Issue 15 2020 Apr 15 NG Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol 8, NO 15

April 15, 2020

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The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary has made the difficult decision to cancel Hey Day 2020, scheduled for June 12 and 13. This would have been the historic sixtieth edition of the Auxiliary’s major annual fundraiser for KDH. “In light of the amount of advance preparation involved, and the uncertainty around the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt we needed to make this decision now,” explained Hey Day Convenor, Jolene Stover.

Held annually at the North Grenville Curling Club in Kemptville, Hey Day is one of the largest indoor garage sales in Ontario, attracting legions of bargain hunters, collectors, and treasure seekers.

The fundraiser is made possible by its hundreds of dedicated volunteers who come back year after year to help.

“The Auxiliary would like to thank the many volunteers who would have joined us again this year as they always have, and the new volunteers who had already stepped up for 2020,” said Jolene.

“We also want to thank the local businesses who would have supported us again with donations of much needed supplies and equipment. Without their support, Hey Day would not be the success that it is every year.

“And finally, we want to thank all of our neighbours, friends and family who have been saving items to donate. We truly appreciate it and if possible we ask you to tuck them away for next year!”

KDH’s ‘resident historian’, Lynne CliffordWard, noted that Hey Day has only been cancelled one other time in its history: this was in 1967 during Canada’s centennial year,

when the ageing Kemptville Arena, Hey Day’s home at the time, was demolished. In place of Hey Day that year, the KDH Auxiliary held a mammoth Centennial Garden Party on the campus of the Kemptville Agricultural School. It featured booths with candy, jam and jellies, a baking table and a wedding dress parade.

“It is poignant that this is also the hospital’s sixtieth anniversary year,” Lynne commented. KDH opened its doors to the public on June 29, 1960.

All of the funds raised

at Hey Day are donated to KDH to be used for the direct benefit of patients.

Since its founding in 1959, the KDH Auxiliary has raised well over $1 million dollars for the hospital, thanks in large part to Hey Day’s success year over year.

“It has been a privilege to convene Hey Day for the past few years”, Jolene Stover stated, “and I will miss the coming together of this amazing community. I am looking forward to the next Hey Day, on June 11 and 12, 2021, and hope to see you all there!”

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Stop the Spread COVID-19 can be deadly.

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April 15, 2020

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Farewell to long-serving CFO and welcome to KDH

Andrew Pinhey Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is bidding farewell to its long-serving Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and VP of Operations, Andrew Pinhey, who has announced his retirement after 29 years at the eastern Ontario hospital.

Starting as an Accounting Payroll Officer in 1991, Andy was promoted to Manager of Finance in 1996 and Director of Finance in 2000, before ultimately assuming the role of CFO and VP of Operations in early 2016.

KDH’s CEO Frank Vassallo thanked Pinhey for his unwavering dedication to KDH and commended him for ably overseeing the financial operations of the hospital

during almost three decades of growth and change. “Over the course of Andy’s tenure,” he said, “KDH evolved from a typical small rural hospital into an integrated health service organization serving the local needs of North Grenville and South Ottawa, while making a contribution to regional health initiatives.

During this time the annual budget grew from $6 million to $24 Million, and Andy navigated all the changes exceptionally well.”

“Andy’s retirement marks the end of an era,” Frank added, noting that Andy was born at KDH, and shared his commitment to the hospital with his father, Harold, who served 12 years on the Board of Directors prior to Andy’s arrival, as well as his mother, Avalon, who has been an active member of the Auxiliary for more than 30 years, and also helped establish the KDH Foundation. “Everyone at KDH wishes Andy all the best in the next chapter of his life,” concluded Frank.

Succeeding Andy Pinhey as CFO and VP of Operations will be Marcus Hewitt, who completed the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

program with a specialization in performance management and finance. Marcus comes to KDH from the Municipality of North Grenville, where he was the Director of Finance.

In that role he managed all treasury functions, oversaw long-term financial planning, and led a team of eight professionals. Previously, he served as Senior Analyst, Financial Planning and Analysis, at Brookfield Renewable.

Marcus has a Bachelor of Social Sciences-Economics degree from the University of Ottawa; his licenses and certifications include Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification and the Canadian Securities Course from the Canadian Securities Institute.

“We are delighted to welcome Marcus to KDH after an extensive search process,” said CEO Vassallo.

“He brings substantive financial skills and experience, strategic thinking ability, and a demonstrated aptitude in creating stakeholder relationships to our organization.”

Marcus is excited about the opportunity to usher in a new era. “The evolution of KDH and everything it has accomplished around

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patient-centric care and building healthier communities is very impressive,” he said. “I am honoured to be joining the network of board members, staff, physicians, volunteers, and community partners who work together to make this hospital exemplary!”

He will take up his duties at KDH in May as the hospital continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank Vassallo commented on the timing of the transition: “As we manage through these challenging times, it’s important to maintain clinical and operational continuance, so we will go ahead and manage this transition in our financial leadership in the most thoughtful and respectful way possible.”

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Take-Out Food Safety No COVID-19 at Maple View Lodge in Athens during COVID-19

from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Many people are taking advantage of the decision by restaurants to offer take-out meals. Public Health Inspectors with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit have worked with each restaurant to ensure they adhere to safe food handling practices. The Public Health Inspectors have also suggested ways to minimize the contact with the public as people pick up their food – keeping the duration of contact to a minimum, maintaining a distance of 6 feet, and washing hands or using hand sanitizer between exchanges of food with the public. People who pick up food should wash their hands before they eat the food.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, “there is currently no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus and there are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 transmission through food.

People are unlikely to be infected with the virus through food.”

If an employee of a restaurant has lab confirmed COVID-19, then the Health Unit will follow up to assess whether the public was at risk from contact with this individual.

The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns for the public from 8:30 to 4:30 every day at 1-800-660-5853 x2499. Public health inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www. healthunit.org/coronavirus, or by connecting with LGLHealthunit on Facebook and Twitter.

Maple View Lodge, the Counties long-term care home, was placed in a Respiratory Outbreak by the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Health Unit on April 3. A total of four residents exhibited one or more upper respiratory symptoms. The residents were insolated in their rooms and families notified.

Earlier this week, the test results for two of the residents were received – both negative meaning no COVID-19. Today, the Lodge received the final two results and both are negative.

“This is excellent news, and I’m so happy for the residents, families and staff at Maple View Lodge” says Warden Pat Sayeau upon being notified.

Both our residents and staff are monitored twice daily as a preventative measure. Staff have implemented enhanced monitoring and screening of all residents during this COVID-19 pandemic. They watch for anyone with a fever, onset of a new or exacerbated cough, and all other COVID-19 symptoms.

The Counties will continue to work in close partnership with our public health unit and our medical director to ensure every possible step is taken to protect our residents. The health and safety of our residents, and the team members who serve them, is our highest priority.

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

What to do today or tomorrow?

by Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan NG Public Library is Virtually Open During our closure due to COVID-19, we want to ensure that residents of North Grenville have access to all of our great online resources, including eBooks and eAudiobooks. So, while we are closed, you can now register for a card through our online registration! Visit our website, https://ngpl.ca, for more details.

During these unprecedented times, with closures of public spaces and social distancing, the NG Public Library has become creative in making the programs as virtually accessible as possible.

For the young - Library Sue and Pete the cat miss all their young friends; but you can still connect with them via facebook. Visit the North Grenville Public Library fb page and watch or listen to Library Sue read a story. You can also find a link to Madame Kathy reading stories to children in French.

Cirque Du Soleil has provided videos of highlights from some of their greatest shows and you can find the links to these on the NGPL face book page.

For the Writer – an on-line writers workshop is happening on Monday evenings.

Learn to Knit weblink for adults and kids can also be found on the NGPL website.

Remember that the book drop offs are closed during this time. Due dates are extended until re-opening of the library and there will be no fines during this time of closure.

On behalf of the mayor and my fellow councillors, I want to express my appreciation to Rachel Brown, the CEO, and all the library staff who are working, some from home, to continue to provide our residents this valuable service.

The NG Trails remain open: As of the date of writing this article, the trails in North Grenville, including the Ferguson Forest, remain open. It is the hope of Mayor Nancy Peckford and my fellow councillors that these will remain open during the time of Covid 19 restrictions. There is much solid evidence that a walk in the woods is very good for mental and physical health.

Recently, the use of the trails has increased, indicating to me that people are enjoying using them.

The following are some tips from a recent article for mindful walking on The Great Trail which will apply to our local trails.

Choose the right trail for

through the forests? Take a mental note of what is around you.

End with a moment of stillness. Once you finish your walk, take a moment to stand tall and reflect on the awareness and peace this walk has brought you.

Wash your hands! As soon as you get home, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

The Ferguson Forest Tree Nursery remains open. It is most important that the increasing use of the trails does not interfere with the work of the employees. It is best to use the parking lots off CR 44 if you do need to drive to the trails.

The Ferguson Forest Dog Park is closed, so if you bring your dog on the trails, please keep it on a leash and pick up any dog waste. If you are biking on the trails, please be respectful of those on foot.

Keep our trails clean!

Together, we will all get through this time of restrictions. Stay safe, stay healthy and reach out if you need anything. Our community has strong support available. The NGM website has a great deal of information available, and you are welcome to contact any of your council members.

