some of the best agricultural land in On-
tario, and risks destroying generations of work by farming families affected by the route.
Michael Barrett, Member of Parliament for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands-Rideau Lakes, released a statement regarding the federal government’s proposed high-speed rail project:
“The federal government’s Alto high-speed
rail is a $90-billion project that would cause permanent damage to homes, farms, small businesses, the environment, and historic sites in our community. It would sever local roads and impact emergency response times, while harming the ecologically sensitive Frontenac Arch Biosphere and the historic Rideau Canal.” He believes it to be unconscionable for farmland to be expropriated from families who have cared for the land for generations.
“For someone to be told that their property is going to be taken away from them for infrastructure that they will never use and cannot afford to pay for is not the kind of thing that brings Canadians together, and it’s not the kind of project I can support.”
Local MPP Steve Clark also issued a statement opposing the projected route. "I have heard from residents in the communities I represent who would be directly affected by the pro-
posed southern route for the Alto high-speed rail project. I share their serious concerns about the harm it would cause to property owners, farms, sensitive environmental habitat, world-renowned heritage areas, and emergency service response. At the same time, proponents have not demonstrated what tangible benefits this route would bring to our region.” He urged government to find an alternative route for the HSR.
Municipalities have also stated their objections to the HSR routes, arguing, in the case of the City of Kingston and South Frontenac Township, that the 401 corridor be used for the route, which would have a far less destructive impact on farmland.
Opposition to the proposed routes is growing, and the decision regarding which version of the plan will go ahead is expected to be made by the end of this year.
Official Alto plan of possible routes for the HSR.
73's run the table with three wins
zeus mbarushimana during 15 zip blitz over pembroke lumber kings friday evening visit.
by
G.J. the sportsguy
Kemptville rolled into Ottawa for a meeting with the Ottawa Junior Senators on Wednesday evening to post a sixth SO for Rylan Donovan with a 5 to 0 win. The 73's dominated the initial twenty with their speed, resilience and heavy forecheck to control the half wall. Lucas Achim stormed the line to put it past Nicholas Morvan at 8:24. Anthony D'Arienzo combined his magic with Darius Nichols on to the wand of Jay Zeus Mbarushimana to rip it between the pegs at 15:54.
The flood continued in the second, with a 5 on 4 from Lucas Achim with Jacob Kulas on his horse to Travis Ouellette PPG in the lane at 12:59. Rylan Donovan's quick wit transitioned on to the tape of Brody Clookey on the doorstep at 13:54 to keep the floodgates relevant. A constant stream-
ing to the sin bin opened the last frame until Ottawa. short a man, when Jacob Kulas PPG marked his second with helpers from Lucas Achim with Nicholas Voisey at 14:59 to negate the floodwater. Kemptville outshot Ottawa by 27 to 20 with 2/3 PP to 0/6 PP.
A rematch with the Pembroke Lumber Kings Friday night on home ice was a devastating blowout with 15-zip victory and seventh SO for Rylan Donovan. The first frame was a vicious affair with the slab being kept warm until 6:59 when Case Hennessy held the line with Lucas Achim to Travis Ouellette PPG through Jack Ferguson to start the bloodbath for Kemptville's game winner. Another man advantage at 8:37, when Case Hennessy dished to Zachary Venance who finished the plating for the insurance. Will Mul-
lins to Eric Sweetapple to Travis Ouellette to hammer it home at 16:42 for his second. William St. James deposited the loose change after Lucas Achim with Jay Zeus Mbarushimana claimed the zone at 18:53.
If you were late to return after first intermission, you were not privy to extra man attack from Case Hennessy smooth slip to Will Mullins cycled with Gavin McDougall PPG in the rocking chair in less than a minute at :15. Eric Sweetapple quickly transitioned with Anthony D'Arienzo to Darius Nichols on the flank at 1:28.
William St. James sniped his second with assists from Lucas Achim with Zachary Venance to chase Jack Ferguson at 2:15. Carter Zomers under attack with Nicholas Voisey off the wall to Zachary Venance PPG counted
NG Curling Club News
his second at 6:43. Will Mullins tic-tac-toe from Zachary Venance to Jacob Kulas at 9:38. William St. James danced through the neutral zone waltzing with Darius Nichols to Anthony D'Arienzo in the triangle at 10:20. Without exception, the most celebrated marker was at 18:05 when Margon Henderson notched his first goal with the helpers from Anthony D'Arienzo and Jay Zeus Mbarushimana.
