Issue 27, July 16, 2026

The Voice of North Grenville

Summer Promotion - See store for details* Terms and conditions apply.

The Voice of North Grenville

Reaching by direct mail 9,000 homes and businesses in North Grenville

Toonies For Seniors www.ngtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

Vol. 14 No. 27

July 16, 2026

Lucky Mermaid Treasure Fair Sets Sail at Kemptville ReStore

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The Treasure Fair promises something for everyone. Guests who arrive dressed as pirates or mermaids will receive 25% off storewide (some exclusions apply). Visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Kemptville Food Bank and take part in the Treasure Fair passport activity for a chance to win prizes.

The day's activities include a community garage sale, vendor market, vintage car show, silent auction, entertainment, games and prizes, free intuitive readings, free ice cream, and a children's treasure hunt beginning at 1p.m.The Lucky Mermaid Treasure Fair will be held at the Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands Kemptville ReStore, 2600 County The Habitat for Saturday, July 25, from ing materials, and new Road 43, Kemptville.

Humanity Thousand 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. products donated by Whether you're huntIslands Kemptville ReMore than just a re- generous corporate ing for unique treaStore is inviting the tail store, the ReStore partners. Every pur- sures, enjoying famcommunity to enjoy a helps build safe, af- chase helps support ily activities, or simply day of family fun while fordable homes in the Habitat for Humanity's looking for a fun day supporting a great region through the mission while keeping out, every visit helps cause at its Lucky Mer- sale of donated furni- thousands of pounds of make a difference for maid Treasure Fair on ture, appliances, build- reusable materials out local families in need.

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The Voice of North Grenville

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

Help bring Santa's sled home

He a r t b e a t OF OUR COMMUNITY

SUPER SPRAY

Christmas may be months away, but one piece of North Grenville's holiday magic is missing.

A beautifully restored 1910 sleigh, lovingly brought back to life by the volunteers of the North Grenville Men's Shed, has disappeared after being displayed in Rotary Park during the holiday season. The historic sled was recently taken from private property between May 25 and June 1.

At this time, we are simply asking for its safe return. If you have the sled, or know where it may be, please return it to the property where it was found. No questions asked.

If you have any information that could assist in locating the sled, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police and reference occurrence number E260771864. The OPP can be reached at 1-888-310-1122.

This cherished piece of local history brought smiles to countless residents and visitors throughout the holiday season. Let's work together to bring it home.

Help North Grenville get back on Santa's nice list by helping return Santa's sled where it belongs.

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by Lisa Poushinsky Hold on to your hats, hat pins, and fascinators, because the Odd Fellows Orchestra is coming to town! Get ready for an act that will take you back to July 16,, 2026

prewar jazz, blues, and calypso, with original tunes wrapped in old-timey guitar and horns, delivered with slinky cabaret-noir vocal styling and a floral sousaphone.

2

Led by Miranda Ceara, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer who has shared stages across Europe and the US with renowned entertainers such as C.W. Stoneking and Nick Cave, she is backed by a brilliant ensemble of multi- instrumentalists. Their beguiling, dreamy sound pairs naturally with circus arts, dance, and visual arts, with multi-arts spectacles selling out in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Since releasing their acclaimed debut EP (2025), the band has performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival and was named an Official Showcase Artist at Folk Alliance Ontario. Catch them at the Street Piano before they disappear in a puff of

nostalgia—Europe is calling and the Odd Fellows are ready to answer.

What? The Kemptville Street Piano Concert Series presents Who? Miranda Ceara and the Odd Fellows Orchestra When? Saturday July 18, 1pm, rain or shine.

Where? North Grenville Public Library terrace How much? Free! Want to support the music? The Kemptville Street Piano is a non-profit concert series that relies on grants, and we will gladly accept donations and discuss sponsorship opportunities (contact us at kemptville.street. piano@gmail.com).

Learn more about the band on Instagram theoddfellowsorchestra www.ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

Editorial

Watching the sun rise over Kemptville College

by Marguerite Boyer It is early morning. The sun is just beginning to rise above the horizon, and North Grenville is slowly waking up. As I stand watching the first rays of light touch the landscape, I find myself in a lonely place. What was once a vibrant part of Kemptville College now sits silent. Nature is slowly reclaiming the parking lots and creeping around buildings that once bustled with students, faculty and staff. Only a few lonely lights remain on, serving as reminders of what once was. It is a sad sight.

Year after year I have watched these buildings fall further into disrepair since the University of Guelph closed the Kemptville College and an agreement was reached between the Province of Ontario and the Municipality of North Grenville. The municipality gained access to the lands west of County Road 44, while the Province retained ownership of the lands and buildings on the east side.

Now those same lands are the proposed site of the Eastern Ontario Correc-

tional Complex (EOCC), a project that has become one of the most controversial issues facing North Grenville.

I recognize that Ontario's correctional system is overcrowded and that improvements are needed. However, I question whether building another correctionaL centre is the long-term solution to rising crime. In my opinion, we should also be investing far more in mental health care, addiction treatment, affordable housing, and community supports that address the causes of crime before people ever enter the justice system.

Organizations such as the Coalition Against Proposed Prisons (CAPP) have voiced similar concerns. There has also been criticism directed toward MPP Steve Clark and the way the municipality handled the announcement of the project. While I have little interest in mud-slinging or assigning blame, I do share the concern that many residents felt left out of the decision-making process.

Personally, I do not want to see a detention centre built on this site.

I also believe more resi-

Letter to the editor Dear Editor, I just finished reading a book (from our own library) entitled “The Witches”, by Stacy Schiff. It’s about the Baptists, Huguenots and Puritans arriving on the shores of America, Salem in particular. She writes that “the Devil was hardly pleased by a convoy of Puritans”. Joining the Church of England “was to be bewitched”, and when fire broke out in Boston, it was said to be the work of Baptists. Witches were seen everywhere, and flying was cheap. All you needed was a stick or a broomstick.