We are here for you.

you. Consider the distance and the terrain. Stay close to home. In NG we have the Ferguson Forest Trails, Settlers Trail, Tip to Tip trail, Rail Trail, and the Dickinson Trail. Check for updates from the municipality or the Ferguson Forest Centre. If trails are closed, the notice will be posted on the website and facebook pages.

Take a break from tech.

While it is good to have a cell phone with you for emergency use, turn it off or onto vibrate, and take the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the walk in nature.

Practice physical distancing. Make sure that you keep a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between you and others. But remember to smile when you meet others! This is important if you have driven to a trail head. Exchange greetings from a distance in the parking lot, and don’t congregate.

Park and walk!

Walk at a comfortable pace. Be mindful of your footing and take in the beauty of the nature around you. Take some nice deep breaths of the fresh spring air.

Pause and be present.

Take a break along the way to stop and notice the sensations around you. Do you feel the wind, hear the birds, and see the sparkling water in the spring streams that run

North Grenville council will not be endorsing any changes to the bag tag program in the Municipality at this time. After hearing concerns from residents who believe the bag tag program should be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, council addressed the issue at their special council meeting last Wednesday.

Mayor Nancy Peckford says there has been quite a bit of engagement about the issue, both online and offline, over the past few weeks. “There has been some concern expressed about how people get bag tags when we are strongly advising that people stay at home,” she says.

While Mayor Peckford says that the concerns of the public are being heard loud and clear, she doesn’t think it makes sense to suspend the bag tag program. This is, in part, due to the financial implicaApril 15, 2020

tions of cancelling the bag tag program and allowing residents to put bags of garbage out for free. Director of Public Works, Karen Dunlop, confirmed that the bag tag program is integral for subsidizing their $1.6 million waste management contract. She says the temporary suspension of the program would cost the Municipality roughly $11,000 per week.

Council has directed staff to look into how they can make bag tags more readily available to residents, especially now that they are relying on stores like B&H to distribute the tags. Retailers who are supplying bag tags are doing so at no extra charge, and are willing to add them to online delivery and pick-up orders. CAO Gary Dyke confirmed that they are looking at developing an online POS system so that residents can buy bag tags directly through the Municipality.

“Technology-wise we are not there yet, but we are

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Municipality has created a dedicated webpage for updates related to COVID-19 (www.northgrenville. ca/coronavirus) COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 pm **NOTE: These Council meetings are being conducted electronically and will be live streamed and archived on the Municipal website. Visit http://www.northgrenville.ca and click on Agendas, Minutes & Video in the Govern tab.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Cemetery Attendant (Part-Time)

The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes from interested and qualified candidates for the position of Cemetery Attendant. The closing date to receive applications has been extended to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Additional information is available at www.northgrenville.ca/careers.

Operations Superintendent – Public Works

The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes from interested and qualified candidates for the position of Operations Superintendent in the Department of Public Works. The closing date to receive applications is 4:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2020. Additional information is available at www. northgrenville.ca/careers.

Administrative Assistant – Emergency & Protective Services

The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes from interested and qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Department of Emergency & Protective Services. The closing date to receive applications is 4:00 pm on Monday, April 27, 2020. Additional information is available at www.northgrenville.ca/careers.

Summer Program Assistant – North Grenville Library The North Grenville Public Library is accepting resumes for interested and qualified candidates for the position of Summer Program Assistant at the North Grenville Public Library. The closing date to receive applications is 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2020. Additional information is available at www.northgrenville.ca/careers.

The Municipality of North Grenville

Municipality sticks with bag tag program

by Hilary Thomson

UPDATE UPDATE

making it a priority,” he says.

Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman said at the meeting that both the Knights of Columbus and the Salvation Army have a supply of bag tags which they are willing to include in their food baskets. The Knights of Columbus are also willing to deliver bag tags to people with compromised immune systems who can afford them but can’t go out to the store to pick them up. “They just have to be asked for through these organizations.”

Deputy Mayor McManaman also pointed out that all residents have to get groceries, and that is a great time to add bag tags to their list. “When I do my groceries every two weeks or so, if I need bag tags, I pick them up,” he says.

“They are readily available that way.”

There is also a concern that if they suspend the program, people will end up putting more garbage out at the curb every

week, costing the Municipality even more money.

“The expectation is that we would see more at the curb,” Karen says. “With more people at home, they are doing more cleanups.

We are seeing a massive increase at the transfer station.”

Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan said that she is concerned about the retailers who are providing bag tags and potentially losing money on them if they are using their POS system to take payments.

“Are we providing the tags to the retailers at a rate that would allow them to at least break even?” she asked.

Council has directed staff to put together a report on how they feel it is best to move forward with the bag tag program. “I would like to ask that staff include some additional options to ease the burden on those retailers and put together a resolution for a forthcoming meeting,” Mayor Peckford said.

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285 County Rd. 44, PO Box 130, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-9569 x130 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-9569 x201 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-9569 x204 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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TIMES Gord Logan

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

War Amps warns Ontarians of fraudulent calls

The War Amps has received reports of Ontarians being contacted by phone by a caller seeking donations or offering services. The Association would like to remind the public that it does not solicit in any manner by phone or door-to-door, and that such contacts are not legitimate. Anyone receiving a contact of this kind is asked to advise The War Amps at 1 800 250-3030.

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

Whispering hope

by David Shanahan It may not seem that there are any silver linings to the Covid-19 cloud that hangs over the world, but there may be more than one. Everything will depend on what we decide to do “after the darkness is gone”, as the song says. One of the more surprising results of having most of the world’s population in self-isolation and implementing physical distancing is that the environment has started breathing again. Air pollution in major cities has dropped significantly, and the overall health of the Earth’s atmosphere has improved. In places like Delhi, Bangkok, Beijing, São Paulo and Bogotá, the improvement in the air quality is quite astonishing, as people are forced to stay home and the number of vehicles and industrial plants belching pollutants into the atmosphere has dropped almost to zero.

According to a report from NASA a few days ago, air pollution over the

Northeast United States in March 2020 are about 30% lower on average than at the same time last year. In India, the city of Delhi usually has lifethreatening levels of pollution, often almost ten times the level deemed unsafe

by World Health Organization. Since the country was put under an almost complete lockdown, the air quality index has fallen in around 20, from the more usual 200 on a good day.

Wildlife has been returning to city streets as they remain largely empty of people. In Wales, the town of Llandudno has experienced herds of goats rambling through the streets. Peacocks are reported to be strolling down the streets of Ronda, Spain, and coyotes have been photographed around San Francisco, and sightseeing at the Golden Gate Bridge.

It seems that, for all the very justified concern about climate change and the effect we as humans are having on the planet, given the right conditions, things can be reversed

remarkably quickly. This was seen in spectacular fashion after the Mount Saint Helen’s explosion in 1980. To everyone’s amazement, a completely new landscape appeared within days of the explosion, complete with new canyons and valleys and vegetation, something it had been thought would take decades, if not millennia to achieve.

That’s some of the silver linings we’ve seen through this pandemic, but at such a dreadful cost in lives and social disruption.

But the steps taken by governments around the world also show how quickly the effects of globalisation and environmental degradation can be mitigated, if the will is there. Of course, one would hope that measures could be taken on a less drastic scale, a more gradual taking back control of the world’s economy to produce similarly positive results for the environment without the current massive unemployment and social controls we are experiencing now.

The big question is:

do we, as a global community, have the will and desire to see this happen, or will we simply revert to the old and possibly fatal ways we indulged in before Covid-19? By the time this particular pandemic dies down, and before the next one arrives, as it most certainly will, given our history, will we have learned enough lessons to rethink our approach to world economics and mass consumption?

Will we just return to our reliance on fossil fuels, and continue to destroy our own environment, or can we take this opportunity to start again, somehow?

Personally, I am on the pessimistic side when it comes to those questions. The human race has never really shown a desire for a simpler life and a more sustainable economy, though perhaps this shock to the system may wake enough people up. But I don’t see the infamous 1% who control more tan 90% of the world’s wealth being willing to give up their privileged position for the sake of the rest of us, es-

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, It's Tuesday April 7th, we have been in an Emergency Response mode now for about two weeks and yet I hear reports and have witnessed myself that young people are still not taking this crisis seriously.

Their parents must enforce upon them how important it is to be using physical distancing when out with friends. If not, the Premier of Ontario will be forced to take stricter measures which will prevent us all from being able to leave our properties except for essential needs. I don't think any

of us would like that. We all need to realize that the current situation could be with us for several more months and if we can't go outside to exercise, get fresh air and get a change of scenery, it will be even more unbearable. Please people, listen to the advice coming from the Federal and Provincial governments and our own Municipal Council.

Thank You. Nick Brooks Kemptville.

Dear Editor, The residents at Dr. Gordon Crescent have a very nice Mail Kiosk complete with roof, lovely on a wet or snowy day; however, sometime during the month of March, the Kemptville street cleaning crew did a fair job of cleaning Dr. Gordon Crescent from all the salt, sand etc. which was used during the winter months.

We all pay our fair share of property taxes and I would assume that the concrete the mail kiosk is sitting on is part of Dr. Gordon, this small piece of town property has

more salt & sand than most streets in our town, why did the cleaning crew not clear this piece?

But we the residents wish to THANK Carol Holmes for taking on this task, no one asked her to do it, she took the initiative to clear this mess up.

To Carol from all the residents “you did a wonderful clean-up”.