A PPG in the last twenty miler from Owen Redmond with Will Mullins reversing to Eric Sweetapple at 3:45. Will Mullins on high cycle allowed Case Hennessy to bury the spoils at 10:01. Lucas Achim combined with Jacob Kulas to Zachary Venance to pull the trigger at 11:07. Jacob Kulas dropped it back to Nicholas Voisey and the Rowdyman Owen Redmond stenched the bleeding for the fifteenth goal at 16:23. Kemptville peppered Pembroke 55 to 14 with 5/8 PP to 0/5 PP.
Final meeting into Nepean to face the Raiders for Sunday matinee to wrap up the year was as predicted a one sided romp with a 3 to 0 win and a fourth SO for Keegan Carswell. Kemptville had an extra man in the first frame when Travis Ouellette PPG broke the ice with helpers from Jay Zeus Mbarushimana and Nicholas Voisey dumped one behind Brant Otsirakatste at 6:25 for the game win-
by Jim Dolan
John Boos Team are Ottawa Valley Senior Men’s Competitive Curling League Champions.
John Boos and his teammates Lester McInnis, Dave Kemp, Jim Dolan, and fifth Mark Payment are league champions of
the 2025/2026 forty-eight team Ottawa Valley Senior Men’s Curling League. The Boos team had 5 wins, 1 loss and a shootout loss for 11 points in the Trophy Division. Teams are awarded 1 point for a shootout loss.
NGCC’s Team skipped by Paul Cormier finished a
close second, with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses for 10 points. This marked the first time that two NGCC teams have finished in first and second place in the Trophy Division in the same season.
Teams that compete in the league are from eight
#27
different curling clubs in the Valley: Richmond, Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Perth, Almonte, Manotick, Huntley in Carp, and North Grenville in Kemptville.
The League’s season is divided into two sessions. In the first session, referred to as the regular season, the
Julien Davis
Nickname:Moose
Born: Tarzana, CAL, USA 3/17/2008
Position: Forward
Previous Team: Ajax Pickering
Hockey Hero:Jean Paul Davis
Most Inspiring Person: Karen Davis
Favourite Food:Pasta
Favourite Musician: George Michael
Favourite Sport (beside hockey): Soccer
Best Hockey Moment: Playing the Silver Stick
Life of 73’s: :Good so far
One Word that Describes Me: Gritty
ner. Nicholas Voisey commanded the line to Zachary Venance with Lucas Achim rifling on target for the insurance at 11:20. In the second salvo, the MOM line showed their dexterity when Will Mullins pushed off the wall to Travis Ouellette with Gavin McDougall ringing the bell at 11:36.
Kemptville failed to capitalize with three powerplays in the third as the Raiders collapsed their
48 teams are divided into 4 pools of 12 teams. At the completion of this session, the teams in each pool are ranked from first to 12th place, based on their total points earned in that session. Team Boos went 11-0 in the Stanley Division of the regular season and were also presented with a plaque for winning that division in the regular season. NGCC’s Paul Cormier’s team claimed first place in the Allan Division with a record of 10-1 and was also presented with a plaque.
For the playoff session, the top two teams in each of the regular season pools play in the eight team Trophy Division, the winner of that division is declared the league champion for the season. The rest of the teams based on their rankings in their regular season pools are assigned to the other five playoff divisions.
Winners of the other
zone to keep it scoreless. Kemptville with 36 SOG to Nepean 27 with 1/6 PP to 0/2 PP.
Next stop is a homestand Thursday evening for the playoffs. Remember your 73's are always in the market for families who wish to billet their imported players.
See you around the wall…Hockey with EDGE.
playoff divisions are:
The Given Division (teams ranked 3-4) Doug Cochrane from Carleton Place with a record of 7-0. The White Division (teams ranked 5-6) Jeff Jackson from Carleton Place with a record of 6-1.
The Wright Division (teams ranked 7-8) Steve Conlon from Almonte with a record of 5-1-1 (shootout loss) for 11 points. NGCC team skipped by Steve Dunne placed second with a record of 5-2 for 10 points.