As Ms. Schiff says, there were as many reasons to accuse someone of witchcraft in 1692 as there were to denounce people under the Nazi occupation of France.

My ancestors, father’s side, descended from Baptists, Huguenots and Puritans. John Pelten arrived on the Winthrop fleet of 1630, founding on of the first towns in Massachusetts. So, this book had some history in it for me.

Kath Piché July 16, 2026

Dear Editor, The recent article in the NG Times by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) about reforesting was lovely to read: how trees are so important for so many things. There seems to be a rash of big yellow machines smashing hedgerows to bits along watercourses and fence lines all over Eastern Ontario. So, if trees are so important, why is that so many farmers (“guardians of our environment”?) are grubbing out so many hedgerows?

I did ask my local conservation authority (South Nation) about this and was sent a very generic e-mail (which did not really answer my question) proudly announcing the fact that there are now grants available for….. planting trees!

Oh, grants paid for by you and me.

Andrew M. Thriscutt Dear Editor, Re: Summer Side of Life editorial. You opened Pandora's box this Week of July 5. How about Paul

dents need to become involved in the discussion.

Last week's protest by opponents of the facility attracted only a handful of people. Perhaps the timing prevented many from attending, as it was held during the workday. Or perhaps many people simply do not care. If you do care, I encourage you to attend peaceful demonstrations, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Whether you support or oppose the project, public participation is an important part of democracy.

Another question that deserves attention is whether the former Kemptville College buildings have heritage value.

The campus dates back to the early 1900s, when it was established as the Ontario Agricultural College's Kemptville location.

For more than a century it played an important role in agricultural education throughout Eastern Ontario and became part of our community's identity.

Many historically or architecturally significant buildings are never formally designated as such under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Municipality has noted that many of the build-

ings on the site “express the heritage value of Kemptville College”, and they or the Province could undertake a heritage evaluation, designate the buildings under the Act, or require a Heritage Impact Assessment before demolition is approved.

Those that fall within the final footprint of the projected detention centre would almost certainly be demolished. Yet, as of today, no public demolition list identifies exactly which buildings, if any, will be preserved. Many residents believe these buildings represent more than bricks and mortar. They tell the story of over a century of agricultural education in Eastern Ontario. They reflect a distinctive style of institutional architecture and remain an important part of Kemptville's history. Others argue that many of the structures have sat vacant for years and would require substantial investment to restore.

Meanwhile, North Grenville continues to grow at a remarkable pace.

Since Walmart arrived years ago, our community has transformed from what many considered a quiet rural village into a thriving

community that increasingly resembles a suburb of Ottawa. New homes seem to appear almost daily.

Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings challenges. We already need significant investments in roads, water and sewer infrastructure, schools, emergency services, and our hospital, which must continue to serve an evergrowing population.

The future of the former Kemptville College lands will shape our community for generations.

Whatever your opinion may be, this is not a decision that should be made without the active participation of the people who live here.

As I watched the sun rise over those empty buildings, I could not help but wonder what the next sunrise will reveal.

Will these historic structures still be standing, or will they become another memory of what once was?

More importantly, will we have taken the time to decide, together, what kind of community we want North Grenville to become?

TIMES Contact 613-215-0735 ISSN 2291-0301

Editor David Shanahan editor@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735 Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Reporter Talia Hreljac Talia@ngtimes.ca Marketing/Sales marketing@ngtimes.ca 613 215-0735 Graphic Designer Mary Moore graphics designer 613-215-0735 Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca

Ontario supporting Royal Canadian Legions in Leeds and Grenville Hyland's song that made the top 100 favorite songs for the month of August, 1960, "Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini".

Composed by Paul Vance and Lee Pockiss. (Ain't Google Grand).

Now there's an "earworm" for you old folks. TEE HEE Josephine Herman

The Ontario government is making it easier for Royal Canadian Legion branches in Leeds and Grenville to continue serving veterans and local communities by providing full liquor sales licence fee rebates to eligible branches applying for or renewing their liquor sales licences.

www.northgrenville.ca What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

285 County Road 44, Kemptville Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca Need additional information? Visit us:

www.northgrenville.ca 3

The rebate program took effect on June 1, 2026, and applies retroactively to April 1, 2026.

The rebates will be available to all 14 Legion Branches in Leeds and Grenville. Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands and Rideau Lakes made the announcement recently.

“By helping reduce operating costs, our government is ensuring legions can continue providing the programs, services and support that veterans and local families rely on.”

“Ontario’s legions have long been at the heart of communities across our province, serving veterans, supporting local charities and bringing people together,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “That’s why our government is providing liquor sales licence fee rebates that will help legion branches dedicate more resources to the people and causes they serve across Ontario.”

Across Ontario, 391 Royal Canadian Legion branches currently hold liquor sales licences and are eligible for the rebate program. Ontario’s legion branches support veterans, Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP families, charitable activities, Remembrance Day ceremonies, seniors’ supports, youth education initiatives and community programs.

Rebates will reduce costs for nearly 400 eligible legion branches by almost $250,000 over five years. The rebate for a two-year licence term is $1,055, while the rebate for a four-year term is $1,355.

Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion do not need to submit a rebate application to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Eligible fees will be returned automatically within two to four weeks after the licence or renewal is approved.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Op-ed

Highway 43 revisited

by David Shanahan Although it may seem that the road works on County Road 43 running through Kemptville have become a permanent, though oft-changing feature of the town, the official word from the Municipality of North Grenville is rather positive. The stats show that Overall Project Progress is at 65%, with the entire work scheduled for completion “in early 2027".