The Residents of Dr. Gordon Crescent Dear Editor, These past few weeks have confirmed the world is now a different place. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the day-to-day routine for residents in our community and for all Canadians.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the extraordinary doctors, nurses and all health care providers in our community, as well as emergency services personnel who are doing exceptional work to keep us all healthy and safe. I would also like to recognize the work of our grocery store clerks, pharmacy and drug store staff, truck drivers, restaurant staff, farmers, and other essential services who are doing extremely important work in

Excellence in service dedicated to your success 24 Prescott St., Kemptville WGP@wgpcas.ca

www.wgpcas.ca

613.258.3493 The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc.

the north grenville

TIMES

Editor Staff Reporter Accounting David Shanahan cfo@ngtimes.ca Hilary Thomson david@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 hilary@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 April 15, 2020

production@ngtimes.ca 613.215.0735

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The Voice of North Grenville

pecially when they believe their wealth and position makes them invulnerable to what we all may face.

But this crisis has shown us some impressive leadership, as well as some notable failures in the face of crisis. Canada is doing relatively well, though Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, can take much of the credit for the fact that, so far, only four Kiwis have died from the pandemic. Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach (P.M.) of Ireland, and a trained doctor, has registered to practice medicine again, and will be taking a shift in a hospital, in between running the government.

There are whispers of hope in the darkness. As the song says: “Wait till the darkness is over wait till the tempest is done. Hope for the sunshine tomorrow after the darkness is gone.”

This too shall pass. We shall overcome.

these times of uncertainty.

We all have to do our part and follow the advice of our local public health department, including strict physical distancing measures.

Canada’s Official Opposition has been committed to the Team Canada approach and working in good faith with the Government. We support measures that will help Canadians during these difficult times. We believe the Government can do more.

Some of our recommendations include immediately refunding GST remittances to businesses for at least the last six months and expediting the wage subsidy process. This would allow money to flow more quickly – allowing businesses to remain viable.

We have also called on the Government to take specific steps with the procurement of personal protective equipment for our frontline workers.

In addition to this, we have recommended a temporary increase to the charitable giving tax credit for 2020. We know how important charitable giving is to Canada. In times of need, people who are struggling often turn to community or faith groups for assistance.

If community members have means to contribute to

Help Support Local News with a Voluntary Subscription One Year $51 a charity during these challenging times, I encourage them to support organizations like the United Way, one of the local food banks, Leeds Grenville Interval House, or a faith-based organization that is supporting the community.

These steps, as well as increased support for families, seniors, and students, are vital to ensure the health of our community.

Residents can visit canada.ca/coronavirus for upto-date information on the Government’s response to COVID-19. With questions or concerns on this information, please contact my office at 1-866-498-3096 or Michael.

Barrett@parl.gc.ca.

Take care of your health, take care of our community, and let’s all take care of each other.

Sincerely, Michael Barrett, M.P. Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

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The North Grenville Times

Diverting funding to Food Banks

by Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education and Training School buildings and student programming sites have become more than just a destination for children and youth to socialize and engage in learning; amongst the many other roles these sites play in our communities, for many children they have also become an important source of nutritious food.

To ensure these students maintain safe accessibility to healthy food during the current school closures in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education & Training (UCLCET) has announced that it will divert more than $150,000 to local Food Banks, to be provided to families with school-age children.

UCLCET administers and distributes funding for breakfast and snack programs in over 225 schools and youth agencies throughout the counties of Prescott Russell, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry,

Leeds & Grenville and Renfrew. In typical times, healthy food is offered by these programs at no cost to students through food bins, buffet settings or student self-preparation areas. This program is supported by the provincial Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, among other funding partners, food producers and distributors, and is made possible by the dedicated service of several hundred volunteers.

“Student nutrition programs offered throughout our regions serve more than 6,824,000 meals to over 46,000 students every year,” Matthew Raby, UCLCET Executive Director noted. “When schools and other community buildings were closed, we knew we would have to adjust our traditional delivery model. The response from everyone we’ve reached out to has been incredible.”

Food will be distributed throughout the regions that UCLCET serves through student nutrition

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programming, to every food bank that is certified by the Feed Ontario partnership. “Local food banks will always play a vital role in our communities to ensure families remain food secure,” explains Jennifer Cuillerier, UCLCET Student Nutrition Program Manager.

“We are so thankful for the generosity of our funding partners, food producers, and distributors. Through the well-established service and delivery models and standards established

by Feed Ontario, we know that our food banks will be in the best position to provide healthy food to families with school-age children and youth in our communities at this time.”

To learn more about your local food banks please visit the www.

FeedOntario.ca website.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE NORTH GRENVILLE POLICE SERVICES BOARD & THE OPP (COVID-19) The safety of all Ontarians is the OPP’s top priority.

There are currently no changes to our frontline operations.

Report less serious incidents online at opp.ca/reporting.

For non-emergencies call 1-888-310-1122.

In case of emergency, call 911.

NEW STORE HOURS Monday to Friday

The OPP encourages businesses to voluntarily comply with all short-term restrictions. We encourage you to visit opp.ca/news to get the answers.

8:00am to 7:00pm

What are essential businesses?

If I have to close my business, how do I keep it safe?

Are there COVID-19 scammers out there?

Saturday

8:00am to 6:00pm

Under the provincial Declaration of Emergency, North Grenville By-law enforcement officers are temporarily allowed to assist police with enforcing the emergency orders. For further information please visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

Sunday

9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville 613.258.3014 April 15, 2020

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Open For Business

The Voice of North Grenville

Support Local, now more than ever!

Tired of your own cooking...in need of a Mechanic... Lawyer.....Accountant ......... to order online go to

FAMILY MEALS

www.tbcconsign.com

Erick Le Pors

Monday to Friday two main courses will be offered,

for 4 - $60.00 + hst Menu changes weekly Visit our FB page for more detail

(one meatless option)

TO ORDER: info@cateredaffairs.ca or call 613-324-3136

Dial A Chef on wheels

Call 613.258.0166

Monday April 20,

1-Mix grill (beef, lamb & pork), tomato provençale, roasted potatoes 2- Caramelized onion, roasted garlic, olives and anchovies (optional) tart

Tuesday April 21,

Office in operation, no face to face client contact until after 14 day lockdown over - April 8th, unless otherwise notified by government.

Documents can be dropped off during the following business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:15 – 5:00 Saturday, 9:00 – 3:00 3 Clothier St E, Kemptville, ON 613-258-9492 www.solutionone.ca

We are still open for take out and delivery!

NEW HOURS Mon - Fri. 6am to 5pm Sat.-Sun. 8am - 2pm

613-258-6251

9-2868 County Road 43 - Kemptville brewedawakenings@outlook.com

DROP OFFS ONLY

Open 8am to 4pm. Closed Sat.

We are open for your convenience during these difficult times.

Monday to Friday 8 am - 5 pm.

Parts dropped off outside No one is allowed in the building We use sanitizing wipes to disinfect everything prior to bringing in the vehicle and afterwards.

We consider ourselves an essential business because we service all of the Canada Post trucks in Kemptville.

1303 Kingdom Road, Kemptville, 613.258.6607

DROP OFFS ONLY

Open 8am to 4pm. Closed Sat. Parts dropped off outside No one is allowed in the building We use sanitizing wipes to disinfect everything prior to bringing in the vehicle and afterwards.

We consider ourselves an essential business because we service all of the Canada Post trucks in Kemptville.

1- ginger, cinnamon, tomato, touch of curry, marinated chicken breast, spicy vegetable ragout and couscous.

2-spaghetti with spinach, almond pesto, Spring salad with goat cheese

Wednesday April 22, 1-Salmon fillet with shrimp and Cognac sauce, asparagus, pommes anglaises.

2-Black bean ginger sweet potato casserole.

Thursday April 23,

1-Beef emincé, spring vegetable stir fry, basmati rice.

Black lentils ragout in red wine, tomato concassé, and mushroom, spinach sesame salad

Friday April 24, 1-Pork tenderloin with salsa verde, Black bean and corn rice.

2-Potato gnocchi Alfredo, Caprese salad The cost is $45.00 + HST per day

for two persons (you do not have to choose the same selection). Children 12 and under $14.00. $5.00 fee per delivery.

Payment can be done by cash, on delivery, credit card, or e-transfer.

One day advance notice. HST is extra.

Ordering for the week : 10%

Reservation by phone at 613-860-2539 or email : erick@dialachef.ca

Kemptville Physiotherapy

OPEN

Monday - Saturday 8 am to 5:00 pm Sunday Closed

We’re Still Here

Our Clinic Closure Continues For In-Person Visits. Our Solution To Be Able To Connect During This Confusing Time Is Our New Virtual TeleRehab Service. This Is An Exciting Opportunity For You And Your Therapist To Connect Over A Video Platform. Same Exceptional Care In The Comfort And Safety Of Your Own Home. Call, Email Or Book Online (Very Soon) With One Of Our Therapists.

613-258-7661 www.kemptvillephysio.com

TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

BUT OPEN FOR BUSINESS

By Phone: 613-258-6000

By Email: orders@kbchome.ca

We assemble it, you pick it up in our yard or we deliver to your porch.

2540 Cnty Rd 43 Kemptville

1303 Kingdom Road, Kemptville, 613.258.6607

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

Our office is closed to the public but we are here to help by calling 613-258-1262 or by emailing rebecca@rbheating.com

845 Prescott St., Kemptville www.rbheating.com

April 15, 2020

Office in operation, no face to face client contact until after 14 day lockdown over - April 8th, unless otherwise notified by government.