The Niblock Division (teams ranked 9-10) Roy Mundt from Richmon with a record of 5-2. The BoothColeman Division (teams ranked 11-12) Jim Trussle from Manotick with a record of 6-1.
Awards and trophies were presented on March 4 to all winning teams at the annual year end Banquet held at the North Gower Community Centre.
Monkey off his back finally...Morgan henderson noted for notching assists, snipes his first goal with helpers from anthony d'arienzo with jay
: L-R: 5th Mark Payment, 2nd Dave Kemp, Lead Jim Dolan, Skip John Boos, Third Lester McInnis
Mayor Nancy Peckford
MAYOR’S ADDRESS
THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Join the Municipality of North Grenville, the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Kemptville BIA for the 2026 Mayor’s Address. The event will highlight key municipal updates, celebrate local business stories, and create space for community conversation.
The event will take place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
You can also participate online by with the livestream by visiting @northgrenville on Facebook and YouTube.
PROPERTY TAX COLLECTOR/PAYROLL COORDINATOR
Situated in the heart of Eastern Ontario’s cottage country, Tay Valley Township is a community of picturesque hamlets and historic homesteads with an abundance of shoreline on thirty-two lakes and located within a one-hour driving distance of both Ottawa and Kingston, it affords a n opportunity to combine urban and rural lifestyles. The Township offers a unique work environment for an individual wishing to partner with fellow employees in the delivery of municipal services to a population of over 11,000 (permanent and seasonal).
Reporting to the Treasurer, the Property Tax Collector and Payroll Coordinator will be responsible for managing tax billing and collection, payroll and benefits, as well as providing other services to support the functions and activities of the Finance Department.
The Township is seeking a motivated and results oriented individual to join our team with solid knowledge of municipal taxation and employment legislation and practices, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have ac quired post-secondary education and training in accounting or a related field of study have a valid driver’s license, have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in municipal property tax and assessment, as well as experience in payroll and benefits, using financial software cash handling and processing financial transactions Post-secondary school courses in payroll and benefits and completion of the Municipal Tax Administration Program (MTAP) would be considered an asset, as would municipal and accounting designations and experience with Diamond Great Plains and geographic information systems (GIS)
The full position mandate is available on the Township website at www.tayvalleytwp.ca. The salary range of $72,004 to $82 627 (2025 rates under review), for a 37.5 hour work week and a competitive benefit package makes this an attractive full-time permanent position for the right candidate.
Please submit a cover letter and resume no later than 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 in confidence to: Tay Valley Township Aaron Watt, Deputy Clerk 217 Harper Road, Perth, ON, K7H 3C6 or e-mail: deputyclerk@tayvalleytwp.ca
Situated
DEPUTY TREASURER
Reporting to the Treasurer, the Deputy Treasurer provides support in the performance of the
duties of the Treasurer and assumes all of the powers and duties of the Treasurer under the
Act, 2001 or any other provincial legislation as necessary and/or in the absence of the
with a focus on asset management as well as providing other services to support the functions and activit ies of the Finance Department.
The Township is seeking a motivated and results oriented individual to join our team with solid knowledge of accounting practices, municipal financial legislation and practices, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have acquired a post-secondary diploma in accounting or a related field of study have a valid driver’s license, have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an office environment and in financial/treasury positions in a private or public sector setting, as well as experience with asset management, budgeting, annual financial reporting, long-term financial planning, using financial software, and cash handling and processing financial transactions. Accounting (CPA) and municipal designations, post-secondary school courses in payroll and benefits courses and training in asset management, and completion of the Municipal Accounting and Finance Program and the Municipal Tax Administration Program (MTAP)
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building mines to unlock the critical minerals the world needs.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
Senior Times
March into Spring at Seniors' Community Services
by Jill Woodley
If there is anything we can count on in March, it is the warmth of the sun, a freezing rain shower or two, and the spotlight on Meals on Wheels.
Over the last several months, there have been some delicious changes to our menu, with a focus on homemade, local and fresh options. SCS has partnered with Timesavers in Kanata to provide fresh-to-frozen entrées. In keeping with our commitment to provide local and nutritious choices, SCS is now offering homemade soup from The
Village Bean Coffee House in Merrickville, along with desserts from Loughlin's Country Store in Hallville and Grahame's Bakery in Kemptville.