Work on the bridge over the South Branch, which is now really two bridges, is 87% complete on the west side (most residents would think of it as the south side, I think), while the construction of the East (North) side is at just 7% complete, although it seems to be progressing quite quickly over the last few weeks. Total completion rate for the bridge(s) stands at 60%.

The multi-use pathways along the route, or Boulevard, as the Municipality describe it, is 60%

complete, and the “removal and reinstatement of existing entryways” is at a very positive 70%. These entryways include the numerous roundabouts, which have been such a fascinating feature of the driving experience through Kemptville for many months now.

Residents still seem vague, to say the least, about using these features, especially the rules governing signaling. This will only become more confused as the introduction of the four-lane road markings make deciding which lane to be in as you approach a roundabout more thoughtprovoking.

Another confusing aspect of the entire route is the question of the new lanes, which the Municipality describe as being on the North of 43 (while the bridge is East and West?).

There has been some concern expressed by residents that the stretch running from the Anniversary Way roundabout to the Shop-

pers roundabout does not look wide enough to hold two lanes of traffic.

I have been told by one who knows that this is merely an optical illusion caused by the orange bollards lining the section.

One enterprising resident has, apparently, taken a measuring tape and, in an on-the-spot examination, satisfied himself that there is, indeed, enough width to make two lanes feasible.

The construction work has entailed many other infrastructure improvements that remain largely invisible to the public, such as “Underground infrastructure along the south side of CR43 between Anniversary Way and King Street towards the river”.

The new surface that was recently laid down around the County Road 19 junction is very welcome indeed. It was always a test of a vehicle’s suspension to travel that section after the original roundabout was removed and it became a

real building site. I saw one car, just a week or so ago, over at the side of the road with one of its front wheels at a completely unnatural angle compared to the others.

All in all, progress is being made, and by next Spring we’ll have a brand new four-lane highway running from the 416 to Pinehill Road. The entire project has taken much longer than anyone might have expected when the first designs were presented to Council many years ago. But the end of in sight, and a scenic boulevard along CR 43 will soon be filled with cars and trucks and other forms of transport, and we’ll wonder when we can expand the whole thing to cope with the traffic. Ah, progress.

Green and Growing.

For the People?

by Colin Creasey A recent front page in the NGT was interesting, showing an article that the Ford Government has increased funding to the Kemptville District Hospital. I saw this after I had just seen that the Queensway Carlton hospital had to lay off dozens of registered nurses due to chronic underfunding by this same Ford government.

Maybe this move by the Ford government is an attempt to rehabilitate Steve Clark's image, seeing as they are still under investigation by the RCMP for the Greenbelt scandal that originated in Clark's office, an issue that Ford and his MP's, including our own Steve Clark, just made more difficult by passing a law hiding their cell phone records from investigators. If there had been nothing nefarious going on, then why was that necessary, and why was it passed in the Legislature after hours, when nobody else was around?

All this led me to wonder if this extra funding was, in part, to make up for the lack of funding over the years that Ford has been in power, because it would have been interesting to know where the funding is now relative to what is actually needed. But then, we wouldn't want to bite the hand that feeds us, even if it is only scraps.

Chronic underfunding of our hospitals and schools has been a signature policy for this Provincial government, a government that wastes many of our taxpayer dollars on things like advertizing how well a job they are doing. If that were the case, they wouldn't need to advertize it, because we all would know. I think the advertisement that annoyed me the most was regarding jails, where the solution plastered all over the advertisement was "Lock ‘em Up". Poverty and the lack of housing plays a large part in our jail system nowadays, and just solving those two problems would reduce jail overcrowding. But Ford and his government aren't interested in solving that particular problem.

You don't seem to be able to go on social media nowadays without seeing a whole litany of laws passed by this Ford government that are definitely not "For the People". As I have said before, "For the Rich People" would have been more accurate. We now have the largest debt in Ontario history, and the first ever declining per capita GDP in Ontario history.

From changing laws to evade court orders, increasing homelessness by 50% in their tenure to 90,000 Ontarians, for stealing public lands to enrich foreign companies, (e.g. Ontario Place), to setting us back a decade by ignoring climate change, and to go nuclear instead of renewables for our future grid, (buying reactors from the US, to add insult to injury). A recent letter that I received from Steve Clark says that renewables need too much land, completely ignoring the fact that many farmers welcome the opportunity to put this infrastructure on their land, as it is another source of income for them, and can actually enhance their bottom line.

So, when the next provincial election comes around, all you voters who aren't interested enough to get out and vote, please be aware that you are part of the problem. It has been my experience that Conservative voters nearly always turn out, so the rest of us need your voice to turn things around, and bring some sanity back to government.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Sportsdome: Public Meeting denied

by Chris Turnbull Back in 2024, the NG Times reported that the Municipality and the French Catholic Board were pursuing the feasibility of a Sportsdome at the former Agricultural College (Kemptville Campus), to be placed within the built portion of the campus. Current concept specs of the new (funded $26 million) French Catholic school shows it will have a gym, as well as a sportsfield on the 10 acres of the school property. The school was built outside the urban settlement boundary, and off campus, on land that was designated “Agriculture”. The “land switch” has not occurred yet (the soccer fields at College road) to equalize the loss of Agricultural land.

The Mayor and Council are still pitching the prime agricultural field abutting Cty Rd 44 as an ideal location for a Sportsdome. Many years of effort have gone into getting support from the sports clubs and “Breakfast of Champions”. The Board of the Campus seems to be in support, but with no AGM, how would we know? Maybe we need more agricultural representation on Boards and Councils in NG. Still, $17 million is the ask for funding.

I’m sure the agricultural community could come up with a viable phased plan, and a financial plan, for the entirety of the former Agricultural college.