Documents can be dropped off during the following business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:15 – 5:00 Saturday, 9:00 – 3:00 T: 613.258.3282 F: 613.258.4391 2 - 4 Industrial Rd, Kemptville, South Gower Business Park

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Open For Business Support Local, now more than ever!

Grahame’s Bakery

KBC/RONA

Kemptville Building Centre RONA prides itself on its longstanding tradition of serving the community of North Grenville and surrounding areas for the last 45 years.

On April 3, the Ontario Government announced a reduction in the number of essential businesses able to operate, in an effort to mitigate COVID 19. KBC is just one of the many businesses affected by these closures. Local businesses have responded to this crisis creatively, and KBC is no different.

KBC has diversified customers’ ordering options by accepting orders by phone and email. Their helpful staff assemble the order, process payment, and contact the customer to confirm pickup or delivery. Pickup is typically

Grahame’s Bakery is still open and operating during this time of uncertainty in our world due to the Coronavirus. We are working our regular days, practicing the measures put in place for a safe and healthy experience in the bakery. We have partnered up with other small businesses to help each other out.

If you know what you need, please call ahead and we can get it ready for you. Or drop in, we will also deliver to you so that you need not leave your house. We are only allowing one customer in at a time. Our donuts are made fresh daily, as is all of our regular products, breads, buns, pastry, butter tarts and cookies. We can still make cakes for all occasions (small ones, as no large gatherings are allowed).

Because we only take cash or cheques, we can also do e-transfers. Or you can simply run a tab and, when this is all over, we can square up with you. Please don’t go without.

Thank you to all of our regular and new customers for supporting us during this time. Special thanks to the North Grenville Times for supporting all of the small businesses.

Everyone in essential services and on the frontlines of health care, EMS, Fire Department and Police (OPP), we salute you.

Our Municipality has stepped up immensely due to this Covid 19 virus outbreak, including staff, Mayor and Council, to make North Grenville a leader, in times such as they are.

available within a two-hour time frame, however, this fluctuates with demand.

Free delivery can be organized to your yard or garage within 2-4 days, depending on demand. There is an exterior paint sample station set up to make getting paint accessible during these closures.

Customers visiting the station are asked to respect the rules of social distancing and visit one at a time.

"We are seeing a significant demand for our products and services. People are taking the time during this period of self isolation to make some serious improvements to their home or yard", according to Brentley Summers, General Manager.

Staff may be taking orders, but they have also become a connector to the outside world

for some. Customers calling are grateful we are doing our best to help them. We have seen so many examples of humanity this past week, it really makes the pace of our day worthwhile, knowing we have helped someone.

While the store remains closed, we are happy to accept your orders via phone or by email. By phone: 613258-6000. By email: orders@ kbchome.ca. Available from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Above everything else, a big thank you to our staff, who have been magnificent in this strange time. They are the face of KBC/RONA to the community, and they have done us proud. Thank you.

Kemptville Family Restaurant To Be Continued, continues

Shelley Mitchel is the owner of To Be Continued, Kemptville’s family consignment store at 207 Sanders St., and the Covid-19 State of Emergency has provided her with some new and often exhausting challenges in running a business in these days. As the store is closed to customers in the usual way, no browsing, no friendly chat with staff and fellow shoppers, Shelley has found herself learning how to run an on-line store. This puts her in direct competition with companies like Amazon, for example, and has made her learn a new way of finding and connecting with customers. Having had to lay off her staff, Shelley is now a one-woman operation, while dealing with family demands during a shut down of schools, and keeping up to date with the legal and medical information she needs to know.

But, in addition to making sure she stays healthy herself, and keeping in touch with suppliers and customers, Shelley has set up new ways To Be Continued. To Be Continued can still help you get what you need. Due to COVID-19, Shelley is offering free local pick-up and curbside delivery. Go to her website for the details and support an important local business as it continues to serve the community. www.tbcconsign.com.

As with so many other restaurants around the region, the Kemptville Family Restaurant has had to close its doors to regular business. But we are still there for the community. If you are tired of cooking, don’t want to shop too often, or just want a nice change, our regular service is available for take-out.

Owners Eli & Maya Khalil want to thank the people of North Grenville and beyond for all of their loyal custom over the years, but especially in these days of stress and restrictions. To show our gratitude, we have contributed pizzas to the Kemptville District Hospital, Bayfield Manor, and to the OPP, to thank them for the dedication of the frontline careworkers and nurses.

The Management and Staff of the Kemptville Family Restaurant would like to thank them all for their dedication and service, wishing all to be safe and healthy. Remember to show your solidarity and continue practising social distancing.

Our hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 8:00pm, Take Out Only.

April 15, 2020

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P: 613.774.1672 F: 613.774.6612 12205 Gypsy Lane Winchester, ON, K0C 2K0

MACHINING HYDRAULICS CNC PLASMA MECHANICAL WELDING (IN SHOP) WELDING (MOBILE) CUSTOM FABRICATION

FAMILY LAW CIVIL LITIGATION WILLS & ESTATES

We make Hydraulic Hoses

613 713 3371

info@pburgerlaw.com

216B PRESCOTT ST PO BOX 423 KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0

www.dundasmachine.ca

Problems? I see opportunities!

by Rob Lunan Pandemics, Global Financial Crises, Wars… these have all been with us from the beginning of time. But until 2008 I had not experienced even one.

When the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 hit, I was in a vulnerable spot. A few years earlier I had quit a good paying management job in Ottawa to open my own business supplying industrial products. The new business was doing well and providing for my family until the stock market crash and credit squeeze hit in the fall of 2008. Instantly, sales dried up and I was without any income from that business for 18 months. I suppose I could have succumbed to desperation or jumped off

pburgerlaw.com

a bridge. But instead my wife and I quickly ramped up our accounting business (something we were trained for and that we had both been sporadically working in part-time). We carefully worked our network of contacts and within several months it was providing a living wage for us. By 2010 this business was doing well, and the industrial supply business also came roaring back to life with new orders.

I hope that reading this will give someone, and especially business owners, a bit of hope for the future.

I’m writing this on April 9, 2020 and at this point the forecasters are saying we are still in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chances are we

have a long road ahead of us of social isolation. So, if you are a business owner, or unemployed and considering starting a business, I would encourage you to first think about how you can solve problems for others. These are the products and services that will be needed.

I would also encourage you to do most of your advertising, networking and promotional work now.

There are currently unprecedented numbers of people confined to their homes with idle time and looking for ideas, things to do and things to buy – especially if they will solve their problems. The future will not be the same as the past. We will certainly work from home more, travel less and

be more prepared for the next so-called Black Swan event. I am interested to hear your stories so please feel free to contact me at rob@lunanaccounting. com. Looking ahead a few months or even a year or two from now it would be great to publish some of your stories about how you turned this pandemic into your greatest opportunity.

Support Your Local Lions Club JOIN TODAY!

The Voice of North Grenville

Child Care payments from parents are frozen

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is temporarily preventing child care centres from collecting payments from parents, while also ensuring that their child care spaces are protected. Child care centres, with the exception of those accommodating health care and other frontline workers, were ordered closed to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep the children and child care staff safe.

An emergency order has been issued, and immediately prevents any child care operator from charging parent fees where care is not being provided. The order also means that parents cannot lose their child care space because they are not paying fees during this period. This will help provide much needed relief for parents during the outbreak.

"COVID-19 has imposed significant financial pressure on working parents," said Stephen Lecce, Education Minister.

"We need to support our parents who may be facing reduced income or layoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak."

The child care sector, like many others, is facing significant financial pressures. Child care providers can seek supports for businesses and individuals under the federal government's Economic Response Plan.

"We are defending the interests of consumers and protecting parents' hard-earned money by ordering child care centres to stop charging fees for services not rendered," said Minister Lecce. "From protecting health and safety, to jobs and incomes, we will do whatever it takes to get our province and our incredibly resilient people through this."

The Ontario government will continue to work with the child care sector and federal, municipal and First Nations partners on a plan to ensure the sustainability of the sector during the outbreak.

Kemptville Players Inc. A Proud Theatre History Message from the President

For all of the members, past, and present, local support, and all sponsors and venues including The North Grenville Times, we would like to thank you for Our 2019 Fall Production… your continued support.

“Blithe Spirit” was a huge success and A huge thank you and applause goes out to all of the actors, directors, crew brought local talent including directing, and production teams that have put on such wonderful plays and will conproduction as well backstage crew, tinue to do so in the future. stage design, lighting and sound, as well It takes a community to support one another through these uncertain times. as our talented actors. It takes a team. Stay Safe Shannon Lever, President

Kemptville Players Inc., the longest-running theatre group in North Grenville, is committed to increasing awareness of amateur theatre through our stage productions and our support of community events in the Kemptville Ontario area.

For more information or to join the Kemptville Players, contact our President at president@kemptvilleplayers.ca

Kemptville Players Inc., was proud to be a sponsor for the coldest night of the year.

Kemptville Players has been busy outside of the theatre doing some Adult Acting Workshops, Poetry Readings, as well as Kemptville Players Kids Drama Workshops.