Thanks to support from Ontario Health, SCS is pleased to offer a three-course meal, entrée, soup and dessert, from March 5 to March 31 for just $6. This initiative is part of our approach to helping those who may face food insecurity.
Meals can be picked up at the Centre, or delivered right to your door by SCS volunteers, offering a little peace of mind
for you or a loved one. For more information, or to register as a client, please contact Lisa Caldwell at lisa. caldwell@seniorscs. ca, or call 613-2583203 ext. 25.
Looking to Join a Great Team? SCS is recruiting Volunteer Drivers.
SCS is currently looking for volunteer drivers to help provide transportation for seniors in our community. These rides help clients get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other important destinations. If you have some time to spare, you can make a real difference in someone's day. Drivers will be reimbursed for mileage each month. Our drivers often say the conversations and connections they make are the best part of volunteering.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer driver, please contact Jill Woodley at jill. woodley@seniorscs. ca or call 613-2583203 ext. 24.
If you've been thinking about visiting the Centre or joining some activities, it's time to spring into action! A game of cards, some Friday afternoon knitting with friends, a social lunch, or putting your pen to paper and joining the Scribbling Seniors. Just a few of the programs we have waiting for you.
Learn more at www.seniorscs.ca, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Drop in at 215 Sanders St. Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:00 pm. You are always welcome!
Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D. Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.
Common Sense Health
Could air travel be any worse?
by Diana Gifford-Jones
Air travel isn't what it used to be. "Getting there" is no longer half the fun. It's an exercise in survival. We've achieved incredible feats in aviation. Yet, somehow, we've lost our way when it comes to intercontinental travel.
Flying back to Toronto from Tokyo, I looked with envy at the business class seats as I shuffled with many other annoyed passengers to the back of the craft. Then, with everyone seated, an allergic reaction to something caused serious trouble for a flight crew member, delaying departure for two hours. We sat there at the gate, squished in, wishing, praying, we were somewhere else.
It's a conundrum. Because travelling is important. I'm convinced the world would be a better place if we all had more experience making friends in faraway places. For one thing, it's a lot harder to bomb, starve, or otherwise destroy the lives of people if you have shared time together and truly understand each other. Is there anything
reverse the dehumanizing trajectory of air travel?
Airlines might be more motivated, frankly, if more people were dying as a result of their service. But deaths on flights are rare – around 1 per 5 million passengers. Remarkably, I've been on an international flight where this happened. We made an emergency landing in Rome, resulting in an allnight international dispute about which country would be responsible for the deceased. Trust me, you don't want someone to die on your flight.
Maybe more of us almost dying would be the ticket. But I'm not sure, because we have already become our most indecent selves as it is. And the airlines don't seem to care. They jam us into impossibly cramped spaces. They serve horrendous food. I've seen flight attendants ignore people calling out for water, or mercy, in the rare moment they pass by. Aviation technology has made it easier to fly across the planet. But never have we all been more miserable doing it.
Physically, what happens to your body when you fly? Fluid builds up in the lower legs due to lack of movement, water retention from salty food, and lower cabin pressure. Dry cabin air causes dehydration. Jet lag disrupts sleep, digestion, and mood. Infections spread readily. Pressure in the ear and sinus cavities can be intense at take-off and landing.
It's all bad, but not bad enough to counter the economic forces driving efficiency considerations. Corporations crush social well-being, even as they pretend to care about it.
Passengers leave decent behaviours at the airport check-in curb. We cope by ignoring each other. We glue our eyes to screens. We get anxious and annoyed with every inconvenience. We don't acknowledge the person sitting right beside us as we recline our seat into the face of the person behind us.
My flight home was made worse by turbulence that prevented the crew from providing service. We eventually got a meal, but no drinks, pre-
cisely when a little alcohol might have eased the frustration.
On the bright side, research shows it is possible to offset unhealthy circumstances with healthy behaviours. For example, following up with exercise, healthy meals and hydration, and social time with friends can blunt the negative effects of long flights, drinking excessively, or missing sleep.
