Issue 28 July 15 2020 ngtimes

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

The Voice of North Grenville

Vol 8, NO 28

July 15 , 2020

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Salvation Army Director, Calvin Wong, is presented with a cheque by owner of the Kemptville Canadian Tire, Frank Hoffman Photo provided by Calvin Wong

by Hilary Thomson On Friday, July 3, Canadian Tire presented the Salvation Army with a cheque to help support its food bank.

Owner of the Kemptville Canadian Tire, Frank Hoffman, was inspired to do his part to support the Salvation Army food bank at the last meeting of 100 Women Who Care. He was there to present on behalf of Jump Start, but as soon as he heard Director of the

Kemptville Salvation Army, Calvin Wong, talk about the pressure their food bank was under to serve the community right now, he knew he needed to do something to help. According to Calvin, the number of people using the Salvation Army food bank has tripled since the start of COVID-19.

“Every week, we have a few more new people,” he says.

Frank not only made a personal donation, but also got his staff involved in raising money and food for the

Salvation Army. Through contests and games, which included several prizes, the staff raised $880 in the month of June. They also held a food drive, where they collected around 200 lbs of nonperishable food items for the food bank. “I was impressed with how much we raised,” Frank says.

Wanting to build on the momentum and get the community involved, Frank now has a wooden play castle, made by Calvin, in the lobby

of Canadian Tire. He is asking people to drop cleaning supplies, toys, and pet food in the castle to be donated to the Salvation Army. “People are already dropping things in it,” Frank says, adding that the entire floor of the castle was covered on Friday. “It’s really nice to see.”

The castle is also being auctioned off at the end of August, when the drive is over. It will go to the highest bidder in the silent auction, which can be accessed through the courtesy desk in the store.

Frank has also offered free delivery, if the winner lives in North Grenville. Canadian Tire will also be continuing their in-house fundraising to support the Salvation Army food bank. “The Salvation Army is very appreciative of the partnership with Canadian Tire as we work together to bring families in need a happy summer in the midst of difficult times,” Calvin says.

With all of the food from their Christmas drive gone, the Salvation Army food bank is depending on donations from individuals and businesses to support those in need in the community. To donate, you can go to www. salvationist.ca, and choose Kemptville, Ontario, to make sure your donation stays locally. You can also come by their office in Kemptville at 2 Oxford Street to make a donation.

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Latest podcast available The latest podcast in the "Conversation with..." series is now available on our website and YouTube channel. This edition features a conversation between Times Editor, Dr. David Shanahan, and local resident, Victor LaChance, and deals with Principles of Journalism. Issues discussed include what should, and should not, be published in media outlets, objectivity and subjectivity in journalism, and the role of the newspaper in the community. It is hoped to continue the series to cover related issues.

Brooke Henderson’s donation kickstarts SuperWalk Campaign

Continue to wash hands frequently.

For both Brooke Henderson and Bob Arnold, it was a happy morning. Brooke, because she could show her support for her Great Uncle Bob, and Bob, because her gift of $5,000 sends a message that any family can be touched by Parkinson’s Disease.

Brooke, nine-time LPGA Winner by the age of 22, brings the heart of a champion to her family and community. She set aside time in her busy schedule to present a cheque to Bob and Lou McCann, who also has Parkinson’s. “I am excited to be able to show my support for my Great Uncle Bob, and others with Parkinson’s who live in this area,” said Brooke. “I hope that my donation helps to increase awareness of this disease and encourages others to contribute to the Lanark North Leeds SuperWalk. COVID or not, funds are still needed to support the services people need.”

Lou, a member of this year’s SuperWalk Organizing Committee and avid golfer, was thrilled to be present for the cheque presentation. “I was honoured to accept this donation on behalf of Parkinson Canada. It is a tremendous start to our local 2020 campaign.”

Bob Arnold’s story is no different than many; it took five years for Bob to get the help he needed. Although early diagnosis is critical for someone with Parkinson’s, many factors contribute to a delay in dealing with the symptoms; many of which are not recognized, even by health professionals.

The 4th Annual Parkinson Canada SuperWalk Lanark North Leeds, scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12 at Conlon Farm in Perth, will look different this year because of COVID-19. Gatherings will take place at selected Town Halls (dependent upon provincial guidelines). Please check the website for details.

To register, make a donation, or to get further information, contact Alan Muir at 1 (800) 565-3000 ext. 3427 or visit donate.parkinson.ca/lanark.

Parkinson Canada is the voice of 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease.

From diagnosis to discovery, Parkinson Canada provides education and services to support people with Parkinson’s, their families, and health providers; online, by telephone, and in person. Since 1965, Parkinson Canada advocates with governments on issues that matter to the Parkinson’s community in Canada. Visit www.parkinson.ca.

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July 15, 2020

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Graduation 2020 North Grenville

Josephine Batchelor

Mairi Hallman High schools have delayed graduation ceremonies to either this Fall or 2021, and some charities put the brakes on their immediate awards, thus preventing access to funds some students may have been expecting. One charity, the Eric Gutknecht Memorial Bursary, made sure that at least five local students at North Grenville District High and St. Michael Catholic High schools were appropriately awarded on their original graduation date (June 25). The Bursary was celebrating their 10th

anniversary, and so increased their total award to $5,000 for 2020. Two members on the executive of the EGMB had the privilege of meeting all winners and their families, following the strict COVID 19 social distancing guidelines.

Mairi Hallman won top honours at St. Michael, and her current plans are to study biochemistry in the extended French stream at the University of Ottawa, starting in September. In her third year, she plans to add a specialization in microbiology and

Kendra Goodall

Joshua Gilbey

Shelly Turcotte

Shelly Turcotte will be attending Trent University to devote herself to the world of Psychology and Social Work, while Joshua Gilbey will be applying himself at Algonquin College in the HVAC Program. Rounding out the top four is Kendra Goodall, who is heading south of the border to Houghton College, enrolled into the inclusive Childhood Education Program.

All five students have expressed appreciation, not only for the financial award, but also to know their

immunology, which could prove to be an increasingly important discipline in years to come, especially given the current state of affairs world wide. One teacher at St. Michael described Mairi as follows: “Mairi is an extremely deserving candidate and one of our best students at St. Michael”.

Four deserving students at NGDHS made the winner’s circle. First, Josephine Batchelor is heading to the East Coast to St. Francis Xavier University to study in their Psychology Program.

name will be engraved on a school plaque and hung in the school’s trophy showcase for ever!

The EGMB has now awarded $31,000 to students that deserve it most in North Grenville. The registered charity raises most of its funds through donations: the sale of jams and jellies at the Kemptville Farmers Market, and special events, including the Eric Gutknecht Memorial Hockey Tournament.

Students [and teachers] faced an abrupt end of their final semester as COVID-19

stood in the way of traditional graduations and celebrations.

This pandemic may well be remembered as the defining event of their high school experience!

Best of luck to all graduating students in North Grenville (and elsewhere) as they head to colleges and universities throughout the country, and also to those that decided to return to school or enter the WOW (world of work)!

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The Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario’s Board of Trustees has approved an operating budget for the 2020-2021 school year, with operating and capital grant revenue estimated at $189.9 and other revenues estimated at $4.4 million, for a total revenue for compliance of $194.3 million. Salaries and benefits are expected to cost

the board $147.1 million and other operating expenditures at $35.4 million.

All expenditure areas were carefully reviewed for efficiencies and to ensure excellence in Catholic program delivery for students across Eastern Ontario.

“The Board is required to present a balanced budget for compliance to the Ministry of Education. The 2020-2021

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budget is compliant with all enveloping provisions,” explained Manager of Finance, Ashley Hutchinson.

"I would like to thank our Manager of Finance, Ashley Hutchinson, and our Associate Director of Education, Bonnie Norton and the Finance Department for all of their work in preparing the budget,” noted Director of Education, John Cameron.

“We recognize the hard work

of your team in calculating this information, and in continuing to ensure the Board’s ongoing fiscal accountability.”

“I echo Director Cameron. Certainly, this year, in light of the unusual circumstances, there has been additional pressures in completing this budget within the given timelines and we appreciate all of your hard work,” concluded Chair, Todd Lalonde.

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Editorial

Fire and rain

by David Shanahan

These are the strangest days: days when I think the world is balancing on a knife edge. I don’t doubt that historians of the future (assuming there is much of a future ahead of us) will look back on 2020 as a pivotal year in history, and I wonder what their verdict will be on our actions and decisions.

That does sound rather dramatic, I know, but there have been years like that before, even in the past century. 1914, 1929, 1933, 1939, 1945, so many of them, but 2020 will certainly rank up there as one of the most important. Just look around the world and see what’s happening.

It isn’t just a global pandemic: the 1918-1919 one was even worse, in terms of deaths at least. That one killed at least 60 million people worldwide, though

The North Grenville Times no-one is sure of the exact number of millions. This one is bad enough, with the entire world, it seems, experiencing a severe shock to its system. And, of course, it’s not over yet. But when its effects are combined with other elements, the “total storm” resulting is exceptionally serious. Because, in the political world, things are probably more uncertain than they have been since the 1930's.

Both China and Russia are continuing to develop under their new Czar and Emperor, as both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping install themselves as leaders for life.

The European Union is facing serious disruption, at least temporarily, as Brexit looms at the end of the year. Yes, in spite of a referendum, two general elections, and three Prime Ministers, Britain has yet to “Get Brexit Done”, as Boris Johnson promised and claimed to have achieved already.