Spring Play-Ripcord Kemptville Players was in the works with steady rehearsals and planning for our Spring Play, Ripcord, A Comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire. In order to fight the spread of Covid 19, all non-essential KPI gatherings have been cancelled including our spring play, which was scheduled to open on May 21, 2020.

Thank you to everyone - our patrons, audiences, sponsors and volunteers (especially our wonderful cast and crew) - for your understanding and patience. This was a disappointment for many however, we will someday, draw the curtains and present this play, as they say,

The cast of our Spring Play, Ripcord Steve Wendt, Co-Director

"The show must go on".

April 15, 2020

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The North Grenville Times

Thoughts on Covid-19: the Good and the Bad

by David Herman Well we are by the time you read this in self-isolation for a month. It is not getting easier but it will not last forever and most of us will get through it. If we stop for a minute and look back over the past 100 years, we will see different events that were very similar in their devastation. I first recall from reading and hearing about it the Spanish Flue (H1N1) Pandemic of 1918-1919. It was first identified in military personnel in Spring, 1918. It has been estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide.

Although we have no inherent immunity to this Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) currently (as of April 10), worldwide we have 1.6 million confirmed cases with 97,000 deaths; but we have almost 365,000 recovered cases. We are a long way from the devastation of the pandemic of 100 years ago, and with the technology and science available to us today we, the people, have the ability ourselves to flatten the curve and reduce the total number of cases, and from there the number of deaths, attributable to this disease.

There are a lot of misconceptions with how to protect ourselves. You see a lot of folks wearing disposable gloves. This really is not as safe as they think it is, as the gloves are meant for single use then toss and put on a new pair before touching something else. They are not meant for wearing for the day, or for hours as you do your shopping, and they need to be safely disposed of. Yesterday, as I was waiting in the car while my wife did our shopping, I noticed a big strapping guy with a Harley jacket on coming out with a cart of groceries and he had single use gloves on. He put his stuff in his truck and did the right thing and returned his cart to corral; but, as he returned to his truck, I noticed his hand were bare. When I drove up to pick up my wife, I could see he had discarded the gloves he felt may be contaminated with COVID and left them in his cart for someone else to dispose of. Was this fellow thinking: “I have protected me and everyone else can clean up after me and look after themselves”.

For another perspective, I want to recognize and thank all the small shop owners who are doing everything they can to continue to serve their customers while respecting the social distancing, and

COVID-19: A triple threat to nonprofits and charities Ontario’s 58,000 nonprofits and charities across the province are facing a triple threat as a result of COVID-19. Close to 75% of organizations have abruptly lost revenue from fundraising activities, while 73% grapple with the closure of offices and cancellation of programs and services, and over a third face unprecedented human resource challenges with staff and volunteers. The data comes from a provincial survey by the Ontario Nonprofit Network.

Nonprofit leaders are concerned about the safety of their employees, many of whom are front-line staff with insufficient access to personal protective equipment. Leaders are also worried about the capacity of their organizations to carry out their missions amid the crisis.

“Every part of our sector is affected. Nonprofits exist to serve others and Ontario communities will suffer if nonprofits don’t survive and thrive now and beyond this crisis. Relief can’t come soon enough,” said Cathy Taylor, Executive Director of the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN).

However, even in the face of challenging times nonprofits remain resilient and innovative, working on the frontlines to support their

doing all they can to protect themselves and their staff. I am not going to name them, as I am sure to miss some, so I just want to say thanks to you all. You are the people who make life in a small town so rewarding. I know some of you are worried every day you unlock your doors to serve your community, but we appreciate you all.

Last week, I republished a small poem on being able to afford to get married. I found another poem that, at first, I thought was more appropriate for Thanks Giving; but after reading it to my daughter, she convinced me that it has a worthwhile message for us today; so I have taken some literary license and changed it to make the season (apologize to the author)….Appreciate what we have, and look out for those not as fortunate as ourselves. My version goes like this.

A Good Easter Said Old Gentleman Gay, “On an Easter Day. If you want a good time, give something away.”

So he sent a great Ham to Shoemaker Price And the Shoemaker said, “What a big Ham! How nice!

And, since such a good dinner’s before me, I ought To give poor Widow Lee the small chicken I bought.”

Next two weeks crucial in slowing down COVID-19 Leeds and Grenville residents must be vigilant with physical distancing, self-isolating if they have travelled, and continue to do their part to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Now is the time to double down to help prevent the spread of this virus,” United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Pat Sayeau said, citing provincial health expert modelling numbers released

by Premier Doug Ford which show 3,000 to 15,000 could die in the province.

“The next few weeks are crucial. We can save lives if we make extra efforts to stay home and follow the federal, provincial and Health Unit directives. Stay home. Stay safe,” Warden Sayeau said.

T h e Wa r d e n ’s c o m ments followed a Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) meeting. COVID-19 updates were heard from Leeds and Grenville OPP officials, Fire Service, Counties Paramedic Service, April 15, 2020

Community and Social Services, Finance, Public Works departments and the Maple View Lodge long-term care facility.

Critical services continue to be maintained by the Counties throughout the outbreak.

Emergency daycare centres have now opened in Brockville and Kemptville for frontline emergency first responders, including paramedic, police, fire and healthcare service workers. This service may be expanded depending on demand, according to Counties CAO Andy Brown.

The Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service, a critical service provided by the Counties, is working with the Brockville and Leeds Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The service is sending two paramedics to provide support seven days a week. The Assessment Centre is located at the Brockville Memorial Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, Brockville.

Appointments are made by

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communities. Almost 50% of nonprofits are open and operating, but with modified regular operations, and in some cases moving to online operations. Most of the respondents (42%) serve local communities.

ONN is calling for governments to provide stabilization funding for the nonprofit sector, flexibility in public and private funding agreements, immediate assistance for operating expenses, including rent and mortgage relief, and paid sick leave and other worker supports.

Almost 20% of nonprofits have closed their doors - at least for now - because of the pandemic, or are making plans to do so. Over threequarters of respondents have experienced disruption of services to clients and communities. Almost 75% have seen reduced revenue from fundraising, with the hardhit arts sector reporting an 81% reduction in ticket and event sales. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will cost almost half of the organizations between $50,000 and $250,000 each. Of those continuing operations, almost 22% will need less than $50,000 to maintain operations and meet demand during the pandemic, while 17% will need $50,000 - $100,000.

Nonprofits are experi-

encing staff and volunteer absences of 35%, likely due to concerns about contagion in doing their work. One third of respondents indicated their organization has either reduced hours for workers or have laid off staff.

“Arts organizations are having to cancel shows, recreation centres have been shut during the state of emergency, and front-line social services and residential homes are struggling to provide services safely without access to adequate testing and personal protection equipment.

Catering, courier, and retail social enterprises that employ people with disabilities have had to close up shop. Food banks are running low on provisions and volunteers,” said Cathy Taylor.

Rural organizations have been uniquely affected, with some identifying further social isolation because of the lack of transportation, and the lack of reliable internet access and suitable bandwidth.

“Remote work is impossible in rural Ontario,” said one respondent.

The survey was open to Ontario nonprofits, charities, and nonprofit co-operatives with a mission to serve a public benefit, with close to 500 responses received via an online tool.

Trumpeter Swans speak of Spring and revival

by David Shanahan It all started with a photograph taken by Barbara Gour and sent to me by Bill Adams of Beckett’s Landing.

The caption to the photo was: “On our bay on the Rideau this morning, four trumpeting swans visited for several hours. They are rare in eastern Ontario. They are the largest North American bird with wing span up to 10 feet!”

On the surface, a nice story promising Spring. But, like swans swimming, there was a lot more going on under that surface. Local expert on

referral only.

Leeds Grenville is preparing to roll out its portion of the Ontario Government’s Social Services Relief Fund to help protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable people during the outbreak.

Trumpeter Swans on the Rideau, by Barb Gour.

10

everything natural, Dr. Fred Schueler, pointed out that Trumpeter Swans are not as rare as they used to be, all thanks to the work of one man: Harry Lumsden.

This got me thinking.

Harry Lumsden? Bringing back swans from the brink of extinction? Yes, indeed.

According to the Trumpeter Swan Coalition website, the last Trumpeter in the province was shot by a hunter in Long Point, Ontario, in 1886. By 1935, only 69 Trumpeters were counted in all of North America.

Enter Harry Lumsden, a retired Ministry of Natural Resources biologist. In 1982, Harry made it his mission to bring the Trumpeters back to Ontario. The trumpeter Swan Coalition records that Harry “was able to get eggs from northern Alberta and Alaska and convince some Ontario landowners to help raise the resulting young cygnets. Over time, enough were raised that they could be released into the wild.”

Slowly over many years,

these birds began to spread out and reestablish their territory. Today, after 35+ years of effort to bring back the Trumpeters, their population in Ontario numbers about 1,000 birds. There are several reasons why their population remains low. Many Trumpeters have been lost due to lead poisoning that they get from accidentally ingesting lead shot and fishing lures while feeding in marshes. Others are lost to collisions with powerlines and occasionally some are shot by hunters, although it is illegal to do so. Habitat loss, especially of wintering areas, is also greatly impacting their restoration.

So, although these wonderful creatures are once again in danger from the behaviour of humans, their very presence on the Rideau River this month is a sign of hope, of Spring returning in spite of recent snow, and a potent symbol of our ability to reverse mistakes and calamities.