Do we need a Sportsdome, here? Has anyone actually looked at how many sports this Dome is potentially supporting? Has a cost analysis been done? Who from NG will be using the Dome, who will be able to afford the Dome, and, as a new component of the concept plan, a Clubhouse? Has anyone evaluated the effect of Sportsdomes on climate?

Or the longevity of infrastructure? The loss of soil? The roadwork running from Hwy 44 into town, stopping at the 3-way at VanBuren, or carrying along Prescott St.? Let alone the fact July 16, 2026

that it isn’t serviced, but now it “will be”, to quote CAO Karen Dunlop at the May 26 Council meeting, in answer to my question about that.

At that meeting ( w w w. youtub e. c om / live/-YuvzJ9zSdY?si=DHLv1REPk_uecHr): • Council said there would be no public meeting regarding the Sportsdome. The Parks and Rec Master Plan would suffice. It is a small overall percentage of the NG population that has indicated support for a Sportsdome, though Council Member Strackerjan noted that support would include the families of the sports team members, and that increases percentages. Still not an overwhelming % of the population. Why isn’t there a button on the Parks and Rec Sportsdome page for those of us who “do not support” the Sportsdome?

I suspect the new Master Plan will lean heavily into indoor rec and community “demand” (which wasn’t hugely evident in the last report).

Let’s demand a public meeting for the Sportsdome.

• Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan asked questions about the microcannabis business and research operation that exists just South of Dickinson Trail, on Bedell Road. She was concerned about light pollution (“dark skies”), inappropriate use, potential odour. Geez, “just up the road” there is a proposed Sportsdome build on an active agricultural field. Dark skies? Inappropriate use of agricultural land? Affect on human senses (cars, garbage, optics).

I’d add that the former Agricultural College is a natural corridor for species movement: aquatic, winged, terrestrial. The soil can be used for agricultural purposes. In April, Council allowed for a public meeting for the micro-cannabis business. It was, apparently, well attended.

• The entire former College is zoned Institutional by the Munici-

pality. This includes all the acreage on the east and west sides of Cty Road 44S. The fields are Agricultural at County.

The current, municipal “Institutional” zoning has permissions that are not allowed on Agricultural lands. Perhaps they could change the map colouration to reflect that.

Last week, the CBC ran: “Canada has lost millions of hectares of farmland. Where is it all going?: Federal food security strategy running up against high land costs, fewer young farmers.” There are other well researched news articles re: local food precarity, ag economics/ businesses, agriculture as key industry in Canada, in traditional and digital news forms.

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry published Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health (2024). It focuses on the status on soil health, which has implications for human health, food security, forest and agricultural productivity, and water and air quality. Strange that Council isn’t making contact with the institutions that work within the agricultural sector, and appropriate funders/ governmental bodies, in relation to applicable forms of use for the built heritage, agricultural fields, and natural features at the Kemptville Agricultural College.

SEND IN YOUR LETTERS TO editor @ngtimes.ca 5

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The Voice of North Grenville

Who knows where the Times goes

Vanessa Skelton was in Houston at the World Cup game between Canada and Morocco.

The Times at Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki, Japan, on July 8 with (L to R): Solveig, Alistair, and Ferris McCleery of Kemptville.

Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary 2026

NGDHS - Grace Hicks

Who knows where the Times goes Frank and Joelle Meijer were in Courseulles-sur-Mer, site of Juno Beach, where the Canadian soldiers landed on D-Day.

by Billy Gutknecht for the EGMB Executive On June 25, 2026, the St. Michael Catholic High School held their commencement exercises where 118 students were awarded their Secondary School Diplomas, Honour Cords, Honour Role Medallions, French Immersion Certificates and Bursaries. Among them were students Arielle VanDommelen and An-

gelina Polegato, who together won the Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary (EGMB) which is awarded each year to a student or students pursuing post secondary education who have faced and persevered through personal challenges (and other criteria).

Arielle has been accepted into Criminology in Mind and Behaviour at Carleton University, while Angelina is pursuing Cognitive Science with a concentration in Biological Foundations.

Both Arielle and Angelina were awarded $1000 for their winning applications.

On June 26, just across town, the North Grenville District High School announced their Class of 2026, where 148 graduating students were introduced and received their diplomas and other special awards. Grace Hicks was awarded the $2000 EGMB and will begin the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Honours Program at Car-

St. Michael: (l-r) Angelina Polegato & Arielle Van: Dommelen

July 16,, 2026

6

leton University this coming fall.

The EGMB has now awarded $50,000 to graduating students at both schools here in North Grenville since the Charity was first established shortly after the passing of Eric on June 25, 2010.

Congratulations to students finishing High School and taking the next big step forward.

Choosing to continue your education shows drive and vision. You don't have to have it all figured out, as many successful people change majors, switch schools, or pivot careers. Stay curious, work hard and

keep learning! Congratulations as well to those students choosing to enter the work force now.

Finishing high school is a real achievement - so celebrate it. Not everyone takes the same path, and heading straight into the field of work is a valid, respectable choice that can lead to great success!

Last, but not least, to those returning to school for another year: Going back is a decision to finish what you started, and that takes much courage.

This is your time to rewrite the story!

Congratulations Class of 2026

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The Voice of North Grenville

A SAFER ONTARIO MEANS

FEWER STOLEN CARS Learn how we’re protecting the province at ontario.ca/SaferOntario Paid for by the Government of Ontario July 16, 2026

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The Voice of North Grenville

Senior Times Paul A. Jansen, BA, LLB.

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The annual June Seniors BBQ once again brought the community together, with more than 110 people enjoying an afternoon of great food, music, and fellowship. The Kemptville Lions generously prepared burgers and refreshments, while Grenville Mutual Insurance provided desserts. MP Michael Barrett and Councillors John Barclay and Debbie Wilson also attended, acknowledging the important contributions seniors make to the community and the value of supporting independent living.