When the effects of Brexit are added to those of Covid-19, the world is fac-

ing a major challenge to its economic prosperity in the coming months and years.

Comparisons with the Great Depression of the 1930's do not inspire confidence; but it may well be that the world’s economies will have to work together to deal with issues that will affect them all. A new kind of Globalism, perhaps? Then again, it could be a new kind of Isolationism, where the strongest economies will take advantage and impose their will on the weaker ones.

And, to add the element of complete unpredictability to the scenario, we have the United States going through what could prove to be its death knell. As near neighbours, we can look on in a sort of fascinated horror, as the country tears itself apart in racial strife, economic meltdown, social disruption, and political chaos. It is divided as never before, at least since the end of the Civil War in 1865, with the people split on a wide range of social issues.

And, striding the chaos

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like a Colossus of Insanity, we find a man who has proved himself singularly unfitted for the job of President. A man who has spent three years pre-pandemic undermining the authority of experts and the reliability of the media.

Once the pandemic hit, he dismissed it, then blamed China, experts, everybody except himself, before simply walking away from all responsibility while ordering states to re-open. Now the death rate and infection rate is higher than ever, higher than just about every other nation on Earth, with no answers in sight. Canada, on the other hand, has to keep its border with the U.S. closed in order to protect ourselves from the fall-out to the south. Again, I believe, because of Trump, other countries, such as Brazil, are following the Americans down a deadly path.

There is so much more to point to in order to prove this is a pivotal point in human history; but let me add one more thing. The undermining of trust in news agencies

and medical experts, and the role and influence of Trump’s attitudes and Twitter rants, has led to rational measures and expert advice becoming politicised. People refuse to wear masks as a political statement. The insane response to a deadly pandemic is: “wearing masks should be a personal decision. I should be able to choose for myself: it’s my right”. This is precisely the same as saying that I should be allowed to drive drunk, without a seatbelt. It should be my personal choice, my right. We reject that attitude, rightly, because doing those things don’t just affect you, they could lead to other people being hurt or killed. But that doesn’t seem to over-ride some people’s ideas about freedom. And those attitudes are echoed in Canada, in North Grenville by some.

There is a genuine fear that, should a vaccine against Covid be found, too many will refuse to take it, believing it is all part of some dreadful conspiracy to do something

by someone for some reason.

That could have a very negative effect on its efficacy.

During the reign of Napoleon, Metternich, Austrian Chancellor, said: “When France sneezes, the world catches a cold”. This can, with truth, be said about the U.S., and it is especially true that when the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches a cold. What is happening south of the border affects us, and will continue to do so. The results of the American elections in November could see the end of democracy there, or the start of a slow recovery of the American Experiment. Either way, like it or not, we have to be informed, we have to know what’s happening, and we have to be ready for what comes next.

And we must continue to stand on guard for Canada and what we value. This is a pivotal year, we have to try and pivot in the right direction.

to bureaucratic salaries and marketing companies. Over the last 15 years, this would amount to over $6 million in present value dollars.

For $6 million, the municipality could buy 12 commercial buildings, each valued at $500,000, and rent them to local business at below market rates or for free. Or, the money could have been invested in phone company stock which would provide dividend income of about $300,000 per year indefinitely. Oh wait, taxpayers could have kept this money and be receiving the dividend income themselves, and then spending the proceeds on the products or services of local businesses. Opportunity cost calculations can be illuminating.

The largest overhead cost facing small local businesses is the cost of their business location. If they rent or own, a major portion of this cost is property taxes. Why doesn't council look at supporting business with property tax cuts? Commercial property taxes are approximately 2.4 times the residential rate. If you own a $500,000 commercial building, your taxes will be about $15,000 per year. If you're renting a similar building, about $1250 of your monthly rent goes just to pay the property taxes. Why do businesses and residents put up with such ruinous and excessive property taxes?

It's possible that in this community and in Canada there exists a version of Stockholm syndrome, where many

taxpayers are psychologically bonding with their abuser and captor governments. Besides buying votes with taxpayer's money, governments do just enough virtue signaling to dupe the public into supporting them.

Stephen Hammond

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am at present researching information regarding my property in North Grenville to put the house on the market.

All I have received from various Government departments is "pay us and you might get information" The Dept of Health demanded a $130 fee to search files and then you may, or may not get any information.

You pay regardless.

The Land Registry Office demand a $30.35 fee be paid before a search can be performed. You have to go to Prescott in person (a one hour drive in my case). They will not mail you any information and no guarantee of any information. You pay anyway.

These are Government Services! We pay for them with our tax dollars.

They are basically useless to the average person seeking information. They want payment for nothing.

If they are not there to "serve" why do we pay for them?

Name withheld by request Dear Editor, I welcome the requirement to wear a mask. This will safeguard others from expelled droplets from the mouth. The physical barrier of the mask will also eliminate the licking of fingers prior to judging the ripeness of fresh fruit. I witnessed July 15, 2020

that behavior by an old man touching many tomatoes in a display.

Disgusting in the best of times, but outrageous these days. Spit deposited on anything is a hazard to the next person touching that object.

Regards, Ross Anderson Dear Editor.

Thank you Victor Lachance for writing your letter “Fundamentals of Journalism”, and thank you David for publishing it. I’ve always been uncomfortable on seeing David’s sermons in the paper.

Sure I can skip over and not read them, which is what I usually do. But that’s not the point. Victor has nailed the issue: David is using his position as editor to promote his personal beliefs.

David asks: “Why is religion to be treated differently than politics, sport, climate change, or any other topic?”

The answer is obvious: religion is based on belief, while the others (except maybe politics) are based on facts.

Yes, religion is based on historical facts but these are then embellished by belief.

We shouldn’t accept David using his position to promote a political party and it should be no different for religion.

Stew Hamill Merrickville

Dear Editor, I am responding to the article of June 24 titled "Council approves $95,000 for business support programs". I think it's great that businesses get together to cooperate in promoting their interests.

However, I think it improper that large amounts of taxpayer money are being diverted for endless and futile marketing campaigns. Yes, some advertising is necessary, but most of this marketing funding goes to special interest marketing companies that continue to do the rounds of Ontario municipalities seeking tax money to plunder.

The most effective marketing is providing a high quality, fairly priced product or service. Word gets around.

Since it is the federal and provincial governments that are responsible for the Covid 19 lockdown, it is their responsibility to financially recompense businesses. It's financially irresponsible that our municipality is spending another $150,000 of taxpayer money expanding the scope of it's economic development department. In a letter to the NGTimes last August, I calculated that about $415,000 is being spent each year on economic development by North Grenville including the portion attributable to the United Counties. Add $150,000 to $415,000 gets us to $565,000 spent this year on economic development.

Most of this money is going

Dear Editor, I have no problem with the NG Times editor wanting to publish articles that expound on his religious ideas.

If you don't like a certain religious article, you don't have to read it. However, it would be nice to have some more balance on this issue perhaps some articles from continued on page 5

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

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North Grenville moves ahead with tourism strategy

by Hilary Thomson North Grenville will be working towards the creation of a new tourism strategy for the Municipality after an injection of funds from the Region 9 Tourism Organization (RTO 9), an organization that is funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, which actively promotes tourism for the South Eastern Ontario region. In January, 2020, RTO 9 announced that their Partnership Fund was open for intake, and, on February 5, Council directed staff to proceed with applying to the RTO 9 Partnership Fund for funding to support the development of a North Grenville Tourism Strategy.

The Municipality was

successful in their application, and will be receiving $20,000 in matching funds to create the strategy. According to the staff report, tourism is seen as an integral part of the Municipality’s local economy, with the greatest number of jobs coming from the restaurant industry. The overarching purpose of the tourism strategy will be to create a strategic plan that supports the Municipality’s vision and mission.

They will be leveraging information gathered in North Grenville’s 2017 Marketing Plan and the 2019 Tourism BR+E initiative to provide new and relevant detailed tactics to help guide tourism initiatives in North Grenville for the next three to five years.

The plan will also be focusing

UPDATE UPDATE with RTO 9. Matt told council that the budget for the project is currently $40,000, with the funding from RTO 9, however the extra $5,000 budgeted may be used, if needed. “There is still a little bit of wiggle room in that budget,” he says.

Mayor Peckford emphasized how important tourism is for North Grenville at both the ROMA and AMO conferences this year. “There is no reason that we can’t have a more robust tourism industry,” she said at the council meeting. “I commend staff for seizing the opportunity to apply for these dollars.

It certainly will enable a more comprehensive tourism strategy that’s so important to what we are trying to build here.”

on helping businesses, who have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, recover.

This will include restaurants and other tourism-based businesses, some of which have had to close their doors because of the pandemic.

Economic Development Officer, Matt Gilmer, mentioned Saunders Country Critters Zoo, which was forced to close because they didn’t have enough revenue to feed the animals without the visitor traffic. “A business like that would be a good example that would benefit from a tourism strategy like this,” he said.

Council has already earmarked $25,000 for the project in the 2020 budget, and, at the council meeting on June 16. unanimously voted to enter into the agreement

Instructions Regarding the Use of Face Coverings/Masks in Enclosed Public Spaces

by Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health/ CEO On Monday, July 6, 2020, Medical Officers of Health from Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health and Ottawa Public Health announced a regional approach to the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed public places within their respective jurisdictions.

1. Every Operator of an Enclosed Public Space shall adopt a policy to ensure that no member of the public is permitted to enter or remain in

letters continued atheists or those with other religious and philosophical perspectives?