Something worth celebrating as we face a daunting future. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Creative way to support laid off servers

by David Shanahan With all our bars and restaurants closed for the duration, except in some cases for take-out, the many people who depend on tips from grateful diners are losing a great deal of their regular income. Very often, tips can form the largest part of the weekly income for people working in the hospitality industry.

One man in Merrickville has come up with a very creative way to help out.

Rod Baird works in the family business, B. Baird Water Conditioning, and has done so for fifteen years now. But, like so many of us, at one time Rod worked in the kitchens of a number of pubs and restaurants when he was younger, before moving in to front of house work as a bartender in Merrickville, and he vividly remembers how important

those tips from customers were to his income.

“I remember the tightrope trying to make ends meet, in what were mostly seasonal businesses”, he explained to me. “This type of event worldwide, will hit those who’s majority of income is based on tips, particularly hard. We and many local friends and many youth in the village, have worked in the local restaurants. For some it’s their first job, others stay on for years at local pubs.”

With that experience in mind, Rod came up with the idea of the at-home “tip jar”.

It’s a very simple idea: “I thought passing around the “tip jar” would be a good fundraiser for those folks. I created a Facebook fundraiser, where those that are drinking at home, could “leave a tip” online. Moneys to go to their local servers & kitchen workers, who aren’t working at this time.”

The idea is to raise $100 for each and every such worker in the Village of Merrickville, which would amount to around $3,300. Rod admits that this is an ambitious target, “but I thought I’d better shoot high” .

So, if you are regular at one or more of the local pubs and restaurants, perhaps you know someone who serves you there, or perhaps you can think of the often anonymous workers who prepare and cook your meal in the kitchens. Rod would like you to start a tip jar in your home, and every time you or your family members have a drink, drop a proper tip into the jar. Once you’ve collected a bit, send it on to Rod’s dedicated Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/donate/2 478767145562226/?fundraiser_source=external_url.

Or you can send the money by e-transfer to rodneybaird71@gmail.com, and

Merrickville-Wolford council approves tax decrease

by Hilary Thomson Merrickville-Wolford council passed a resolution at a special meeting last week to decrease the tax rate for 2020 to help ease the burden on taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 23, council approved a bylaw to set the 2020 property tax rate at an increase of 3.13% over 2019. To address the COVID-19 crisis and its financial impact on residents, staff put together a report for council consideration that would see a number of projects deferred in order to provide some relief to taxpayers in 2020.

Some members of council felt an aggressive approach was needed in order to support residents who may have lost a significant amount of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We need some way that we are going to translate to the public, so that they have piece of mind that we are not leaving anything off the table,” Deputy April 15, 2020

Mayor Michael Cameron said at the meeting. “There is going to be a significant loss per household.”

Others felt that, at this point, they needed to take a more conservative approach to maintain fiscal responsibility and the level of service their residents expect. “It doesn’t do anybody any good in the Municipality if we cut revenue to where we can’t afford to keep things running the way they should be running,” Councillor Timothy Molloy said.

After some discussion, council agreed to a more conservative approach that would give taxpayers some relief, but still ensure that the Municipality remains sustainable. Council passed a bylaw that approved a 0.44% increase over 2019, which is a 2.69% decrease from the original tax rate adopted on March 23. In order to do this, several projects were either amended or put on hold for this fiscal year, including the Read Street slurry seal, a zoning by-law review, and the development of a long-term financial plan for the Village.

Staff were also able to include savings found when acquiring a washing machine for the fire department and a new landfill compactor.

Staff also put forward a report at the special council meeting suggesting a 5% decrease in the water/wastewater rates for all ratepayers.

Councillor Bob Foster was the first to suggest that this might not be the way to go.

He said that the focus should be on businesses in the Village which are being charged thousands of dollars for water they aren’t using. “Charging them commercial water rates is adding injury to insult,” he said. While Councillor Foster did put forward the suggestion to allow businesses to pay the residential rate, and ensuring only one meter is used to monitor water use per business/household, he also mentioned that he would appreciate more information from staff before making a concrete decision. “I would like to see a breakdown of commercial revenue, residential revenue, and implication of switching all commercial to residential,” he said.

Mayor Doug Struthers noted that everyone has their fingers on the pulse of the issue of water/sewer billing at this time, and that whatever decision is made by council must be seen as equitable to all users. He also mentioned that it would be important to note the impact any change in billing would have on the wastewater treatment system.

“Everything that we are doing at the moment is challenging,” he said.

After some discussion, council agreed that they would defer any decision regarding relief in water/wastewater rates until they can get more information from staff.

Although council meetings are currently being held on an as-needed basis, Mayor Struthers said he would most likely call another meeting in the next two weeks. “We know what we need to do,” Mayor Struthers said at the end of the meeting. “How we do it, and how it will work, takes patience, time, and clarity. We are all working to get through this on one way, shape or form.”

11

make this note in the e-transfer: TIPS. Rod can’t give out charitable receipts, as the money goes directly to the workers, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from remembering the

people who take care of you on your excursions to the pub or restaurant. Help Rod meet his targets in this creative, and rather enjoyable, way of supporting them at this time.

Coping With Covid Carrie Smith, Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre What a strange time we find ourselves living in at the moment. A few months ago, we would never have predicted that most of civilization would be shut down and that even the Olympics would be cancelled. Strange times, indeed!

In these days of unpredictability and anxiety, it’s difficult to know what to do. Appointments are cancelled, businesses are closed, and hand sanitizer is more important than gold! We would like to take this opportunity to let you know what’s happening in the physiotherapy world.

Physiotherapy has been deemed an “essential service” and Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre remains open. Physiotherapists are allowed to asses and treat emergencies and acute injuries. Our role in this health care crisis is to take some pressure off of the hospital by assessing new injuries and limiting the number of people requiring emergency care at the hospital.

If you have suffered a recent injury or accident, a physiotherapist can perform a detailed examination and will let you know if you need to go to the hospital, or if your injury can be managed without a hospital visit.

Most injuries don’t require a hospital visit and can be managed with treatments in the clinic or even at home.

At Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre, we have implemented a new Tele-Health Physio service. Clients can have a video call (through Zoom) with their physiotherapist. The physiotherapist can talk to you about your problem, watch how you move, and help come up with some solutions that you can implement at home. We have gotten quite creative in how to test your strength through a video call! For clients who are self-isolating, this is a safe and effective way to help you deal with your injury. A little education goes a long way, and insurance companies are covering tele-health appointments.

Please note, you do NOT need a referral from your doctor to see a physiotherapist, whether it’s in the clinic or online! Clients have “direct access” to physiotherapists, which means you can by-pass your doctor’s office.

If you have an acute injury and you are able to come into the clinic, we are happy to book you an appointment to assess your injury and get you started on your road to recovery. You might as well be doing some rehab exercises while you binge-watch Netflix!

Over the last few weeks we have been able to assess and treat acute injuries from car accidents to gardening injuries! Help us keep the hospital open for those who are sick, and if your back goes “out” or you sprain an ankle, give us a call. Although we are seeing fewer sport injuries since everything has been cancelled, we are seeing more “Do-it-yourself” injuries, as people are trying to get things done around their homes…which doesn’t always work out!

You can book an in-clinic or tele-health physiotherapy appointment by calling 613-258-7661 or booking online through www.kemptvillephysio.com www.ngtimes.ca

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The Voice of North Grenville

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Because the costs of production and delivery increase every year, we need your help to remain a viable local news source. Our advertisers can no longer shoulder the entire burden. To that end, we are introducing voluntary subscriptions, as we look to diversify revenue streams. Help us to maintain door-to-door delivery, which is an increasingly expensive undertaking and a major cost for any newspaper.

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Be eligible for any giveaway the paper has during the year WAYS TO PAY: IN PERSON: If you prefer, you may pay in person at our office by cash, cheque, or credit card. Our office is located at 215 Sanders St, Suite 106, Kemptville, ON .

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SCHOLES, Brian Alexander James Passed away peacefully at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, on Monday March 30, 2020 with his wife at his side. Brian of Cavan, formerly of Edmonton and St. Catharines, was 68 years of age.

Beloved husband of Sandy(Eardley) for 30 years. Dearly loved father of Ali and Victoria (Mostafa) and the late Christopher. Son of Albert Scholes (Cathy Horne) and the late Madalene Scholes(Gaw). Brian will be fondly remembered by his Auntie Rachel Tennant, cousins Randy Gaw, Judy Kirk, Terry Gaw, Peter Gaw, David Gaw, Donna Cadeau, Jackie Scholes, John Scholes, Judy Bonfoco, and their families. He will be missed by his good friends at Ontario Power Generation, the Eardley family, and other relatives and friends, including his beloved dog, Apollo.

Brian was an Inspector with O.P.G. for 20 years; previously having worked across Canada and into the N.W.T., the USA and Saudi Arabia. He was ever driven to expand his knowledge, and was always learning, taking courses or earning certifications. He was an eager story teller, and as his friends at O.P.G. can attest, there was never a story so dull that he wouldn't tell it twice.

He was a proud member of the Millbrook Legion, Branch #402 and the Peterborough Revolver & Pistol Club. He enjoyed target shooting, taking long rides on his motorcycle and had a tremendous love for dogs, no doubt on full display when he, Ali and Christopher snuck down to Pickering to adopt Apollo while Sandy and Victoria were on vacation. His many passions were eclipsed only by his love for his family, and he always made time to support his children and friends.