I have little hope flying is going to get any better. But if travel can increase empathy and broaden perspective, then perhaps that's why, despite cramped seats, lost luggage, and endless lines, millions of people keep boarding airplanes every day. Somewhere on the other side of the discomfort is the reward of discovering the world.
This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff. com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_ jones
The Food Corner
by Paul Cormier of Salamanders of Keptville
It's maple season again and the pails are hanging from the trees, even though Mother Nature is up to her usual tricks. As the thick golden syrup becomes available, we can turn to some traditional recipes, such as Maple Johnny Cake, published in 2023 in this column and today's recipe from our family's archives, Maple Cornbread.
Maple Cornbread
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons of softened butter
½ cup maple syrup
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 400F
Beat the butter, egg and maple syrup in a bowl
Add the buttermilk
Mix the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and add to the liquid mixture
Stir to moisten and pour into a greased 9X9 square pan
Bake for 25 minutes or until your cake tester comes out clean
Serve warm with butter and more maple syrup. This lovely cake begs for a nice cup of dark coffee or an English Breakfast tea.
Please stay in touch as always at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca
EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, March - 17, 31. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m. In case of a snow storm, euchre will be cancelled.
SPEED EUCHRE 10X10 Sunday, March 22. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m. 10x10 means you play 10 games with as many euchre hands as you can within 10 minutes per game, for unlimited points. Stick the dealer: if everyone passes, the dealer must call a trump suit. If you like to take your time when playing euchre, this version is not recommended. In case of a snow storm, speed euchre will be cancelled. For information, send an email to debiar@ymail.com
Rotary Club of Kemptville meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly at the Community Room, Grenville Mutual Insurance , 380 Colonnade Drive, 6.45 - 8 pm. Help serve the community and meet people with similar aims. North Grenville Photography Club
Meets from 7 - 9 PM on the 1st Wednesday of each month (Sept. - June) at Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colannade Dr., Kemptville. Welcoming photographers of all skill levels. Email contact@ngphotoclub.ca for more info.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONTHLY SUPPER at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155
YOUNGSTERS OF YORE
Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street. Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair. Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack after Ashley speaks and answers your questions. March 19th, 2026 - Victor Desroches- EV Cars March 26th, 2026 - Liz Angus, Local Author, Her Book " The Other Family" We welcome All Ages!
FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.
NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION
Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm) Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres. Everyone is welcome. Bring clean indoor shoes
FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. TUESDAY COMMUNITY HUB hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. MODERN SQUARE DANCING in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.
NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED
The NGMS provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coffee and conversation, and do projects that benefit the community. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30 to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West. (Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) : northgrenvillemensshed@gmail.com for more information.
KEMPTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church. NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans.Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?
JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE — a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers.
ACROSS
1. Shoestring 5. "Oh dear!"
9. Jerk
13. Weightlifters pump this 14. Wanderer 16. One of the Great Lakes 17. European volcano 18. Hag 19. Not difficult 20. Harmony 22. Followers
24. Any thing 26. Two 27. Unfavorable 30. Fancy 33. Freeloader
35. Place 37. Buddhist sect 38. Wept
41. "Eureka!"
42. Master of Ceremonies
45. Tension-causing stimulus
48. Area
51. Humorous illustration
52. Type of beer
54. Blessing
55. Related to elective officials
59. Kiss
62. At the peak of
63. Won't eat meat
65. Dugout shelter
66. Photos
67. Swelling
68. Dolt
69. Dull pain
70. Glimpse
71. Chops
DOWN
1. Prevaricates
2. Pretentious
3. Collusion
4. Decreed
5. Circle fragment
6. God
7. Evade
8. Detected
9. Most profound
10. By mouth
11. Ascend
12. Lock openers
15. Happen again
21. Parsley or sage
23. Frosts, as a cake
25. Millisecond
27. Carpenter's tool
28. Regards
29. Hearing organ
31. Timely
32. "Hurray!"