I am much more concerned that we don't seem to have any journalists that can write anything critical of our municipal government.

Except for the odd letter to the editor, the paper seems to have become a propaganda arm of the municipal government, such as existed in the form of "Pravda" in the Communist USSR. I would like to see more critical analysis of the finances of our municipal government in future articles by staff journalists and the editor.

Stephen Hammond July 15, 2020

the public areas of the Enclosed Public Space unless he or she is wearing a face covering/mask that securely covers their nose, mouth and chin, with specific exceptions.

2. Implementation of the policy should be enacted and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should primarily be used as means to educate people on face covering/mask use in enclosed public spaces.

This decision followed a review of our current situation in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, research evidence, WHO, federal and provincial recommendations, along with input from many members of our communities.

During March, April and May 2020, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark community has experienced severe COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care and retirement homes with many people becoming ill and some dying. Members of the public also became infected – many quite ill with some dying. We have learned that you have to be ahead of the virus to prevent people from becoming infected.

June and July have so far been quieter because of community response to the public health preventive measures of staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping physically distanced when in indoor public places and wearing a face covering/

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mask when it is not possible, along with cleaning of common surfaces.

STAGE 2 openings have increased opportunities for people to be exposed to others in enclosed public spaces.

Along with this comes increased risk that COVID-19 could be transmitted from person to person or from commonly touched surfaces.

The COVID-19 outbreak at the nail salons in Kingston, after many weeks of no cases, reminds us that we must continue to be vigilant and use all of the available public health preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region has many visitors from the United States and elsewhere who may bring COVID-19 to our communities. The risk could also increase when we move into Stage 3.

There is increasing research evidence that the wide use of face coverings/ masks by the community, when combined with staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, physical distancing, and regular cleaning, can make a significant difference in the spread of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 virus can be spread to others in the day or two before people develop symptoms, and sometimes people who are infected don’t develop any symptoms yet can still transmit the virus to others. Face coverings/masks

decrease the amount of secretions from the mouth and nose that enter the air around the person – the amount depends on the type of fabric being used and if the face covering/ mask fits well.

Commercial establishments are currently required to follow public health advice, recommendations and instructions under the Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9: Regulation for Stage 2 Closures: “The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.”

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has outlined Public Health directions for businesses in the Guidance for Businesses document available at: https:// healthunit.org/wp-content/ uploads/COVID-19_Public_ Health_Guidance_for_Businesses.pdf.

Businesses have asked the Health Unit to make face covering/mask use mandatory because it creates a level playing field. If a business has a COVID-19 outbreak they will be closed, so it is important that we do everything we can as a community to prevent 5

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Municipality has created a dedicated webpage for updates related to COVID-19 (www.northgrenville. ca/coronavirus)

COUNCIL MEETING

Please be advised that the Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 has been CANCELLED. Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 pm

PLANNING PUBLIC MEETING

– Wednesday, July 22 at 4:30 pm - Proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment – 1052 County Rd. 43 - Proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment – 110 Elvira St. W **NOTE: Council and Planning Public 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.

NORTH GRENVILLE MUNICIPAL OFFICE HOURS The Municipal Office is open to the public with new hours (9:00 am - 4:00 pm). Residents and businesses can continue to access Municipal services by phone, email and online. For more information visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURES

Swimming pool enclosures in North Grenville are regulated by By-Law 32-98, as amended. This includes all above-ground and in-ground pools. Copies of this by-law are available from the Building Department or the Municipal website. For further information please contact the Building Department at kpulfer@ northgrenville.on.ca or 613-258-9569 Ext. 130.

GARAGE SALES

Reminder: Garage sales are permitted under strict guidelines.

Please visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus for more information. Signage is NOT permitted in traffic circles or attached to traffic signs. Please ensure signage is removed after your sale.

2020 BURN PERMITS & CONDITIONS

In accordance with By-Law 33-12, residents must have a Burn Permit before they have an open-air fire. The fee for a Burn Permit is $15 and available online at www.northgrenville.ca.

Please check conditions prior to burning by calling 613-706-1770 or online to see if there are any burn bans currently in effect.

The Municipality of North Grenville

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

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this from happening.

Members of the public have asked the Health Unit to make face coverings/masks mandatory because when they wear a face covering/mask it protects others, and they want others to also wear it to protect them. It is about social responsibility.

Some people in the community have expressed concern about mandating the use of face coverings/masks in enclosed public spaces for people who can’t use them for health reasons. This is why we have added specific exceptions to the instruction.

People will not have to prove they have a medical condition that prevents them from wear-

ing a face covering/mask.

Going Forward: Physical distancing measures, plexiglass protection, regular cleaning, hand sanitizer availability, screening employees and others, are all critical public health preventive measures in indoor public spaces and making face coverings/ masks mandatory is added protection. This is one more measure for source control.

Now is the time to build our routine to wear a face covering /mask when we are in indoor spaces, so it becomes regular added protection for whatever the next few months will bring.

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The North Grenville Times

Is it still sexual harassment when the harrasser is a customer?

by Anne-Marie Langan A survey done by Statistics Canada of survivors of workplace sexual harassment found that a large percentage of them (56%) were harassed by their customers. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) in the case of

[Anon]* v. [a Food Services company], found an employer liable for mishandling a complaint by an employee of being sexually harassed by a customer.

Ms. Anon was a customer service representative working alone at a Tim Horton’s Kiosk within a retail store. A regular customer approached her at the counter and handed her a note that said: “Hi, me the bus guy. You probably figured it out already. You are very attractive, well, i happen to think so. To be honest it’s a sexuall [sic] attraction take this as a compliment. i didn’t want to embaress [sic] you at work so i wrote it all down.

Have an awesome day. Take care”.

This understandably

take the complaint seriously enough, and had failed to act expeditiously to resolve the complaint.

The moral of this story is that all complaints of workplace sexual harassment, regardless of who the perpetrator is, should be taken seriously by employers and swift action should be taken to ensure the ongoing safety of all staff members.

You can obtain free information and advice about workplace sexual harassment from The Legal Clinic at 613264-7153. The Legal Clinic is also offering free virtual workshops for employers and managers about how to properly handle sexual harassment complaints and avoid liability. * Name withheld to pro-

made Ms. Anon feel very uncomfortable and unsafe in her workplace. She reported the incident to management. The manager informed her that the incident was “personal”, and admonished her for breaching a store policy by accepting something from a customer other than money. Ms. Anon quit her job and brought a human rights application against her employer.

In its decision, the HRTO found that “the applicant had the right to be free from discrimination or harassment where the perpetrator is a customer”. In determining that the employer was liable for mishandling her complaint, the HRTO considered that the employer was aware of the sexual harassment, did not

The Voice of North Grenville

tect privacy Anne-Marie is a staff Lawyer at The Legal Clinic in Perth, Ontario who is currently working on a Public Legal Education campaign for employers and employees about sexual harassment in the workplace. Anne-Marie

graduated from Queen’s Law in 2004 and completed her Masters of Law at Osgoode in 2009. In the past 3 years she has primarily practiced in the areas of employment law, including human rights in employment and Workplace Safety.

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

BIA happy with down- New steps to end racism and inequity in school town security initiative

by Hilary Thomson

The Executive Director of the Old Town Kemptville BIA, Deron Johnston, says that the security company which was hired by the municipality to patrol North Grenville did a good job of protecting empty businesses during the COVID-19 shut down.

Deron says that, as soon as COVID-19 began, he started worrying about BIA members whose stores were left empty due to the mandatory closure of nonessential businesses. “Because they were not operating, they could be vulnerable to theft and vandalism,” he thought.

Because Deron did not see the Ontario Provincial Police having a strong presence in the downtown, he approached North Grenville’s Economic Development Officer, Matt Gilmer, about the possibility of hiring a security company to make sure closed businesses and municipal buildings remained safe. “It would go a long way for the piece of mind of business owners to have someone patrolling the downtown,” he said.

He submitted a request to council, and they agreed to use municipal funds to hire a security company to patrol, not just the downtown, but all the businesses and buildings in Kemptville. It took them a little while to find a security company with the resources to take on the job, but they finally found one and worked July 15, 2020

out a contract. Shield Security was officially hired on a fivemonth contract at the end of April at a cost of $14,560.

“We understand that these are challenging times for local business owners, and recognize this is one small way we can respond to the needs of local businesses,” Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman said in a press release in April.

Shield Security started patrolling the municipality on a rolling schedule in March, and the BIA is very happy with the professionalism that their officers displayed while on duty. They definitely prevented some vandalism at both private businesses and municipal buildings. “They approached almost everyone at night to make sure they were safe and well, and to make it obvious that the commercial areas were being watched,” Deron said.

“It more than justified the contract.”

The contract with Shield Security is up on July 15, but Deron says it might be valuable to keep them on in some capacity. “There is the potential for more shenanigans, as people get excited about getting out of the house,” he says. That being said, he is cognisant that it is taxpayer’s dollars being used to fund the contract. “The need may not be as much as before,” he said. “Maybe just in a reduced capacity.”

Matt Gilmer says that, at this point, the municipality does not intend to extend the contract past July 15.

The Ontario government announced changes to the education system that they hope will help break down barriers for Black, Indigenous and racialised students, and provide all students with an equal opportunity to succeed. As part of this action, the province will move forward with ending Grade 9 streaming into applied and academic courses, proposing to eliminate discretionary suspensions for students, strengthening sanctions for teachers who engage in behaviour of a racist nature, and providing teachers with additional anti-racism and anti-discrimination training.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Jamil Jivani, Ontario's Advocate for Community Opportunities.