Community support continued throughout Seniors Month as B&H Grocer hosted its annual fundraising campaign for SCS. Thanks to the generosity of shoppers, an impressive $3,780 was raised.

Over the years, these donations have helped purchase essential equipment and support the many pro-

Summer is in full swing, and Seniors' Community Services (SCS) has been making the most of the season with celebrations, community events, and exciting activities still to come.

In May, SCS honoured its dedicated volunteers with a luncheon at Catered Affairs, followed by an entertaining Murder Mystery performance by the North Grenville Community Theatre.

Sixteen volunteers were recognized for milestone years of service, including John Brooks and Ina Dyks, who each celebrated an impressive 20 years of volunteering. The afternoon also marked the retirement of Bill Forbes as President of the Board of Directors after seven years in the role and 23 years of volunteer service.

His leadership, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, was recognized with heartfelt appreciation.

Aaron Nichols has now taken on the role

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grams and services offered by Seniors' Community Services.

There is still plenty to enjoy this summer. A few spaces remain for the Rockport Cruise and Buffet Lunch on Wednesday, August 12, offering participants a relaxing day of sightseeing, good food, and great company. SCS also continues to offer a variety of popular programs, including chair exercise, flower arranging, euchre, and the Wednesday Diners' Club, giving seniors many opportunities to stay active and connected.

Looking ahead to the fall, the Scribbling Seniors writing group returns in September, welcoming anyone interested in writing or sharing life stories in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. The second annual Trivia Night Fundraiser will also return on September 29 at Kemptville Brewing Company, bringing the community together for an evening of fun in support of Seniors' Community Services.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Burritts Rapids: made by the Canal

excellent means of bypassing the rapids. By building a dam upstream from the settlement, the Rideau waters were backed up and forced down the Snie instead. Locks were built at the far end of the snie to control water levels in the new canal channel. Once the snie was flooded, the new island came into being, and the village of Burritts Rapids would grow up on the newly separated land.

This had not been the original plan for the canal at this point. Samuel Clowes, who had made a report on possible routes for the canal in 1824, had suggested that a canal be constructed that would bypass both Burritts Rapids and Merrickville, running west of the two settlements and rejoining the Rideau a couple of miles past Merrickville. What this route might have meant to the future of both communities, it is impossible to know, but their history would certainly have been much different without the Rideau Canal.

The work at Burritts Rapids was performed by Philemon Wright’s company. Wright was the entrepreneur whose timber business would lead to the founding of the city of Hull. The snie had to be excavated to provide a sufficient depth of water, and the banks of the Rideau and the new chan-

Burritt's Rapids Date ca. 1840's. Watercolour by John Burrows, ©Archives of Ontario. The high bridge built over the Canal is visible to the right.

by David Shanahan

This year marks 200 years since work began on the Rideau Canal, a World Heritage site and the northern boundary of North Grenville. The Rideau Canal began as a military project which, fortunately, never had to meet a military purpose in the more than 194 years since Col. John By completed his assignment to turn the Rideau River into a navigable waterway for the transport of troops and supplies. But, whatever its original purpose, the building of the Canal changed completely the northern boundary of what is now North Grenville, and particularly the hamlet of Burritt’s Rapids.

July 16, 2026

Today, the Tip to Tip Trail runs from one end of the island on which most of the hamlet is located to the other. But before the Canal, there was no island, it is a man-made addition to the landscape.

Before 1830, the Rideau River roared over the rapids below the present dam, providing the water power that allowed the community to grow up around grist and woolen mills. A bridge had been built across the river in 1824, the first to span the Rideau River. It had been built by Eli Hurd, and £100 had been granted for purpose by the Legislative Assembly. Hurd was actually only paid £50 and the Bridge Commissioners, Walter Gates and Hen-

ry Burritt, asked to use the balance of the grant to pay for a bridge between Wolford and Montague.

At that time, there was no island at all: where the canal flows today was a dry hollow or channel running almost a mile and a half parallel to the river. It is most likely that this channel was flooded each spring as the narrow passage of the rapids was overwhelmed by the high waters. But aside from that short period, the channel was a dry creek.

When Colonel John By was reconnoitering the route of the Rideau Canal in 1829, he noted this channel, which was called the Oxford Snie, and realized that it would make an

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nel had to be raised to allow a higher water level behind the locks. In fact, aside from the locks at Ottawa and the last three lock stations before Kingston Mills, the excavations at Burritts Rapids were the largest along the Rideau system.

According to By’s calculations, more than 7,600 cubic yards of earth had to be removed to build one dam and one lock. That is more than 205,000 cubic feet of earth, all moved by hand by poorly clothed and unskilled manual labour. Many of these workers were Irish or French Canadian, and the toll on these men was severe. Although there is no official record of the number of labourers who died building the Rideau Canal, it is accepted that the total was around 1,000. Many of these died were victims of malaria, others from accidents involving dynamite explosions. Because the work was manual labour, workers also died when they had to dig out the deep rooys of the old growth trees that had to be removed. On occasion, the entire root system collapsed on top of the men, leaving them buries underneath. It was a hard and dangerous project.

Walking along by the locks today, through the landscaped grounds by the canal, it is very difficult to think that all this is man-

made, excavated by shovel and deposited by the wheelbarrow-load. And, of the men who did the work, some settled happily in the area, some moved on to Bytown, and others are buried in the McGuigan Cemetery, just down the River Road.

