Creating
“Every
"Proudly serving our Community"
Dan Pettigrew Owner & friendly neighbour
T: 613.774.1958
Dan.Pettigrew@sobeys.com foodland.ca
12015 Main Street Winchester, ON
a Community Legacy, one Tile at a Time
tile tells a story and together, they become
our community’s legacy.”
saic tile workshops will begin in January 2026, and everyone is welcome. These workshops are open to all ages and all walks of life, no artistic experience required. Just bring your enthusiasm and be part of something meaningful!
which includes all materials and guidance. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The workshops are family-friendly, so feel free to bring friends, children, or grandchildren along for the fun. Every signed tile will become a permanent part of the legacy mural.
Our fundraising goal is now just $1,000 away, that’s only 50 tiles at $20 each. Once this goal is reached, an additional 300 tiles will be made available at no cost to community groups and individuals in the months ahead.
To reserve your spot, please e-transfer your donation to info@ngtiles.ca, or call Sharon Dean at 613850-0348. Cash is also accepted; however, pre-payment ensures your place at the event.
Be sure to find us on Facebook at NGTiles, and like and share to help spread the word.
Each mosaic tile in the North Grenville Legacy Mural will be individually painted and signed by its creator. Once complete, the mosaic will be permanently displayed at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, showcasing the names and creativity of everyone who contributed. This unique artwork will remain a lasting legacy for our community for many years to come.
The first series of mo-
The Mosaic Tile Legacy Group recently held a trial painting session in preparation for this week's fundraising event held at Salamander’s on Wednesday, January 21. Participants are asked to make a minimum donation of $20 per tile,
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Municipal Council for the generous $2,000 grant supporting this project, as well as to the many individuals who have already donated. Your support is helping turn this community vision into a lasting work of art.
Special thanks to Sharon Deanfor initiating this project.
The Founders of The Mosaic Legacy Tiles Project Bottom L- R: Sharon Dean, Maggie Boyer, Sara Jane Manning, Top: L- R: Jane Rutter, Lorraine Delanges, Jayne Couch, Karen Nickelson, missing Jennifer Gow
SweetheART: Valentine’s-Inspired Art Exhibit
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) invites the public to SweetheART: Art You’ll Fall For, a one-day local art exhibit and sale celebrating creativity, community, and accessible art. The event takes place Sunday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pte Blake Williamson Memorial Hall / Armoury (25 Reuben Crescent, Riverside Park, Kemptville). Admission is free, with accessible entry and free parking available.
Designed to make art ownership accessible for all, SweetheART features work by more than 20 local artists, with all artwork priced at $250 or less. Visitors can browse original artworks, prints, and art cards, offering an opportunity to discover local talent and purchase meaningful, affordable pieces.
In the spirit of giving back, the North Grenville Arts Guild will donate 5% of all proceeds from SweetheART to Beth Donovan Hospice, supporting compassionate care and services within the local community.
In addition to the exhibit and sale, the event offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with interactive elements, including:
• A free Valentine’s raffle (no purchase required)
• All-ages art activities, such as creating art love
notes or sketching favourite subjects
• Playful photo moments, including “Kiss Me Here” and “Hug Here” spaces
• Opportunities for visitors to share what art means to them and celebrate local creativity
“SweetheART is about bringing people together through creativity and connection,” said Julie Mercier, President of the North Grenville Arts Guild.
“Whether purchasing a first piece of art, supporting local artists, enjoying a simple joyful day out, or giving back to the community, this event is meant to feel welcoming and accessible.”
The event offers a seasonal, community-focused outing that highlights the value of local arts while encouraging residents of all ages to engage with creativity in a relaxed and inclusive setting.
Event Details:
What: SweetheART: Art You’ll Fall For - Art Exhibit & Sale
When: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pte Blake Williamson Memorial Hall / Armoury, 25 Reuben Crescent, Riverside Park, Kemptville.
Who: 20+ local artists
Artwork Prices: $250 or less
Admission: Free
Amenities: Accessible venue, free parking
5% of all proceeds from SweetheART will be donated to Beth Donovan Hospice
For event updates, follow the North Grenville Arts Guild on Facebook and Instagram (@ngag_20) or visit ng-arts-guild.ca.
The North Grenville Arts Guild (NGAG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local artists and enriching community life through accessible arts programming, exhibitions, and events. Through collaboration, creativity, and connection, NGAG promotes artistic expression throughout North Grenville and surrounding communities.