"To help our young people reach their full potential, we have to start earlier to create equal opportunity for them, whether that's reform-

ing suspensions for primary grades or ending the practice of streaming for Grade 9 students," said Premier Ford. "Above all, our government will not tolerate racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, Islamophobia or hate in any form in our schools. Through these initiatives to promote equality in education, we will ensure students from all walks of life are set up for lifelong success."

Through Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, the government is proposing to eliminate discretionary suspensions for students from kindergarten up to Grade 3, beginning September, 2020. Serious offences will still be subject to mandatory suspensions.

The latest suspension data from 2018-19 shows that over 65,000 elementary and secondary students in Ontario were suspended during that school year.

"Every student ― irrespective of the colour of their skin, faith, heritage, and orientation ― deserves every opportunity to succeed in the classroom," said Minister Lecce. "The transformational change we are driving forward will embolden a generation of students and unleash their full potential, absent the systemic barriers that hold them back. To racialized students in Ontario: we see you, and we value you. We will stand with all students on this journey to advance respect, dignity, and opportunity."

As part of its plan to end

“With the Province preparing to announce stage three of their reopening plan, we believe there will no longer be a need for the additional security measures,” he said in an email. “The municipality will continue to work with the OPP to ensure that every effort is being taken to protect the North Grenville business community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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early streaming, the government will introduce a new foundational Grade 9 math course for September 2021, and will work with school boards as they transition students into a de-streamed Grade 9 math program. The de-streaming of the Grade 9 math curriculum is the first step towards further destreaming in other curriculum areas, which will better support all students in having every opportunity to pursue the pathway of their choice after their K-12 education.

"We must recognize that today's changes are the result of our government and community members working together," said Jamil Jivani, Ontario's Advocate for Community Opportunities. "In particular, parents in Ontario's Black communities have been a powerful voice for change, providing their unique insights in how suspensions and streaming have disadvantaged black students. Thank you to every parent and community leader who engaged with us in this process."

To ensure students feel accepted in a discriminationfree classroom, the government will be strengthening sanctions for teachers who engage in behaviour of a racist nature. Over the last 23 years, the Ontario College of Teachers reports that there have been 32 instances of teacher discipline for racist or homophobic behavior or remarks.

The Ministry of Education has also proposed ad-

ditional anti-racism and antidiscrimination training before the end of the calendar year.

The government is currently consulting with teachers' federations, education workers' unions, and trustees' associations on the implementation of this critical initiative.

Through the Grants for Student Needs program (GSN), the Ministry of Education is providing a projected $40.9 million to help school boards implement suspension policies, including the hiring of professional staff and implementing prevention and intervention activities and programs. School boards will use this record-high allocation to support the implementation of the new suspension policies.

School boards can use portions of their $10 million in new mental health funding to provide students, educators, and staff with the resources and training needed to implement the new suspension policies.

On June 4, 2020, the government launched the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity, a new advisory group that will provide advice on how young people can overcome social and economic barriers and achieve success. In accordance with the Anti-Racism Act and Anti-Racism Data Standards, all school boards in Ontario will be required to collect race-based data by January 1, 2023.

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The Voice of North Grenville

COVID-19

Information for North Grenville Residents Reopening Ontario

► Check out our calendar of online events at www.northgrenville.ca.

As more businesses and outdoor recreational amenities to become more available to the public, please continue to be safe and practice physical distancing.

► Remember dogs must be on a leash at all times.

This includes in our trails too - and don’t forget to scoop the poop! ► Download our trail maps at: www.NGtrails.ca

As mandated by our local health unit, masks are now required for indoor public spaces.

Please be patient and kind with business owners and each other as we adjust to this change.

► For the most up-to-date guidelines for the use of North Grenville Recreational Amenities, visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus

Municipal Updates (as of July 10, 2020):

Local Business Support #LoveNG

► The North Grenville Municipal Office is open Monday Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, residents are encouraged to make payments online, by mail or locked mailbox, and call ahead to make an appointment for services. ► The Municipal Centre Arena Lobby will be open to the public as a Cooling Centre from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm daily.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. ► Splash Pad at e-Quinelle Park is open daily from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. Staff will be present on site at all times. Residents are asked to follow the rules and regulations posted on site to ensure the health and safety of users and staff.

More businesses continue to re-open. For an up-to-date list and to show your support visit: www.LoveNG.ca.

► The Kemptville Pool will remain closed for the 2020 season.

If you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19:

► Sports fields are open for casual use and training and skills development for up 10 people. Organized games are not permitted at this time.

Please contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or online at www.healthunit.org.

The Municipality’s priority is the health and safety of our residents.

Visit www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

Contact us at: 285 County Road 44, Kemptville ~ Telephone: 613-258-9569 ~ Email: general@northgrenville.on.ca ~ www.northgrenville.ca

Thank you for doing your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19: 2m (6’)

Maintain 2m distance.

Masks mandatory indoor public places.

Do not gather in groups of more than 10.

Continue to wash your hands often.

Stay home whenever possible.

Municipality of North Grenville

COOLING CENTRE at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Open daily from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place.

July 15, 2020

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Porta potties for Merrickville? to the village this summer, the issue of public washrooms came up once again. Mayor Doug Struthers confirmed at the meeting that all municipal buildings remain closed, which means that washrooms in these buildings are not available. He says staff have been working to address the issue, and have identified porta potties that could be placed throughout the village for the public’s use. The problem is, they are having trouble securing the staff to make sure proper COVID-19 cleaning policies are maintained throughout the day. They are currently focusing on attracting summer students, who might be able to fill this need for the village.

Both Nick Previsich, from the Merrickville Artist Guild,

by Hilary Thomson The Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce held a stakeholder meeting last Tuesday evening to discuss how the different groups in Merrickville-Wolford are adapting to COVID-19 restrictions.

Many have had to either modify or cancel their events this year, but are looking forward to 2021, when they can hopefully return so some normality. Despite COVID-19, Chamber President, Yves Grandmaitre, says they have still seen an influx of visitors in the village, especially over the weekend.

Because Merrickville is still looking to attract tourists

and resident, Robyn Eagle, asked how municipal washrooms were cleaned in the past, and whether the same people would be able to look after the porta potties in the village this year as well.

Mayor Struthers reminded the group that cleaning practices are much more involved because of COVID-19, and that it would probably take a full time employee to make sure they are sanitized properly on the days when the porta potties would be open to the public. Yves said that, even if they were only available on the weekends, it would go a long way to improve the availability of washrooms in the village. “There might also be some best practices we can take from other municipalities,” he said.

Merrickville Public Library Librarian, Mary-Kate Laphen, said at the meeting that she might know someone who would be willing to take on the job with the municipality this summer.

Mayor Struthers indicated that anyone with leads should have them contact CAO Doug Robertson, or Manager of Operations, Brad Cole. “Public washrooms are an issue for many towns,” Mayor Struthers said. “It is recognized by the municipality there is the need, and, if we can find the staffing, we will have them.”

Municipality focused on supporting local business

by Hilary Thomson Mayor Doug Struthers says that the Village of Merrickville-Wolford is focused on supporting the entire business community through the COVID-19 pandemic.

When everything shut down in March, the Economic Development Department at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville identified several areas where businesses needed the most support.

They found that most local businesses were looking for more information about provincial and federal support programs, as well as the waiving of late fees on their tax bills.

The Village has tried to address these needs by waiving late payment fees and penalties for residents and businesses connected to the water/wastewater system until the end of July. Council also decided to start charging commercial units the residential rate for water/ wastewater usage, to help give businesses some relief while they were closed due to the pandemic. The 2020 budget was also revisited, and council reduced the previously approved tax increase of 3.13% down to 0.44% for both residential and comJuly 15, 2020

mercial taxpayers.

Village staff have an active role in the County’s Business Support Working Group, providing tools, information, and resources to local businesses. Email updates have been sent directly to businesses from the CAO, along with posts on the municipality’s website and Facebook page.

Mayor Struthers continues to be a participant in the LeedsGrenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Economic Recovery Mayors Alliance, which has been working to identify what kind of support might be needed for local business in the short, medium, and long term. “We are looking at ways to minimize adverse affects on businesses and set priorities for economic development recovery,” Mayor Struthers says.

That being said, Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce President, Yves Grandmaitre, says that, from his perspective, the municipality hasn’t done enough to support the business community in Merrickville-Wolford.

He says they were very quiet in the early days of the shut down, and while there was mention that their Economic Development Officer was working on a recovery plan,

second phase of reopening.

The Mayor is encouraged by many of the local businesses which have stepped up to the plate in terms of putting proper PPE, cleaning and sanitization practices in place.

He says that, even though it has been busy in Merrickville, most visitors and residents are wearing masks, as mandated by public health, and are practicing physical distancing. “It’s comforting to know, as we move to stage two, that businesses as well as people are following the recommended guidelines.”

Mayor Struthers also wants to stress how important it is to support local businesses during this time.

This includes restaurants and retail outlets in the village, but also the many businesses in the rural area. He encourages everyone to participate in a national initiative called “The Big Spend” on July 25, which is a one-day event encouraging people to buy local, designed to help revive Canada’s economy. “We know the significant value of our local economy and, in these unprecedented times, it is even more important to shop local throughout the whole community,” he says.

they have yet to see it. He says the business community also feels that the overall messaging from the municipality was for visitors to stay away.