In addition to the new island, a high-level bridge was built very close to where the present bridge crosses the Canal to the island. Twenty-eight feet high, it was designed to allow large vessels to pass underneath as they plied the waters of the new Canal. The completion of the Rideau Canal began a period of rapid growth and development for Burritts Rapids. For the next thirty years, shingle factories, mills and hotels were built. Doctors, lawyers, surveyors and tailors set up in business there. At its height, in 1851, Burritt’s Rapids had a population of around 300, with three stores, three inns, and numerous tradespeople serving the traffic passing along the canal. It boasted saw mills, a grist mill, and a carding mill. It was only in the 1850's, when the railways bypassed the village in favour of Merrickville and Kemptville, that Burritts Rapids began a slow decline.

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The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

THE FRIENDS OF THE FERGUSON Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30

FOREST will be holding a Medicinal Herb walk led by Dr. Shawn Yakimovich on August 1st at 10 am. Participants are to meet at the parking lot off County Road 44 at Settler's Trail. The walk/talk will take about 45 minutes. All welcome.

KEMPTVILLE YOUTH CENTRE is open Monday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm daily for drop-in programming.

Ages 11 to 19. Jr. Youth Night 2nd Monday of the month from 6pm to 8pm. Ages 8 to 11. No pre-registration required. All programming at KYC is FREE. Follow us on Facebook to view other scheduled events and programs.

KEMPTVILLE LEGION: Fridays 3-9.

Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155 FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES are offered to everyone every Friday.

Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.

NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm) Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres.Everyone is welcome. Bring clean indoor shoes FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon.

All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost.

At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. TUESDAY COMMUNITY HUB hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-9893830 for more details. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. MODERN SQUARE DANCING in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:00 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Robert Taylor (613) 8535634, or email grenvillegremlins09@ gmail.com.

NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coffee and conversation, and do projects that benefit the community. We meet every July 16,, 2026

to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West. Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) : northgrenvillemensshed@gmail.com for more information.

KEMPTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.

NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library.

Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans. Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?

JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall.

For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail. com CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers. pril 21), Kemptville Legion Lounge, 7 pm.

Contact mary.moore@cedarlanestudio. netformore info.

EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, July 21, August 4, 18. Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m.

BID EUCHRE at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Tuesday, June 2, 16, 30, August 11, 25. NEW TIMES STARTING IN JUNE: Registration starts at 6:00 p.m., play starts at 6:30 p.m.

WIZARD CARD GAME at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. Sunday, August 9. Aged 18 and over. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m. .SPEED EUCHRE 10X10 at Pierce's Corners (aka the Marlborough Community Centre) at 3048 Pierce Road. June 27, July 26, August 23. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., play starts at 1:00 p.m.

10x10 means you play 10 games with as many euchre hands as you can within 10 minutes per game, for unlimited points.

Stick the dealer: if everyone passes, the dealer must call a trump suit. If you like to take your time when playing euchre, this version is not recommended.

JOIN NORTH GRENVILLE TOASTMASTERS! Build confidence. Improve communication. Become a better leader. We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., in person at 215 Sanders Street, Suite 200, or via Zoom. Guests are always welcome. Come discover your voice!

ACROSS 1. Utilizers 6. Ancient 10. Not first 14. Send, as payment 15. Ballet attire 16. 2.53 centimeters 17. Genus of heath 18. Rip 19. Novice 20. Lingering sensation 22. Utiliser 23. Not that 24. Scattered about 26. Doorpost 30. East northeast 31. Droop 32. Jewish month 33. Adjacent 35. Boundary 39. Healthful routine 41. Highest-pitched woodwind

43. Malicious 44. Electrical distribution system 46. Friend in war 47. N N N 49. Addition 50. Not more 51. Villain 54. Swerve 56. Scent 57. Daughter of a stepparent 63. Birdbrain 64. Hue 65. Depart 66. Therefore 67. Decorative case 68. Spooky 69. Regard 70. Millisecond 71. Hex

DOWN 1. Component used as fertilizer 2. Lowly worker 3. Broadcast 4. Oriental grain 5. Begin 6. Achieving 7. Reckoned 8. French for "State" 9. Coercion 10. Relating to liturgy 11. Licoricelike flavor 12. Fastener 13. Prickle 21. Not those 25. After-bath powder 26. Glass containers 27. Gulf port 28. Wise men 29. Male newlywed 34. Suddenly convulsive 36. Blemish 37. Misfortunes 38. Playthings 40. List of choices 42. Runs in neutral 45. Income 48. Modus operandi 51. Foreshadowed 52. Love intensely 53. Evade 55. Angers 58. Small songbirds 59. Exude 60. Empty weight 61. Wicked 62. Bobbin

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

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Medium

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The Voice of North Grenville

Common Sense Health

The Food Corner

The summer kidney stone surge

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville With sincere apologies to our vegetarian readers, today’s recipe deals with something most meat-eating Canadians are very fond of, and that’s bacon. There are more dishes that you can enhance with bacon than you can shake a stir stick at. That’s on top of simply having some bacon for breakfast with its plate-mate, the wonderful egg.

Bacon and Onion Muffins are a surprising take on another great favourite of Canadians, the ever present soul food, the muffin. So, here we go with Bacon and onion Muffins, adapted from the Land O’ Lakes Treasury of Country Heritage Meals and Menus, published in 1994.

Bacon and Onion Muffins

Ingredients: • 6 slices of bacon • ½ cup of onions, finely chopped • 2 cups of all purpose flour • 2 tablespoons of white granulated sugar • 2 teaspoons of baking powder • ½ teaspoon of baking soda • A pinch of salt • 1 cup of sour cream and ½ cup of milk • 1 egg, slightly beaten Preparation: • Preheat your oven to 375F • Cook your bacon in a skillet until it is crisp • Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel • Keep 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat, add the onions, cook till tender and let cool • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and soda and the salt • In another bowl, blend together the bacon, onion, sour cream, milk and egg • Add the wet to the dry mixture and stir till moistened • Spoon into a muffin pan with muffin liners • Bake for about 20 minutes or till lightly browned These muffins can be served hot right out of the oven or allowed to cool. They go very well for breakfast with some scrambled eggs into which you have grated some old cheddar and Parmesan. A dark roast coffee or an English Breakfast Tea are both nice to wash them down. By the way, they keep well and freeze very nicely. Take a trip on the wild side with these sinful muffins, compliments of pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

Ontario farmers are growing more than food

by Marnie Wood, Director, OFA

Ontario farmers have always been resilient, finding new ways to respond to changing markets, new technology and new challenges.