34. Poetic contraction
36. Mend
39. And more
40. Colorless
43. Overshadow
44. French for "State"
46. Anagram of "Sore"
47. Belly
49. Pointed arch
50. Ebb
53. Goes ballistic
55. Father
56. Ear-related
57. Scottish lake
58. Light source
60. Type of black bird
61. Children
64. No
First Spring Redwing Blackbird in Garden
Glancing out of my front door window very early this morning, I perchanced to see a very dark black looking bird feeding on the ground; so, curiosity aroused, I got hold of my camera to zoom in to see what I could see. My first thought was that it was a Redwing Blackbird, and on closer inspection through my camera lens, I was proved correct. My wife also had a look and confirmed my assessment. Of course, I didn't get my camera back straightaway, she had to take a couple of pictures for herself! That wasn't quite so easy now, because the bird had moved and was swaying about precariously in the strong wind in a lot higher tree across the road from us. This made for a much more difficult chance of getting anything worthwhile, picture-wise, so the camera just became a telescope to watch and see what was going to happen, or not! The latter proved to be the case, and the bird was last seen flying away from us towards the fields.
Yesterday, I did just catch in my camera a colourful House Finch, as it took off from a feeder that an equally colourful female Cardinal had decided was hers! Now, as the days get longer and warmer, is the time to be on the lookout for more exciting things to happen on your own feeders. Stay safe and well. Cheers, John Baldwin
Some of North Grenville's Birds of Prey - Owls
by Lynn Paibomesai, Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre
There are many species of Birds of Prey in the North Grenville area, the most famous being the Barred Owl that many people who walk in our lovely Ferguson Forest have seen. Typically, Barred Owls hunt at sunset and night, but may be seen during the day if they have been disturbed, in particular when other birds spot them and mob them. March is the time of year that they start to nest, in tree cavities or old hawks nests, so make to sure look up, or at tree cavities, when you are
Where’s the evidence?
by David Shanahan
I had a conversation recently with an atheist friend who wanted to know what evidence I had for God. When I suggested that his atheism was also a faith, he bristled, and said that not believing in something is not a faith thing. A lack of evidence for the non-existence of God he considered irrelevant to the discussion. Anyway, I made the mistake of getting into a debate about Intelligent Design, the Golden Mean, and other rather academic issues, forgetting that the greatest evidence for the existence of God is Jesus.
There is a claim which surfaces every now and then, which asserts that Jesus of Nazareth never actually existed; that he was a myth made up by people to legitimise their activities. It should be noted that histori-
ans do not make this claim, as the evidence for the historical reality of Jesus is convincing. The topic has been covered in previous articles [NG Times, January 16, 2025]. In short, the historical record, outside of the New Testament, contains enough references to Jesus and his life and death by non-Christian sources to refute any idea that he was not an actual figure in time and space. He was no myth. But why is he the evidence for the existence of God? I suppose one major factor is that he claimed to be the living incarnation of God, and proved it by the signs he showed during his lifetime, what we refer to as miracles, the greatest of which was his Resurrection. As we approach the Easter season, it seems a good time to review the accounts of that event, and see what (again) evidence exits to support the claim that
Jesus rose from the dead a few days after his crucifixion on what we call “Good” Friday.
Why is the Resurrection so important? Because, as mentioned, it is the supreme confirmation that what he claimed to be, he, in fact, really was. The Resurrection was not a simple resuscitation, nor was it a return to the life he had before his death. It was a new thing in history, without which Christianity could not have happened as it did. As Paul says openly and succinctly: “if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith”. [1 Corinthians 15.14] It is as simple as that.
The implications are many. If he rose again, he is not dead now. The millions of people who claim to have encountered the living Jesus through the two thousands years since then are not claiming some vague
A much smaller owl, you can hold it in one hand, the Northern Sawwhet Owl also lives in our area. One of its calls is a high squeal, so when it uses this call we know who-o-o-o it is!(Sorry, I couldn't resist.) I have had the good fortune of having the Barred Owl fly over me on the Link Trail. I didn't hear it, of course, owls having feathers on their wings that enable them to fly silently. Check out these websites for more information on the owls and to listen to their songs and calls: www.allabout-
walking on the Ferguson Forest trails. The Barred Owl's call brings to mind the phrase, "Who-o-o cooks for you-ou-ou." Their usual food is small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and sometimes fish.