“I have received the same feedback via emails to the Chamber, asking if the village was open because of the municipal messaging beyond Merrickville-Wolford borders,” he wrote in an email.

He does say that, in recent weeks, there has been more messaging about county, provincial, and federal resources available; but little to no messaging about direct municipal support. If anything, Yves says, he would have liked to have seen the municipality reach out more to stakeholders, businesses, the Chamber, and Parks Canada to facilitate communication as things opened up. “We would all have been better prepared,” he wrote.

Regardless of previous messaging, Mayor Struthers says he is happy to hear from the Chamber that tourists are coming to the municipality and that business is crisp.

He says the Village is working to make sure businesses know about all the public health guidelines for reopening safely, now that the province is about a month into its 8

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The Voice of North Grenville

Rideau Glen Ladies League supports Black Lives Matter dressed in Canada to improve the lives of black and indigenous people across the country. “It’s racism that has separated black people and indigenous people from joining us,” she says. “We need to treat people as human beings, not for the colour of their skin, or the religion they follow.”

Rideau Glen Golf Club Manager, Daniel Goss, was very supportive of their effort, saying that it would be a nice gesture.

“It’s a small thing, but it will remind people to do something about it,” Mary says. “We have to start working at it.”

photo by Hilary Thomson

by Hilary Thomson The Rideau Glen Ladies League showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement last week, with an installation on the lawn of the golf club. Rideau Glen Ladies League President,

Mary Garrett, said she was sickened and disgusted by the violence against black people she was hearing about on the news. As a symbolic gesture, she decided to ask all their members to tell her where they, or their families, originally came from. “We

have about 100 ladies from diverse backgrounds and cultures,” she says.

With that information, she created an installation on the lawn at Rideau Glen Golf Club that displayed the flags of the 16 different countries, representing the backgrounds of their mem-

bers. “We don’t have a person of colour in our group, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support,” she says.

“It’s just a small gesture to keep the movement alive, because something has to be done.”

Mary is adamant that racism needs to be ad-

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ROAD SAFETY in NORTH GRENVILLE

A message brought to you by:

www.northgrenville.ca/roadsafety July 15, 2020

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Occupational Health Nurses, The Forgotten Frontline

Municipal Centre opens as a Cooling Centre

by Drew Sousa The role of occupational health nursing is not well understood. We are healthcare providers working in several different work settings including organizations deemed an essential service. We deal with complex health issues and play a key role in keeping the essential services that we all count on, going. As we move into the next phase of the pandemic and allow more people to return to work, occupational health nurses will play a vital role in keeping us all safe and minimizing a second wave.

Our risk of exposure is already greater than most, but that will only increase as restrictions are lifted and occupational health nurses begin doing more health assessments, including temperature checks.

As industries open back up, this will be the new frontline in the fight against this horrible pandemic. We will continue to be the entry point for anyone requiring COVID screening or follow-up, and those numbers, and the potential hazard, will increase exponentially.

As a profession, we have a critical role to play in our response to the pandemic.

Our practice is very similar to that of a public health nurse in the community, only

The Municipality of North Grenville is opening a cooling centre for residents to provide relief and protection during the heat wave.

Beginning Wednesday, July 8, the Municipal Centre Arena Lobby has been open to the public from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily as a cooling centre.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Residents will be screened for COVID-19 by Municipal staff and will be asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the building.

Residents are required to wear a mask or face covering. The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has mandated that facial coverings/masks be worn in indoor public spaces as an added measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Municipality will provide disposable masks if required.

People using the cooling centre will be required to maintain a two-metre distance from others who are not from their household. The canteen will not be open, however residents can bring their own water bottle to refill at the water refill station. Public washrooms will be available.

For more information visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

Health Unit warns to take precautions during high heat and humidity

Due to extremely high temperatures and humidex levels expected over the next several days the health unit would like to remind everyone to be cautious as the combination of heat and high humidity can be hazardous to your health. Conditions during high heat and humidity have the potential to cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and in some cases death.

Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, is advising the public to monitor the forecast over the next few days and to take the following precautions: • Do not leave children, adults or pets in parked cars or sleeping outside in direct sunlight.

• Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of your medications.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Remember to take sips often and not to guzzle your drink. Learn more about hydration at unlockfood.ca.

• Eat foods that have high water content such as watermelon, grapes and oranges.

• Limit caffeinated beverages such as coffee and cola.

• Avoid going out in the blazing sun or heat. If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible.

• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cool, wet towels.

• Whenever possible go to an air-conditioned room or building.

• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

• If you are heading out to a store where you may have to stand in line outside, bring your mask and put it on when you are at the front of the line so you are not wearing it in the heat for a long time.

• Keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home.

• Keep electric lights off or turned down low.

• If you can, eat a variety of foods that can be prepared safely without using the oven.

• Don’t skip meals, instead eat smaller amounts more often. Use Canada’s New Food Guide.

• Use fans to draw cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan as a main cooling device during long periods of high heat and humidity.

• Reduce the use of personal vehicles, stop unnecessary idling; avoid using oil-based paints and glues, pesticides and gas-powered small engines.

Everyone is at risk; however the following are in greater danger of being affected: • elderly people with chronic illness or who take certain medications • infants and preschool children • people who have challenges with housing and shelter • people who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged period During a Heat Warning, the public is strongly encouraged to check on a neighbour or a friend who may have a greater risk of suffering negative health consequences from the heat and humidity.

Even short periods of exposure to high temperatures can cause health problems. If you experience the following symptoms after exposure to extreme heat seek medical attention immediately: • Nausea, dizziness, blurred vision • Difficulty or rapid breathing • Severe headache or confusion • Convulsion • Fever For more information on how to protect your health during extreme heat, visit our Exposure to Hot/Cold Temperatures page. For specific health heat-related questions call 1-800-660-5853 or 613-345-5685. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter @LGLHealthUnit for important public health updates.

July 15, 2020

The Voice of North Grenville

our work happens within the environment of an employer.

We assess risk, identify how to reduce it, and put in place programs that ultimately maximize the health of our employee population.

Our mantra is keeping workers well. And because we are working outside of a hospital setting, we are actually at greater risk because we aren’t afforded the same level of protection as those in a traditional health care setting.

In the crisis gripping the province, we are the forgotten frontline. Whether it is helping employees manage exposure to COVID-19, treating injury or managing infectious diseases, we are dealing with risk every day.

We wear many different hats, managing scenarios and applying the same critical thinking as our nursing colleagues in a hospital setting do, We put similar controls in place for COVID-19 from points of entry, to hand sanitizers, to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to how best to adhere to physical distancing.

As we prepare to open up our economy and move into next phase of bringing people back to the work, the level of complexity for all of us will increase as we make sure we have the right processes in place to make it happen

seamlessly and without increased risk.

We are fundamentally nurses, regardless of where we work. And we have a strong role to play in facilitating proactive strategies to promote and maintain health and safety in the workplace.

It is time for the Ontario government to think outside the box when it comes to how they see us. They need to see us for the value we bring to the table and help organizations realize that we are a valuable resource they need to consider.

Our interventions are far reaching, and don’t just end at the door of the workplace.

We impact the health and wellness of our employees even when they go home and interact with their families.

As we enter the next phase, occupational health nurses are going to have an important role to play in bringing Ontarians back to work in a healthy and safe way. We welcome this opportunity to showcase our value to the community and to the organizations we work within.

Drew Sousa, RN, COHN(C) is the Executive Director of the Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association. Email: execdirector@oohna.on.ca, Web: www.oohna.on.ca.

Mental health support for children at CMHLG

by Hilary Thomson Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville (CMHLG) wants the community to know that they are there to help. Executive Director, Lorena Crosbie, says that, once the pandemic was declared in March, the organization quickly moved to virtual or tele sessions. The ability to hold virtual sessions was already in the works for the organisation, so the pandemic just expedited the process. “Virtual provides another way for families to access our services,” Lorena says.

Because they were deemed an essential service, CMHLG never stopped offering in-person sessions at their five community offices. This meant they had to move quickly to implement appropriate physical distancing and cleaning practices to ensure the safety of their clients and staff. “We have been working closely with the Ministry of Health regulations and the local health unit,” Lorena says.

With Ontario now in phase two of reopening, CMHLG is even more equipped to offer inperson services at their centres. Before the pandemic, CMHLG offered walk-in appointments every Wednesday from 11am to 7pm at their Brockville and Kemptville offices. Because of COVID-19, they cannot accept walk-ins at this point, but same day appointments are available if clients call in advance. This is so that they can conduct some COVID-19 screening over the phone, and to ensure they don’t have too many people in the office at once.

CMHLG’s mission is to provide effective and timely mental health services to children and their families in Leeds and Grenville. They work with children up to the age of 18 and their families, and can address anything from serious mental health issues, to family problems and stressors.

Lorena wants people to know that it is still very easy to access their services, despite COVID-19. She says it is very important to them to provide services in a way that addresses their client’s needs, and makes them feel safe and comfortable. “Call, talk about what is happening, and a councillor will help identify what the next step is,” she says.

More about the services they offer can be found on their website: www.cmhlg.ca. To book an appointment, or talk to a counsellor, call them from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm at 1-800-809-2492.

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Open For Business

The Voice of North Grenville

Support Local, now more than ever!