Today, that spirit of innovation is showing up in another way: farm diversification.

Across the province, a growing number of farm businesses are exploring opportunities beyond traditional farm production. That could mean selling directly to consumers through a farm store, processing products on the farm, welcoming visitors through agritourism, offering educational experiences, operating a bed and breakfast, adding pet-based businesses and more.

Recent research from Agritourism Ontario shows that agritourism is a power-

July 16, 2026

ful and growing driver in the provincial economy, supporting more than 8,700 jobs and generating $633 million of economic activity every year.

No two farms are alike, and there is no single path to success. But creating multiple sources of income has become an increasingly important strategy as farm businesses navigate rising costs, unpredictable weather, labour shortages and ongoing market uncertainty. Diversification can help create a more resilient business while opening the door for the next generation to become involved in the family farm. It also allows farmers to make the most of the assets they already have, whether that's their land, buildings, expertise or location.

I’m a board director with the Ontario Federation of

Agriculture, and this is also something our members are telling us matters to them.

Through OFA's Farm Business Confidence Survey, promoting local food opportunities continues to rank among the top priorities identified by Ontario farmers. Many see direct marketing, value-added production and stronger connections with consumers as important opportunities to strengthen both individual farm businesses and Ontario agriculture as a whole.

This year, OFA is supporting several projects focused on farm diversification through our Revive Fund.

Funded by OFA, local federations of agriculture and community partners, the Revive Fund supports innovative projects that respond to the needs of farm communities.

This year, two local federations hosted events focused specifically on agriculturerelated and on-farm diversification opportunities: Haldimand and my own local federation.

The Durham event brought together about 60 farmers, rural landowners, municipal staff and economic development professionals for a day-long workshop focused on helping people turn

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by Diana Gifford-Jones Some medical tests involve long waits to see a specialist. But one of them is as simple as looking in the toilet before you flush. Is your urine pale straw-yellow, like the look of light lemonade? Or is it dark yellow? Clear or cloudy? What you see is an indicator of your risk for kidney stones. And it’s the summer heat that can bring on the trouble.

Every summer, as temperatures climb, emergency room visits for kidney stones increase. The problem receives far less attention than sunburns or heat stroke, yet kidney stones send thousands of people into severe distress each year.

A sharp, unbearable pain begins in your back or side. It doesn’t stay still. It comes in waves, tightening and releasing, often radiating toward the groin. Nausea follows. Sometimes vomiting. Many people describe it as the worst pain they have ever experienced.

This is renal colic – a kidney stone making its way through the urinary tract.

The connection between summer heat and kidney stones is not complicated. It is, in fact, almost mechanical. Your kidneys depend on adequate water to dilute waste products in the urine. When you are well hydrated, minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid remain dissolved and pass harmlessly out of the body.

But in hot weather, especially when you are active outdoors, you lose large amounts of fluid through sweat. If you do not replace it, urine output drops and becomes more concentrated. Think of it as taking a clear solution and slowly evaporating the water. Eventually, crystals begin to form. Those crystals are the seeds of kidney stones. Once formed, stones may stay quiet for a time. But when they begin to move, the pain is anything but easy.

While anyone can develop a kidney stone, certain groups are more vulnerable in hot weather.

Older adults often have a reduced sense of thirst.

Outdoor workers and athletes lose fluid through sweat. People with a history of kidney stones can expect them again. Medications can affect hydration. If you choose alcohol or sugary drinks over water during the heat of the day, beware.

One of the most common misconceptions is that thirst is a reliable guide. But by the time you feel thirsty, you are already behind. Another myth is that high doses of vitamin C can be the culprit.

In fact, C increases urine flow, results in a slightly acidic urine, and prevents calcium from binding to oxalate causing calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone.

Due to heredity, some people absorb more calcium from food, causing a

high concentration of urinary calcium. But high salt intake is more frequently associated with increased stone formation. Obesity, diabetes, and recurrent urinary tract infections are also risk factors.

Pain, however, is nature’s most persuasive teacher. As people who have experienced the sudden, severe, and fluctuating agony of a stone moving in the ureter will attest, they don’t want to experience it again.

Fortunately, for most people, kidney stone prevention is remarkably straightforward.

Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. That’s it.

Water is best. Not coffee, not sugary soft drinks, not alcohol. In fact, frequent consumption of sugarsweetened beverages has been associated with a higher risk of kidney stone formation.

Do people learn, even with so simple a prevention? Sadly, the answer should come as no surprise. If no effort is made, about half of sufferers will face another stone within five to ten years. So use the toilet bowl test and make it a routine to drink replacement water regularly throughout the day. During hot weather, the requirement increases.

This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www. docgiff.com to learn more.

For comments, diana@ docgiff.com.

diversification ideas into reality. Participants learned about business planning, land-use planning, zoning requirements and municipal approval processes. They were also introduced to a new Agriculture-Related and On-Farm Diversified Uses Application Toolkit developed through a partnership between Invest Durham and local municipalities. The toolkit gives farmers a practical roadmap for navigating the planning process, helping answer questions about where to start, who to contact and what approvals may be required.

The day also featured a panel of four farm families who shared their own experiences developing businesses ranging from a dog kennel and on-farm dairy processing to pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations,

agritourism and agricultural education. Hearing directly from farmers who have already taken that journey offered practical advice and reassurance that every successful venture begins with a first step.