He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the PRHC Intensive Care Unit for their compassion and excellent care of Brian.

Cremation entrusted to Community Alternative Funeral Home. Interment in Kemptville, and Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Donations in Brian’s memory may be made to the Peterborough Humane Society through www.communityalternative.ca.

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Blackboard tool 6. Sister and wife of Zeus 10. Whacks 14. Creepy 15. Portent 16. Biblical kingdom 17. An analytic composition 18. Extent 19. Pierce 20. Mental representation 22. Cain's brother 23. To endure (archaic) 24. Collar 26. European mountain range 30. Belief 31. Cover 32. Defeat decisively 33. Brother of Jacob 35. Academy freshman 39. A small rounded boat

41. Cleaning device 43. Grave marker 44. Sun 46. Char 47. Yore 49. Nigerian tribesman 50. Collections 51. Arranged 54. Small amount 56. Low, flat land 57. Symbolic 63. Against 64. Indian dress 65. Near 66. Annoying insect 67. Cooking fat 68. Noblemen 69. Arid 70. Crony 71. Sea eagles

The Voice of North Grenville

FOOD CORNER

DOWN 1. C C C C 2. Command (archaic) 3. Backside 4. Teller of untruths 5. Excited, with "up" 6. Stewardesses 7. Purulent pleurisy 8. Harvest 9. Temper 10. In spite of everything 11. Pueblo brick 12. Stomata 13. Refine metal 21. Bay window 25. Fully developed 26. Circle fragments 27. Plunder 28. Unadulterated 29. A cylinder in a cave 34. Usefulness 36. Type of sword 37. Rhythm 38. Makes a mistake 40. An enclosure 42. Scribbled 45. Small hand drum 48. Black Sea port 51. Fabrics with long coarse nap 52. 1000 kilograms 53. Communion table 55. Master of ceremonies 58. Mangle 59. Winglike 60. Ripped 61. Small island 62. To tax or access

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Many thanks for your emails chatting about the recipes here in The Food Corner. It sure is nice to hear from y’all as we cope together through these difficult times. The Breakfast Cranberry Orange Bread was a hit, so here is another one you are going to get a kick out of, Emma’s Apple Sauce and Oatmeal Cake. It is a superb dessert that sets my taste buds a dancin’ whenever Emma, my grand-daughter, prepares it for the family.

Ingredients for the cake 2 cups of apple sauce ⅓ cup of milk ⅓ cup butter 1 teaspoon of cinnamon ½ teaspoon of nutmeg ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves 1 cup of raisins, craisins or currants 1 cup oats ⅓ cup of granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 2 tablespoons of molasses 2 eggs 1 ½ cups of flour 1 teaspoon of soda ¾ teaspoon salt

Topping ¾ cups of sugar ⅓ cup butter ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup coconut ¼ cup rum 2 tablespoons of molasses Preparation Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the apple sauce, milk, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and raisins-craisinscurrants to boiling on stove top and pour over the oats in a largish bowl. Mix and let stand for 20 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into 2 quart loaf dish.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until probe comes out clean.

Bring everything to a boil and pour over cake as it comes out of the oven.

Thanks again for your emails. I hope to hear from you real soon. As always, I can be reached at pcormier@ranaprocess.com. All the best till next week…

Easy

Municipality sets priorities for COVID-19 Response Reserve

Medium

by Hilary Thomson The Municipality of North Grenville has outlined several focus areas for the use of the COVID-19 Response Reserve. On April 1, council approved the creation of the COVID-19 Response Reserve with the rerouting of approximately $960,000 from the capital projects budget to address the Municipality’s needs during and after the COVID-19 crisis. On April 8, Council also approved a municipal cost containment plan that has allowed the Municipality to include an additional $400,000 in the reserve to further offset forecasted expenses due to COVID-19. The reserve is now sitting at an estimated $1,360,000.

CAO Gary Dyke provided council with a general overview of how some of the money will be spent in the coming months at the special council meeting last week. This includes offsetting revenue loss related to their inability to rent out municipal facilities, representing approximately $135,000. An estimated $75,000 will also be spent on any unbudgeted operating expenses due to COVID-19, which includes technology upgrades to support virtual meetings, increase media buys, and communication initiatives and new signage for municipal outdoor facilities in response to provincial closure orders.

The largest sum of money will be allocated towards programs to support the community.

An estimated $290,000 is budgeted to help offset the cost of waiving new penalties and interest charges on deferred property tax accounts, cover additional security measures to help protect closed businesses, and the cost of enhancing the ‘Love NG’ marketing and promotion program to support local businesses.

Gary says the marketing program will be focused on helping educate the public on which businesses are open during the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote the need for the public to familiarise themselves with local businesses once everything is back to normal. “We will bring the business community, council and marketing professionals in to define what the program will look like, and bring the details back to council,” he said.

The total amount accounted for in the current COVID-19 response budget is $500,000, leaving $860,000 in the fund for future initiatives. “We will continue to evaluate programming and look at what needs to be done,” Gary said.

Hard

April 15, 2020

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Senior Times Let’s Connect

by Carol Friesen, Client Service & Volunteer Coordinator Kemptville & District Home Support continues to provide support in the community. Meals on Wheels, Transportation to medical appointments, and Telephone Checks are continuing. The staff are still at the office coordinating the services, as well as providing information and referrals over the telephone.

During this time of selfisolating in our homes and physical distancing, it is especially important to keep connected with others and to keep ourselves engaged and active while remaining safe.

Stay connected. Whether it’s a relative, a friend or a neighbour, it’s great to be able to enjoy a conversation, share stories and to laugh together. Pick up the phone and call someone. Or try to use technology and video chat! If you’d like one of our friendly volunteers to call you, let us know! They can call to check on you, and you are guaranteed to have great conversations that will put a smile on your face.

Enjoy a hobby. Knitting, baking, painting, puzzles, reading - whatever your passion is, it’s the perfect time to enjoy it. I recently pulled out

one of my cross-stitch projects and I now regularly enjoy stitching beautiful colours to reveal the vibrant seaside cottages in my project.

Rediscover the beauty of nature. Open the window or step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Watch the birds as they feed outside. Dig around in the garden. Look for buds on the trees and early spring flowers. Listen to the melodic tunes of birds during the day and the chorus of frogs in the evening. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Exercise. You can still stay active while staying home. Take a walk, either in your house or outside, making sure to distance yourself at least 6 feet from others.

Or perhaps, if you are able to, try an online exercise or dance class.

Eat healthy. It’s important to eat nutritious foods and stay healthy. Frozen Meals on Wheels are a great option where you can choose your own meals from our à la carte menu. Our selection of meals includes items such as traditional pot roast, sweet and sour chicken, and salmon in lemon sauce. We also offer soups and desserts! Our Meals on Wheels program is flexible and reasonably priced, plus we offer free

The Voice of North Grenville

A senior’s look at the war against COVID 19

delivery throughout North Grenville.

Stay safe. Please remember to stay at home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and keep a safe distance away from others (at least 6 feet).

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s always best to stay home.

Let’s prevent the spread of this virus and save lives.

Kemptville & District Home Support is here to help. If you or someone you know would like to receive a regular call from one of our volunteers, order some frozen Meals on Wheels, or find out about other services available, please call 613-258-3203.

Let’s keep connected to each other and stay safe!

by Shirley Price The closing words of the Queen’s speech last week brought back memories of the wonderful songs that meant so much to people during the dark days of World War II, when she closed her speech with, “We will meet our friends again.

We will meet our families again. We will meet again.”

‘We’ll meet again” was the song of hope during World War II for all those who were hoping and praying for the safe return of those who were serving overseas.

I was also reminded that we are, indeed, at war once again. This time, we have a common enemy as we face a pandemic of the COVID19 virus. Once again, we begin

this war short of the tools and equipment needed. Following World War I, which was touted as the “War to End All Wars”, people were tired of war. The Twenties era arrived, and priorities changed. Then in 1929, the Great Depression hit, the stock market fell, and priorities changed again. The Great War was forgotten.

But the warnings were clear.

The building up of Germany’s armed forces was well known. There were more than rumours of the cruel treatment of Jews. While all this was going on, Canada was allowing its armed forces to diminish in manpower, equipment, ships.

Then Germany invaded Poland. War was declared, and Canada and other democracies were caught with their pants down. Industries had to quickly re-tool and get ready to build planes, ships, tanks, guns, and our Navy had to be re-built to be able to escort these essential tools across the Atlantic.

As we face this new kind of war, we are once again having to catch up. We are short of personal protective equipment. Our hospitals are ill- prepared for an influx of patients infected by the COVID virus 19. Our long-term care facilities are overcrowded, despite knowing for years that, with a rapidly increasing senior population, more and

more modern LTC facilities are desperately needed.

The lesson learned is harsh when the COVID19 virus spreads through these facilities like wildfire, especially when there are four residents to a room with no extra space to move those who are ill. There is no one government to blame for this lack of preparedness, as this slippage has been going on for years.

Premier Ford seems to have learned the lesson the hard way, as he declares that never again will Ontario rely on foreign suppliers for the equipment essential for protecting our health care workers. Other leaders are saying the same thing. Five years from now, when a vaccine providing protection against this virus has been developed and in common use, will these promises be kept, or will priorities again be the wants and desires and goodies demanded by voters when a new election is looming.