Dial A Chef on wheels

Erick Le Pors

Monday to Friday two main courses will be offered, (one meatless option)

Catered Affairs Curbside Menu Tuesday July 21 - Friday July 24th Family Meal for 2 $35 + HST Family Meal for 4 $65 + HST Family meal for 10 $165 + HST Please pre order at least one day before

613-324-3136

NEW STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm

Saturday

8:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday

9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

info@cateredaffairs.ca www.cateredaffairs.ca All meals include Local Greenhouse Salad & House Made Dessert Mediteranian Chicken & Veg Kebabs - Watermelon Cucumber & Feta salad - Spiced Potato Wedges.

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork with house made BBQ sauce - Spiced potato wedges, Buns & Slaw Crunchy Thai Beef Salad Bowl - Sprouts, cabbage, basil, peppers, Asian Vegetable Medley - Rice & Vietnamese rice noodle rolls with sweet chili sauce Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana) White fish & Shrimp in a savory Coconut Tomato Sauce - Cilantro Rice with lime wedges - Market Veggies Spanakopita (Cheese & Spinach in Filo) Vegetarian - Village Greek salad - Tzatziki - Pita Beef & Cheese Lasagna - Market Veggies - House Caesar Salad Garlic bread Contact us for “bubbles” of 10 members BBQ Boxes Available $70 for a family of 4 www.cateredaffairs.ca Patio Table d’Hote $55 per person+HST Thurs July 30th 5pm-7pm RSVP ONLY please call for more info.

Geronimo Coffee House CLOSED MONDAYS

Our current hours are Tuesday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm Sat. & Sun 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Orders can also be placed ahead by phone at 613-258-2782.

46 Prescott St, Kemptville

Support Local, now more than ever!

July 15, 2020

Monday July 20

1- Ground lamb stuffed eggplant, tomato sauce, lemon roasted potatoes wedges.

2- Grilled eggplant with Balsamic, tomato confit, feta cheese. Crispy romaine, lemon dressing

Tuesday July 21

2- Creamy pesto chicken, with roasted grapes tomatoes, spaghetti.

2- Spaghetti & cauliflower, tomato gratin. Grilled vegetable salad.

Wednesday July 22

1- Roasted trout fillet wit bacon, lemon, capers and croutons, steamed potatoes.

2- Sundry tomato and quinoa in a risotto style.

Watermelon and cucumber sald

Thursday July 23

1- smoked pork loin steak BBQ style. Stuffed baked potatoes.

2- Smoky tofu tortilla, guacamole, salsa and refried beans. Rice and corn salad

Friday July 24

1- Dutch oven braised beef with summer vegetables.

2 -Roasted summer vegetables casserole. Summer potatoes salad Now that we can have groups of up to 10 people, perhaps it is time to have friends and family over for a stress free Dinner.

It has been such a long time!

Call now to make arrangements for your next reception.

Monday to Friday, the cost is $22.50 per person.

Children 12 and under $14.00. There is $5.00 fee per delivery. Payment can be done by cash, credit card, or e-transfer. We need one day advance notice in order to organize the meals and the delivery route. HST extra. Ordering for the week : 10% off Reservation by phone at 613-860-2539 or email : erick@dialachef.ca

PATIO NOW OPEN!

TAKE OUT ORDERS AVAILABLE Salamanders Restaurant and Patio 28 Clothier St E, Kemptville

613-258-2630

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The Voice of North Grenville

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Heavy duty treadmill kemptville $125. 613-258-2992 For Sale - 1997 Mustang Cobra Convertible mint.

Pro appraisal $17,500.00 firm. Many images. Call Doug, 613 258-4573.

KENMORE 13.7 CF UPRIGHT FREEZER MODEL 970.184120 EXCELLENT CONDITION $ 400.00.

CALL 613-269-3301 Mixed seasoned firewood for sale, all hardwood, $110/3 3 cord minimum delivered, Jon 613-227-3650 Wheelchair Fuse5.0 with a tilt/Roho cushion. Call 613-567-8533 or leave message. 04 Quaker State 5W30 5L $12.00. Castrol 10W30

1L $2.50. Contact VE3MHM@SYMPATICO.CA

FT. AVAILABLE JUNE 1 FOR $460.00/MO. CALL TOM 613 218 1277 U

FOR RENT

N Accepting clean fill. Oxford Mills. Call/text Mitch 613-808Commercial Property in Kempt- 5888 ville, corner of Prescott & Clothier.

Call Mark at 613.620.3868

Looking to Rent Farmland for cash crops. Call or text Mitch @ 613-262-1204.

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farmers have an innate ability to adapt, evolve and persevere through uncertainty, and the COVID-19 crisis was no exception. Farmers forged through spring planting season and a pandemic to continue producing healthy, safe and affordable food for all Ontarians. Their resiliency and optimism carried into new measures this spring, expanding beyond individual farm operations, with countless examples of community support and contributions across the province.

Media outlets featured stories on local federations collaborating with community members, agri-food businesses and organizations across the sector to spread goodwill and support those in need. Contributions included organizing tractor parade tributes in support

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Local federations give back to communities across Ontario

by Larry Davis, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture In recent months, farmers and county federations of agriculture have banded together to show their generosity, spread positivity and offer support to their local communities across the province. Despite the extensive pressures and challenges faced by Ontario’s agriculture and food industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not deter the agriculture community from continuing to find ways to help those in need and support our rural communities.

The nature of farming results in farmers being faced with tough situations on a regular basis. They’re forced to make difficult decisions that impact the future of their business. However,

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of our frontline workers, generous donations of funds and surplus food products for food banks, retirement homes, healthcare facilities and assisting with the production of non-medical face shields and masks. On social media, videos were shared of donations being mailed to food banks, and photos highlighting pop-up events such as local food drives and county-wide non-perishable food collection days. In northern Ontario, a map that had initially been prepared for use at upcoming fairs and festivals promoting local food was distributed by mail as well as being converted into an online resource to promote direct to consumer sales. Local federation representatives also found new ways to make personal deliveries, donning masks and respecting social

distancing protocols to express their gratitude towards essential healthcare workers.

Once the reality of the lockdown set in, the reaction from the agricultural community was swift. Farmers found alternative ways to pay it forward to ensure our healthcare system was supported and that Ontarians could rely on our value chain to keep food on their tables. County and regional federations focus a handful of their events and initiatives on in-person consumer outreach. As a result of the pandemic, federations were forced to adjust their efforts, allowing our members to act in support of our communities in new ways.

These local federations were not alone in their generosity as many developed new partnerships and alliances as a result of COVID-19.

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Agri-businesses, commodity groups, farm organizations, community associations and farm families have been donating their time, money, resources and support throughout this crisis. Meat processing facilities have been receiving meals from their local communities in a show of appreciation for their ability to keep fresh meat products on our grocery store shelves. Transporters have been recognized for their vital role along the value chain and retailers have been applauded for their ability to adapt and provide us with their frontline services. Agriculture at all

Governments increase support for eligible farmers

The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing support to help farmers manage challenges beyond their control by enhancing AgriInsurance coverage for the 2020 growing season to include labour shortages due to COVID-19.

Ontario's agriculture industry, specifically farms growing fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, melons and peaches, are labour intensive and highly dependent on seasonal agricultural workers.

COVID-19 has interrupted regular flows of worker travel and has resulted in some gaps in labour availability. This could result in some crops being unharvested and financial loss for the agri-food industry.

The federal government made a commitment on May 5 to work with the provinces July 15, 2020

and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector. This work with provincial and territorial partners would insure against lost production due to an insufficient workforce, should producers be unable to find enough labour to harvest.

"During these exceptional times, we fully appreciate just how essential our agri-food workers are to our entire food supply chain," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "Our Government has been working hard with the provinces and agri-food businesses to ensure those workers have a safe workplace so they can continue putting food on our

tables. I congratulate Ontario for being the first province to take this important step that recognizes the hardships Ontario farmers and food producers have faced because of worker shortages, and gives them the added support they need."

"We recognize that this terrible virus has created new business pressures and increased uncertainty for farmers, which is why we are taking action to ensure farmers have the resources they need to address today's challenges," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"By enhancing AgriInsurance coverage to include labour shortages due to COVID-19 for eligible farmers, we are directly responding to their requests for support and pro-

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tecting Ontario's agri-food sector so it can continue producing the food our province needs."

Ontario farmers already enrolled in an eligible production insurance plan who suffer from crop losses due to labour disruptions during the 2020 growing season will have access to further insurance coverage through Agricorp.

The added insurance coverage will include inability to attract sufficient on-farm labour due to COVID-19; and illness or quarantine of onfarm labour and the producer due to COVID-19.

Farmers will be expected to notify Agricorp as soon as possible if they experience COVID-19 related labour disruptions that are having an impact on their crops.

"This announcement is an

important first step towards giving growers assurances that their government will have their backs during the pandemic," said Bill George, Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association. "We thank Minister Bibeau for making this enhanced coverage possible, and we thank Minister Hardeman and the Ford government for its leadership, and for being the first province in Canada to take this step."

Business Risk Management programs, including AgriInsurance, protect producers against significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage, such as weather, disease and pests. It is a business risk management program under the Canadian Agricultur-

levels has banded together to spread goodwill and positivity in a challenging time.

We have all experienced the pressures, challenges and changes as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. However, the pandemic has also brought generosity, kindness and positivity to the forefront of our industry. Thank you to the members, federations and networks that have joined together to support one another and make our rural communities stronger.

al Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.