Strong relationships between federations of agriculture and local municipalities matter. When municipal leaders understand agriculture's contribution to the local economy and work with farmers to support responsible growth, everyone benefits. Farm businesses become stronger, rural economies grow and communities become more connected to the people who produce their food.

Whether someone visits a pick-your-own farm, buys food from a farm gate, attends an on-farm event, or

simply has a conversation with a farmer, they gain a better understanding of modern agriculture and food production. Those experiences help build trust and strengthen the relationship between farmers and the public. Diversification won't be the right fit for every farm, and that's okay.

Traditional agricultural production is the foundation of Ontario agriculture, but for many farm families, exploring new opportunities can help build resilience, create new income streams and position their businesses for long-term success.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Baldwin’s Birds

The team that went first UK Ring Necked Dove

They Might sound the same, but...

A couple of days ago, I returned from a sweltering holiday in the UK and In Portugal, but, despite the heat, was still able to enjoy everything, including the birds in both countries. I had the pleasure of staying in an AirBnB in the foothills of the Cotswold Hills whilst in the UK, where everything was green and lush and the birds were quite plentiful. Most of them brought back memories of my very young days, but some were new to me, so very exciting for me to see first-hand after all these years!

The interesting part was also the fact that some of them had the same names as some of those that we see here in Canada on a regular basis in our garden, as you yourselves do. Mind you, that is the closest that one gets to the feeling that they are the same bird! They aren’t, and don’t even resemble them in physicality, although the Ring Necked Dove does closely resemble our Mourning Doves. On the other hand, the UK ‘s Robins and Goldfinches are

different in quite a few ways, as some of you know from your wintry scene-d Christmas cards with UK Robins on them. The UK version is a much smaller chirpier bird and is a common sight in many gardens.

Many a gardener is accompanied by them should they be digging freshly into their garden soil, as the Robin waits for a tasty treat when the soil is turned over to reveal something scrumptious, like a worm!

Our Canadian Goldfinches are a lot more golden than the similarly named UK version, which doesn’t really live up to that name, but would be able to fit into one or two other named groups by virtue of its varied colors of white, black, yellow and red. I don’t remember them as being a garden bird, but of being more of a country dweller, and so not seen very much by me in my early days. Nevertheless they make a very interesting sight to see, regardless of their name similarities, and making this comparison between the Canadian and UK versions is quite entertaining in its own right.

Besides seeing this interesting trio of birds in the “English Country

Garden” the very first day at our airbnb, I quite literally spotted a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the ground close by a tree in the garden. I never saw it again during our stay, but did get some pictures of it. Another bird I only got a quick glimpse of was a beautiful little Wren, which I only saw once. Likewise, when out in the very narrow lane that we lived on, my brother said suddenly, “Did you see that Owl?” “What Owl!?”

“Back there”, says he.

(I thought that he was watching the road!)

He backed up, and, sure enough, there was a Tawny Owl in a tree over the wall. Of course, in my rush to get camera to eye to get a picture, one of my settings was wrong! It turned, looked at me perfectly face on (laughed), and then flew away, leaving me with no picture and only bragging rights.

Talk about the one that got away! I hope that doesn’t happen to you!

Stay safe and well, Cheers, John Baldwin

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July 16,, 2026

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by Catherine Humphrey Kemptville Jaguars Women’s 19U Tackle Football Team closes the season. When the Kemptville Jaguars’ first Women’s Tackle Football team came together in January, most of the players had little or no experience of the sport. Six months later, they were putting points on the board against some of the province’s strongest teams. But football tells only part of their story.

This inaugural season wasn’t defined by the final score. It was defined by confidence, resilience, and the remarkable transformation of a group of young women who chose to step outside their comfort zones and try something completely new. With every tackle, every completed pass, every new skill mastered and every lesson learned, a group of young women who began the season as beginners grew into confident football players and a closely bonded team.

Not only was this the youngest team in the league, it also had the smallest roster and came from the smallest community. Yet they embraced the challenge of being first and laid the foundation for other young women in North Grenville. The team’s mindset became their greatest strength.

“They never once let the score define them. It was always about getting better, one play at a time,” said Tanya McKechnie, the Team Manager and Director of the Ontario Women’s Football League (OWFL) program for Kemptville Minor Football Club.

That attitude shaped the entire season. Every practice, every game and every challenge became another opportunity to learn. As confidence grew, so too did the quality of play. Players who had once been learning the fundamentals of football were soon making tackles, reading plays, executing coordinated offence and celebrating touchdowns together.

Yet, perhaps the most significant changes reached beyond the football field. Selfbelief grew. Friendships deepened. Kindness, compassion, and accountability became hallmarks of the team, as each player committed to not only improving herself but to helping those around her improve too.

Head Coach John Parkes believes the impact of this first season will be felt well beyond the football field. “The determination and love for the sport these young women have expressed over the past season has truly been inspiring,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact these young women will have on the community for years to come.”

These athletes have done more than learn a new sport. They have helped establish opportunities for future generations of girls who may now see tackle football as a place where they belong. The self-esteem these young women have gained this season will stay with them long after the helmets are put away. Learning to step into contact, persevere through setbacks, trust their teammates, and keep showing up despite disappointment are lessons that extend well beyond sport.

Reflecting on the season, Tanya McKechnie believes the team’s greatest achievement was the community they built together.

“Watching their confidence grow and seeing the support they showed one another has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey,” she said. “They have become so much more than teammates, they are a football family.”

With the entire roster eligible to return for the 2027 season, the future looks bright, and the Jaguars are now looking to welcome new players who want to be part of something special and continue building women’s tackle football in North Grenville.

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