Other Owls in our area are the Great Horned Owl, with prominent ear tufts, unlike the Barred Owl who has none. The Great Horned Owl will eat the eggs, the young, and sometimes the adult Barred Owl, as well as larger mammals and prey that may even be larger than them. Their song is the typical hooting of an owl.
feeling, but a life-changing experience of a different kind of life, something that makes a difference in everything about them. Yes, that does sound a bit “trippy” and super-spiritual, but the question the critics have to consider is this: what if it is true? Forget trying to disprove the existence of God: you can’t, any more than Christians can prove the existence of God by argument, etc..
If the Resurrection really happened, it throws a new light and credibility on everything Jesus said and did, and everything he claimed about himself. Surely, that is worth examining with an open mind? The evidence will be provided over the weeks leading up to Easter, which, I think, is appropriate.
birds.org and www.birdscanada.org.
Check out the Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre's website and learn about our volunteer organization, become a member, and get a 10% discount at the Ferguson Forest Centre's store. The Friends use the funds to help our volunteer trail tenders and to give Bursaries to the local High Schools for the support of students who are interested in pursuing further education in the Natural Environment. www.friendsofthefergusonforest.com.
NG Photography Club
Last Sunday in April is Pinhole Photography Day
In a time when most photos are taken and shared instantly, local resident Richard Tonge is choosing a slower approach. A member of the North Grenville Photography Club, Richard recently designed and 3D printed his own pinhole camera. The simple device, essentially a light-tight box with a tiny opening, photographic paper and a hand-operated shutter, creates images without a lens or digital technology. Each photograph requires careful planning and patience, often involving long exposures and a bit of experimentation.
Richard’s project connects the local club to a worldwide tradition. World Pinhole Photography Day, held this year on April 26, celebrates this historic, hands-on method of image-making and encourages photographers of all ages to try building their own cameras.
A House Finch takes-off as a female Cardinal feeds.
Barred Owl
Richard Tonge demonstrates his 3D printed pinhole camera.
Spring is in the air, and downtown Kemptville is ready to celebrate with the Easter Bunny Hop on Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM!
The Easter Bunny Hunt will take place in Riverside Park at 10am SHARP. The BIA is bringing the fun to the heart of downtown with activities designed to delight the whole family:
- Petting Zoo – Meet friendly farm animals from Happy Little Farmstead
- Inflatable Games – Bounce, jump, and play with Whip It Bouncy Castle
- High-Energy Dance Party – Move to the beat in Rotary Park -Family-Friendly Scavenger Hunt – Explore downtown and uncover Easter surprises
Spring
is (almost) here in Downtown Kemptville
by Talia Hreljac, KBIA
We know it may not feel like it yet, especially with those last-minute snowstorms, but we promise that spring really is on its way! As the days slowly get longer and the temperatures start to creep up, Downtown Kemptville is ready to welcome a new season filled with great food, family fun, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore the core.
One of the best ways
to do that this spring is by taking part in our Downtown Kemptville Restaurant Passport. Pick up your passport from one of the participating downtown eateries, there are nine delicious spots taking part. If the restaurants happen to run out of passports, don't worry: the BIA office at 28 Clothier Street has extras available.
Here's how it works: visit four out of the nine participating eateries be-
tween now and May 1, collect your stamps, and you'll be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card to a Downtown Kemptville business of your choice. With so many amazing options in the core, there's truly something for everyone, from cozy cafés to family dining and sweet treats.
Spring also means it's time for some Easter fun in the core! Families are invited to join us for the Easter Bunny Hop on Saturday,
March 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The festivities kick off with an Easter Bunny Hunt at Riverside Park at 10 a.m. sharp, so be sure to arrive early.
After the hunt, the fun continues with an Easter dance party, treats, games, crafts, and more. This community event is proudly sponsored by Myers Kemptville, helping make the morning extra special for local families.
Can't wait until then to
start the fun? You can get a head start by picking up an Easter Scavenger Hunt from To Be Continued or the North Grenville Public Library. Kids can explore Downtown Kemptville while searching for Easter friends hiding in shop windows throughout the core.
As always, we encourage everyone to support local whenever you can.
Downtown Kemptville is one of those special places where you can still enjoy
that welcoming small town feel - friendly faces, unique local shops, and businesses that truly appreciate your support.
So, bundle up for now, keep an eye out for those first signs of spring, and come spend some time in Downtown Kemptville. We can't wait to see you.