Ontario is home to 49,600 farms, growing 200 different commodities. Ontario’s agriculture industry supports 69,000 jobs and contributes $7.6 billion to the GDP. Agricorp administers production insurance programming in Ontario on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

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The North Grenville Times

CROSSWORD

Hackathon introduces girls to tech

by Rob More On August 6, 40 girls ages 10-18 from the Ottawa Valley will be working together through a unique event known as the Hackathon in the Ottawa Valley, hosted by Hackergal, a national charitable organization based in Toronto, and Beckwith Tech Camp.

Hackergal's mission is to inspire girls to explore opportunities in computer science, a field where women currently represent 22% of the workforce in Canada. These 40 girls, who are from UCDSB and CDSBEO schools, will have the opportunity to test out the new Canadian coding platform Lynx Coding, which is considered to be an intermediate coding platform based on MIT’s Scratch visual programming platform and uses the Logo Language.

This platform is one of the new programs that Ontario students will be using starting in September in conjunction with the new math curriculum.

After spending the morn-

ing with Lucy Ho, Executive Director of Hackergal, Kumiko Imai, Director of Education, and Gail Carmichael, Technical Educator of R&D for Shopify, the girls will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other in developing their own coding project. MPP Jill Dunlop of the Ministry of Women and Children Issues will also drop in to bring greetings to the girls.

The following week, Beckwith Tech Camp will continue to host virtual meetings affording the girls and any other interested campers the opportunity to network together and provide support in their development of their project.

On August 14, all participants will have the opportunity to present their projects through a virtual meeting.

This presentation will be recorded and critiqued by Gail Carmichael of Shopify, Sandy Graham of the Centre of Excellence in Mathematics and Computing, Bill MacPherson, UCDSB Trustee, and Jennifer

Cooney, CDSBEO Trustee.

The presentation will also be broadcast on Cogeco TV Channel 10 in their Podium series, on UCDSB TV on all school monitors, and Beckwith Tech Camp’s Youtube channel and Facebook page.

Finally, once social distancing ends, these 40 girls will also have the opportunity to visit Shopify’s Headquarters in Ottawa.

Beckwith Tech Camp, which serves as a social enterprise for the Rural FASD Support Network and raised almost 25% of their revenue last year, is pleased to provide this extra-curricular activity to inspiring leaders from the Ottawa Valley interested in STEM careers and welcome additional sponsors to help provide this type of afterschool programming and virtual opportunities for our youth.

For more information, please contact Beckwith Tech Camp at beckwithtcamp@ gmail.com.

ACROSS 1. Hens make them 5. F F F F 9. Big 14. Relating to aircraft 15. Radar signal 16. Graven images 17. A despicable person 19. Metalwares 20. Fruity-smelling compound 21. Defeatable 23. Headstone 25. Day off 28. Attempt 29. "Eureka!"

32. Hard glossy coating 33. Tall hill 34. Unwanted email 35. Water barrier 36. Ancient Greek marketplace

FOOD CORNER

38. Overhang 39. "Comes and ____" 40. Carpet 41. A kind of polyester fabric 43. Ensign (abbrev.)

44. Petroleum 45. Get hold of 46. Absence of the sense of pain 48. A kitchen servant 50. Not written exams 54. Nymph 55. Relating to plants 57. Not rural 58. Lascivious look 59. Ammunition 60. Ganders 61. Tropical American wildcat 62. Half-moon tide

DOWN 1. Alleviate 2. Mousses 3. Fortitude 4. Not often 5. Diminish 6. Flaccid 7. Dossiers 8. Splash 9. Any long and tedious address 10. Pueblo brick 11. Somersault 12. Delight 13. S 18. Wear away 22. Twisters 24. Resembling malaria 25. Row of shrubs 26. Scallion 27. Bodies of water 29. 3-banded armadillo 30. Mayhem 31. Cattail 33. Mire 34. Denominational 37. Easily deceived 42. Negatively charged particle 44. Accessible by computer 45. Middle 46. Vibes 47. Soft and sticky 48. Achy 49. Square block 51. Climax 52. Tibetan monk 53. Swill 54. Embrace 56. Genus of macaws

Answers to last weeks Sudoku

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Time to fancy up a bit. Shrimp is a mainstay, both at home, as well as at our restaurant, and we have eaten them countless different ways. We have never been disappointed, because shrimp always provides a tasty experience. Now, the only thing that you can do wrong with shrimp is to overcook them, so less is better when they are in a pan. This recipe is very Mediterranean and, as you are aware, the Med diet is known to be the basis for a sound, balanced cuisine. Give this recipe a whirl when you have some friends over and let me know what you think at pcormier@ranaprocess.com. Oh, and don’t forget to accompany this dish with a nice wine: you can use either a cold white or rosé, or even a light and refreshing red.

Shrimp with Feta Ingredients: 20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 plum tomatoes ¼ cup of thinly sliced garlic (5 large cloves) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup diced feta cheese ½ stick of butter, preferably unsalted, cut into pieces and softened (1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste Preparation: Cut shrimp in half lengthwise Remove and discard stem end from the tomatoes and cut the remaining portions of the tomatoes into large, bite-size pieces Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat; add garlic and sauté until golden brown Add tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes or till softened Add wine and lemon juice and simmer 3-4 minutes or until slightly reduced Add shrimp and feta cheese, stirring gently to combine; be careful not to break up the feta Simmer just long enough for the shrimp to be cooked through (and not too much) Add butter and stir gently until it is melted into the sauce Place in a serving dish over thinly sliced lettuce Add some pepper (and maybe some salt but only if needed) and top with fresh parsley July 15, 2020

The Voice of North Grenville

SUDOKU EASY

MEDIUM

HARD HARD

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Answer to last weeks crossword

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OPP Report

On June 7, 2020 shortly before 11:00 p.m. Grenville OPP officers conducted a traffic stop on Van Buren Street, North Grenville, Ontario. The driver was spoken to and an Approved Screening Device (ASD) was utilized at the scene. The driver was arrested and taken to Kemptvile Detachment for further testing. A man, aged 37, from North Dundas was arrested and charged with: Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(a) Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) Criminal Code s.320.14(1)(b) The accused was released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on September 11, 2020.

THEFTS FROM STORE A local store from North Grenville has had quantities of goods stolen on two different dates possibly by the same people. The store off County Road 43 in the Township of North Grenville had tools taken on the 19 and 30 June, 2020.

The amount totals to approximately $1,300. Police are asking for assistance in identifying these individuals. (see photos.)

If you have any information on the above investigations or any other please contact Grenville OPP on 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.tipsubmit.com. Crime Stoppers does not want your name, you don't go to court, and you could earn cash reward.

Covid and Seniors’ Homes: What Happened?

March 17, a number eight times that of the home's usual monthly death rate.” Such results have, however, not been uniform and found in all areas. Citizens and their governments have reacted quickly to this in some parts of the country.

In Quebec, for example, where I have been able to find more pertinent information, “...Quebec’s chief coroner has ordered a public inquiry into the hundreds of deaths that took place in the province’s long-term care centres (CHSLDs), private nursing homes and other care centres during the COVID-19 outbreak...” . In the United States, researchers in the area of Covid and seniors’ residences have had difficulty so far in establishing clear and universal indicators of what has gone wrong.

For example, “...David Grabowski, a professor of health policy at Harvard Medical School, found no evidence that quality ratings matter when it comes to COVID-19. He looked at nursing homes across 30 states. “In terms of your five-star status, in terms of your staffing, in terms of whether you'd had a prior infection control violation, we couldn't find any kind of measure of facility quality that was correlated

By Jim Bertram As everyone who has not been asleep for the last five months knows, Covid-19 has become a part of our vocabulary. This exceptionally dangerous, and heretofore unknown, illness struck hard and fast, catching government and health officials in an emergency situation which was new, dangerous and fast moving. Over time, earlier decisions have been changed in keeping with rapidly growing, but still incomplete, knowledge of what the scope of this challenge ultimately would turn out to be. We're still learning. At least, some of us are.

Over that time, many Canadians and people throughout the world have unfortunately lost their lives to Covid-19. Statistics have shown that elderly people, especially those with certain pre-existing health challenges, have been hit the hardest. Some, but not all, communities with high concentrations of elderly people have suffered grievously. For example, in a Radio-Canada (CBC) report which I found in mid-April, the following illustrative comment was made: “At the publicly owned CHSLD Sainte-Dorothée in Laval, Radio-Canada learned 55 people have died since

July 15, 2020

with having a COVID case," said Grabowski.”

Tamara Konetzka , a health economist and professor at the University of Chicago, has also looked at the quality of nursing homes and coronavirus. Like Grabowski, she found no correlation between quality ratings and COVID-19 cases: "Even the highest quality nursing homes were caught completely off guard," said Konetzka when interviewed. Without going through all the reports available, many researchers do conclude that, in spite of there still being much to learn about Covids’s swathe of destruction, lawmakers should begin by focussing on low quality nursing homes and inadequate nurse staffing, which is something that many nursing homes, perhaps, can’t or won’t fix on their own.

Much remains to be done in research and policy formulation.

In terms of Ontario, I would like to see more information from our own researchers and provincial government as to what is being done to find out what has gone wrong in some cases.

Bear in mind that not all seniors’ residences had bad or disastrous results. Our local residences for the elderly have, to my knowledge, not

suffered any losses.