In the meantime, we will get through this by staying home, washing our hands, and trying our best to reach the top of the curve so that we can look forward to the day when “We will meet again.”

the north grenville

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Rachel S. Jansen, B.Comm., J.D.

215 Van Buren Street, Kemptville 613.258.7462 jansenlaw.com

Real Estate - Wills & Estates - Family Law - Corporate

Throughout these challenging times, we are continuing to provide essential services:

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· Meals on Wheels (frozen), delivered to your door · Regular telephone calls from our volunteers · Medical Transportation · Help with errands

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Covid 19 - Poem against Leeds Grenville declares State of Emergency domestic abuse Dear mommy, I know today you’re very stressed With certainty we’re no longer blessed, But please don’t project your fears upon me, Don’t get angry, that is my plea.

With mortgage payments that are due, rents lurking and bills in queue, I know these are scary times, Life ‘s no longer in its primes.

Dear daddy, for everything there is a solution, Even amidst all this confusion, but don’t turn this on your family, beatings won’t solve this anomaly.

I still need your love and attention, Even in these times of detention, We’re all cooped up in this together, This storm as well, we can weather.

Let’s all stay strong, Fight this thing, head on Better times are bound to follow Be my hero, not my sorrow.

Brenda Coucheir, April 10 2020

Emergency funding for local victim services agency Victim Services of Leeds & Grenville will receive $50,500 as Ontario takes emergency action to address the recent spike in domestic violence reported by victims services organizations during the COVID-19 crisis.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark made the announcement as part of the more than $2.7 million the province is providing to support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes in response to the evolving public health crisis and challenges victim service providers are facing.

The emergency funding is in addition to the annual funding allocation Victims Services of Leeds & Grenville receives from the Ministry of the Attorney General.

“This emergency payment will ensure victims of crime, particularly those who are experiencing domestic violence, can get the help they need to stay safe and healthy during this crisis,” said MPP Clark. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank the remarkable staff at our local Victim Services organization for their invaluable work, which has been made even more challenging in recent weeks.”

“Staying home is, unfortunately, not always the safest option in certain households, and, sadly, a recent increase in domestic violence has been reported to front-line victim service organizations,” said Attorney General Doug Downey.

This additional one-time emergency payment will help more than 50 community agencies across Ontario – including victim crisis assistance organizations, Indigenous organizations and those based in rural areas – stay operational and accessible to victims during the public health crisis.

Funds will help front-line staff respond to challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and enhance access to immediate supports for victims, including extended hotel stays and transportation and meal vouchers.

“During the COVID-19 health emergency, victim service providers are seeing a spike in domestic violence cases just as victims are left with fewer and fewer places to turn for help,” said Ontario Network of Victim Service Provider President, Sheri MacDonald. “The Attorney General and his staff understand what we’re facing on the front lines and his cooperation and decisive action make a true difference for our clients.”

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Pat Sayeau has declared a State of Emergency for the entire region to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “This is to reinforce the importance of social distancing,” Warden Sayeau said. “It is critically important that we do not let down our guard. My message is clear – stay home, self-isolate, avoid even family groups and stay safe. There will be other long weekends when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. We want you and your loved ones to be alive to enjoy them with us,” the Warden added.

Over the course of the last 24 hours, the Warden has talked with all mayors within the United Counties. Some individual municipalities have declared emergencies, while others have not, all for their own valid reasons, the Warden said. He noted no Leeds and Grenville municipalities are in need of additional resources at this time, from each other or from the province.

“We all agree that our single and most pressing need is the continued and focused efforts of all citizens to keep their distances,” he said.

Leeds and Grenville citizens are asked to: • Maintain six-foot separation distances – at all times • Avoid all gathering of groups larger than five – whether family or not • Shelter at home, venturing out only for necessities • Do not travel – essential travel only • “As a sign in one of our local stores states: ‘Unless your intended purchase is a real necessity, please do not enter our store’, the Warden said. He further stressed all boat ramps and marinas are closed throughout the United Counties, in compliance with a provincial order. The result is seasonal residents and visitors will have no access to this area’s lakes and summer cottages.

• This State of Emergency Declaration ensures Leeds Grenville has the flexibility and is agile to respond to ongoing and new operational issues. Counties rolling out new provincial programming: • Operating two emergency daycare centres and, if demand persists, Counties’ staff may look at the possibility of opening another centre, subject to provincial approvals.

• Rolling out $1.5-million in social services emergency relief funds for vulnerable members of the population through assistance to individuals and front-line agencies.

• Working with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and assessment centre with a community paramedic program.

Critical care services maintained during the outbreak: • The Counties’ long-term care home in Athens, Maple View Lodge, has an influenza outbreak. There are new testing protocols for all long-term care facilities in Ontario, along with many precautions and infection control currently in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 • Protection of healthcare workers and other front-line workers. Monitoring to ensure the Counties’ Paramedic Service and Maple View Lodge workers have the proper and sufficient Personal Protective Equipment.

Counties CAO Andy Brown said Leeds Grenville is working with community organizations and agencies. If volunteers are needed to assist, the Declaration ensures WSIB coverage for those valuable volunteers.

The Voice of North Grenville

Provincial deal with Catholic teachers

by David Shanahan An agreement has been reached between the Ontario Government and the Associations representing Catholic teachers and Catholic School Boards in the Province. Although the current shutdown of schools may not make this as immediately relevant to parents and students as it otherwise might, it is an important step in the sometimes bitter history of relations between teachers and the Ministry of Education.

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association [OCSTA] and Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association [OECTA] reached a tentative deal with the Ministry on March 12, but it was not until last week that OECTA and OCSTA ratified the arrangements reached in talks. OECTA represents 45,000 teachers in Ontario, at both elementary and secondary levels, and the effect of its increasing level of strike action had been causing real disruption in the school year before the March Break. The Associations were the first to reach an agreement with the Ministry after the long campaign by teachers and boards across the province.

The three-year collective agreements will be effective from September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2022. Under the agreement, OECTA teachers will receive a 1% wage increase per year, for three years. The government will fund $33.5 million in the 2020-2021 school year and $33.8 million in the 2021-2022 school year to create additional teacher positions to provide flexibility to address special education, mental health initiatives and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programming.

For 65% of the vacancies, hiring will continue to be conducted based on seniority. The remaining 35% for permanent teaching positions will be in support of the school boards' efforts to promote merit and diversity in hiring practices and provide opportunity for mobility of teachers between boards.

A Ministry statement noted that: “The government is committed to maintaining full-day kindergarten and retaining the existing staffing model. There are no changes to class size for Ontario's youngest learners in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 3. Provincial funding, and legislated class size restrictions provide class sizes for grades 4-8 to reflect an average class size of 24.5, and a change for grades 9-12 to reflect an average class size of 23 which is effectively the same as 20192020 school year.”

Online Learning (E-Learning) was another issue causing disputes between the Associations and the Ministry. As part of the agreement, students entering Grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year will be required to complete two mandatory online learning courses in order to graduate. Exemptions to the requirement can be made for reasons such as to accommodate individual students with learning needs, students who have issues accessing technology and newcomers to Ontario who enter secondary school after Grade 9.

Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, commented on the deal, noting that the government would “continue to advance efforts that improve and modernize Ontario's education system and serve the needs of students and their families, while being fiscally responsible”, and that the government’s “primary objective was to provide predictability and certainty to parents, students and educators alike. The time is now for the outstanding deals - parents deserve predictability."

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April 15, 2020

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The Voice of North Grenville

COVID-19

Information for North Grenville Residents

A State of Emergency was declared in North Grenville on March 25, 2020 Municipal Updates (as of April 9, 2020):

Local Business Support #LoveNG

The North Grenville Municipal office remains closed to the public. For essential services and operations, please call to make an appointment. Questions and inquiries, please email general@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569.

Show your love and support for our local businesses in North Grenville. Order online, pick up a take-out order, purchase a gift certificate, and be sure to like and comment on their social media pages.

For a full list of local businesses that remain open visit: www.LoveNG.ca

► Core Municipal operations including fire protection, water and wastewater services, waste management, building inspections and permits, bylaw services, road repair and facilities maintenance continue; ► Playgrounds and all other outdoor recreational amenities - including the skate park and boat launches are closed; ► North Grenville parks and trails (including Ferguson Forest) remain open so long as physical distancing is respected; ► The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has closed Limerick Forest and its trails; ► There is an Open-Air Burn Ban throughout North Grenville and all of the United Counties of Leeds And Grenville; ► The Waste Transfer Station remains open with a limit of 5 vehicles in the yard at a time. The hazardous waste drop-off (including oil and paint) is temporarily closed; ► Residents are encouraged to use curbside collection for garbage and recycling and can purchase bag tags when they pick up groceries or gas. Residents can also contact the Knights of Columbus at 613-258-3683 to arrange bag tag delivery right to your doorstep;

If you need to seek health care for COVID-19: ► A Self-Assessment Tool available at: www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus. ► Telehealth Ontario at: 1-866-797-0000 (24/7) the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 to be screened. ► Call your primary care provider.

The Municipality’s priority is the health and safety of our residents and will continue to respond to the latest developments around COVID-19. Thank you for your continued patience and co-operation.

Thank you for helping to stop the spread of COVID-19:

2m (6’)

Maintain 2m distance.

Do not gather.

STAY HOME!

We’re in this

TOGETHER

Wash your hands often.

Don’t touch your face.

For up-to-date information visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

April 15, 2020

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