I would recommend that the government of Ontario be measured and serious in their approach to this problem, taking advantage of many good examples of research on this topic from outside the province as well. Above all, please don’t react in the way some, who attribute all blame to privately-run homes, have done. Mr. Ford, we want real research, not half-baked ideology driven reactions such as I have seen already from two writers in this paper. As indicated earlier, the problem is not just a challenge afflicting private businesses. Profit is at the core of so many enterprises in this country which produce your groceries, hardware products, furniture, electronic equipment, and the list goes on. They do a good job as they add to the quality of our lives on a daily basis. We need to make sure that WHOEVER is providing service to the residents of homes for the elderly does as good a job as those other enterprises in our society. Let’s ask Mr. Ford to get complete, fair, and nonpoliticized information about that out to us soon. Hopefully, people will be looking for real answers, and not just those that suit their political playbook.

I can remember my first assignment at WDMH

Harry Pratt Memorial BBQ raises funds for KDH The annual Harry Pratt Memorial BBQ was held at the Rush Truck Centre in Kemptville last week, with a new approach to bbq in times of pandemic. This year, it was a drive-through event, where people could have their order served to them in their vehicles by properly masked and distanced servers.

As a result of the efforts of many, the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation was presented with a cheque for $3,765. This was a record year for the event, and organisers hope to surpass it again next year.

Thanks to Les Winters owner of Fat Les's Chip Stand who donated 100% of all the food and drinks to help provide a fabulous donation to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation. Thanks to the folks at the Rush Truck Centre at the Kemptville location for following the tradition established by Gerald Tallman and Tallman Trucks, and providing the space and encouragement for the event.

The Voice of North Grenville

assisting clinicians with appropriate treatment. Dr. Hammond describes himself as a general Radiologist with a special interest in diagnostic ultrasound and bone mineral densitometry.

“I have enjoyed my time in Winchester,” says Dr. Hammond. “It was a welcoming environment from day one. Having worked in a tertiary care hospital most of my career, I am really impressed with the complexity of issues that the family

Radiologist Dr. Ian Hammond says he remembers his first assignment at WDMH – 20 years ago. Since then, he has been coming to Winchester one or two days a week, in addition to his position at The Ottawa Hospital.

Recently, he announced his retirement.

“Patients usually have brief, intense encounters with Radiologists,” he explains.

As expert consultants, Radiologists analyze images to diagnose illness, thereby 14

doctors are dealing with at WDMH. Many have practices in the community and also do shifts in Emergency or the OR. It has been a very good experience for me.”

Dr. Hammond also praises the diagnostic imaging team.

“In my role, you depend very much on the well-trained technologists that you work with. They take the x-rays or perform the ultrasound scans, and I interpret them. The WDMH team is very keen and well-trained.”

In fact, the WDMH team credits Dr. Hammond for some of its success. “It has been a great privilege to work with Dr. Hammond for so many years,” notes Diagnostic Imaging Team Leader Shirley Rose and her team.

“His knowledge, experience and effortless teaching practice with our technologists and students have been greatly appreciated and rewarding. Thanks to his profound understanding and insight, he has been an essential resource with accreditation for both mammography and BMD.” Dr. Hammond’s retire-

ment comes after a notable career. He served as Chief of Radiology at the former Ottawa General Hospital and Chair of the University of Ottawa Department of Radiology. He also served as a board member of the Ontario Association of Radiologists, president of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and president of the Canadian Radiological Foundation.

Most recently, Dr. Hammond received a Physician Clinician Recognition Award from The Ottawa Hospital in recognition of his outstanding clinical career.

“Kindness, patience and a pleasant demeanor are how most will describe him,” sum up his teammates at WDMH. “We also know him to be a master at crossword puzzles.

A few things are certain, Christmas will not be the same without his heavenly chocolates, and his kindness and expertise will be greatly missed!”

Congratulations and best wishes Dr. Hammond!

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History page:

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Canadians and the Russian Civil War, 1919

Canadian chaplains Harold McClausland and Jacques Oliviere, joined by other Canadian officers, at the dedication of the Canadian Memorial, Marine Cemetery, Vladivostok, Russia, 1 June, 1919. Photo Credit: Stephenson Family Collection

by David Shanahan Towards the end of 1918, the First World War was coming to a brutal and bloody end.

In March, the new Bolshevik regime in Russia had taken their country out of the war against Germany and AustriaHungary, and a civil war began between the Red Russians (Bolsheviks) and the White Russians, supporters of the Czar. The Allied governments supported the Whites in order to bring Russia back into the war, although this support did not extend to King George V allowing his cousin, Czar Nicholas, and his family safe sanctuary in Britain.

Canadian Prime Minister, Robert Borden, pledged to send a contingent of Canadian troops to support the Whites and an Order in Council was passed in August, 1918 to that effect. It is believed that his motives were less to aid the Whites than to increase Canada’s role within the British Empire with a view to having a larger role in the post-war world. However, an attempt to raise a volunteer force was unsuccessful, and it was not until October that a contingent composed of conscripts and other soldiers was gathered and sent to Victoria, on route to Siberia.

The Canadian Expeditionary Force (Siberia) (CEFS) con-

tario, and, most significantly, members of Borden’s own Cabinet. The Acting Prime Minister, as Borden headed for the peace talks in France, wrote to him with a warning: “All our colleagues are of opinion that public opinion here will not sustain us in continuing to send troops, many of whom are draftees under the Military Service Act and Order in Council, now that the war is ended. We are all of opinion that no further troops should be sent and that Canadian forces in Siberia should, as soon as situation will permit, be returned to Canada. Consider matter of serious importance.”

Borden refused to cancel

sisted of 4,209 men, and one woman, a Red Cross nurse, of whom fully one-third were conscripts.

The soldiers involved were not happy to be traversing Canada from one war zone to another, particularly after the Armistice of November, 1918 ended the war in Europe. To make matters worse, their train carried the Spanish Influenza pandemic across Canada, as well as affecting many of the soldiers on board. Morale was low and the conscripts believed their continued use after the Armistice was illegal. Nor were they alone in this belief.

Labour unions, newspapers, the United Farmers of On-

The Voice of North Grenville

the operation and the troops were scheduled to embark on December 21. But, as they marched through Victoria on their way to the ship, many of the conscripts refused to go any further. Officers fired shots in the air and ordered the obedient troops to use their belts to whip the mutineers into line. They were them marched to the ship, “escorted” by soldiers with fixed bayonets. During the five-week voyage to Siberia, these men were in chains, and not allowed showers or a change of clothes. Charges against the men were dropped because of concerns that their continued enlistment after the Armistice was illegal under the terms of the Military Service Act for a mission tangentially connected to the "defence of the realm".

By the time they reached Vladivostok, attitudes had changed in the Government of Canada, and Borden sent word that the CEFS were not to undertake active service.

Instead, most of the men remained in Vladivostok with little to do but visit the town’s sights and organise sports and other entertainment suitable to soldiers far from home.

Others did venture nearer to the war zone, and experienced attacks by Red detachments. But, by May, 1919,

it was recognised that the entire expedition had been a dismal failure and the CEFS was returned to Canada by the end of June. But they left behind either fourteen or nineteen men (the exact number seems unclear) who had died in Siberia or on the outward voyage. Five Canadians deserted while in Russia, and another four died on the voyage home. The Canadian command dedicated fourteen wooden crosses and a stone monument at Vladivostok's Marine Cemetery on Monastirskaia Hill, along with soldiers from British, French, Czechoslovak and Japanese detachments which had also been sent to Siberia.

During the Soviet period, this site was largely unmaintained. In 1996, a Canadian squadron of warships visited Vladivostok; during the visit, sailors from HMCS Protecteur, assisted by members of the Russian Navy, replaced headstones and generally repaired the graves of Canadians buried in a local cemetery. The entire enterprise was quietly forgotten in Canada, overshadowed by the Winnipeg General Strike of May and June, 1919, during which police fired on and killed Canadian workers.

That is another story.

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

The North Grenville Photography Club

Our Photo Club is running a weekly challenge to keep the members motivated and engaged while we can't have meetings. For this particular week, the challenge was 'Reflections' I used plexiglass and black foam board, a macro lens and a flash for this image. Photo

by Terri-Lyn Love.

July 15, 2020

15

Difficult to progress on gardening chores when I would rather focus on the little things.

Photo by Jancy Watkins.

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The North Grenville Times

South Gower Business Park

The Voice of North Grenville

We ’r e H e r e To S e r v e Yo u

At D.R. Howell Electric Inc. we strive to uphold the highest levels of safety, workmanship and professional integrity in serving our customers, suppliers, subcontractors and professional associates.

Call us today at (613)258-0294 or visit our website at www.drhowellelectric.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The team at D.R. Howell Electric Inc.

Howell Electric has established a leading business in general electrical contracting proudly serving North Grenville and the surrounding area. No matter what size the project – Howell Electric can provide you with any type of electrical service and expertise that you require.

Residential Commercial Industrial Generac® Generators Generator Maintenance Don’t be left in the dark, life is better with power!

SELECT SIRES GENERVATIONS INC. PO BOX 489 Kemptville, Ont K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-3800 Fax: 613-258-7257 selectsiresgenervations.com

Ron's

Small Engine Repair 613.258.9720

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

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT

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

1077 COUNTY ROAD 1 OSGOODE, ON K0A 2W0

Cargo Horse Utility Tow Dolly Truck Decks

Dump Flatbed Roll-off Livestock Toy/Car Hauler

www.kempro.ca July 15, 2020

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