Art Guild profile KiKi Abbot Moore
RB Heating ClimateCare supports Local
charity
by Rebecca Lockwood
Raised in the Deep South, I began creating at an early age, shaped by the region’s rich stories, and the influence of Southern artists. I’ve cultivated a mixed-media practice built on color, repetition, and layered mark-making. My work asks viewers to pause and reflect—to move beyond the idea of creating a perfect or “pretty” picture. I intentionally leave so-called mistakes, or interruptions, within a piece, allowing them to become points of curiosity and conversation as moments of imperfection are invitations: to look deeper, to question, and to engage with the work’s raw honesty.
In 2025 RB Heating ClimateCare launched its WeCare Maintenance Program to give back to the community, donating a portion of monthly earnings to local charities chosen by staff. Each month, a team member selects a charity to receive the donation, allowing the staff to support causes that are meaningful to them.
In November, team member Virginia chose Leeds & Grenville Interval House, which provides support and shelter to women and children affected by violence. Virginia said, “This organization was important to me to choose because of the vital support it provides to women and children in our community who are experiencing violence. I’m proud that our team can help make a difference.”
For more information or to support Leeds & Grenville Interval House, visit lgih.ca.
Community Forum Update: Collaboration Continues to Build Stronger Community
Many thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors that make these community meals possible. Special thanks to Kemptville Brewery for volunteering last week.
by Marguerite Boyer
It has been almost two years since the Community Forum began, and in that time it has grown to approximately 70 members, including both individuals and groups. The vision of the Forum is to bring diverse voices together to help make North Grenville a better community, and to determine where collective focus and support are most needed.
The current Secretariat is led by five members:
• • Cora Beking (Rotary)
• • Brian McKee
(Kemptville Campus Chair)
• • Cathy Ashby (Executive Director, House of Lazarus)
• • Diane Lapierre (Volunteer at large)
• • Marguerite Boyer (Volunteer at large)
One of the most meaningful initiatives to emerge from the Forum has been the establishment of the North Grenville Community Dinner Association and the creation of free community meals each Tuesday at the Armoury. The meals are made possible through business sponsorships,
community support and many volunteers.
The next Forum will take place on February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Parish Hall, Kemptville Campus. Light refreshments will be served.
The meeting will feature guest speakers from the following organizations and areas of focus:
• • Brockville Community Round Table
– Tara Webb
• • Habitat for Hu-
KDH closing Interim Long-Term Care/Convalescent Care Unit
by Jenn Westendorp, Communications Officer, KDH
Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has made the difficult decision to close its Interim Long-Term Care (ILTC)/Convalescent Care Programs (CCP) unit, targeting a closure date of June 30, 2026.
The unit was opened in 2006 to address a severe shortage of LTC beds in the community at that time. However, KDH’s mandate has always been acute care and since then, over 250 new LTC beds have been established locally, and convalescent care options have increased.
“This decision was not made lightly, but it’s time for KDH to recalibrate its services for the future,” said the hospital’s President and CEO, Frank J. Vassallo.
“KDH is committed to supporting current residents of the unit to find alternate placements in LTC homes of their choice. The unit will continue to operate until all residents have found appropriate placements.”
The unit consists of 12 beds, including eight CCP beds that are occupied on a short-term basis for recovery following a significant hospital stay, and four ILTC beds that are designed to be occupied for six months or less, until a permanent LTC bed has been identified.
The unit was never intended to be permanent; the temporary ILTC license permitted KDH to fill a gap in response to a past shortfall of LTC beds, which has been alleviated by increased long-term care capacity in the community. The space that houses the
unit is part of KDH’s legacy side, dating back to 1960, and requires infrastructure upgrades and repairs.
KDH is committed to adjusting its services to meet the changing needs of North Grenville’s growing population. KDH is working with its partners to explore options to meet the community’s evolving health care needs, andwith the support of Ontario Health and Ontario Health atHome - will identify alternate LTC and convalescent programs.
KDH staff, physicians, volunteers and partners were notified of the closure earlier today and a public Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 at 7 pm. Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to attend the virtual session.
manity – Anthony Conte
• • Housing Initiatives Update – Cora Beking / Municipality of North Grenville
• • Food Insecurity Update – Cathy Ashby
• • Youth Discussion Panel – Part 2 chaired by Cathy Ashby
Each speaker will be al-
located approximately 15 minutes, followed by an opportunity for participants to join round-table discussions.
This Forum is open to all members of the community, and we encourage you to attend to help ensure that North Grenville maintains its small-town feel even as it continues to grow.
culverts
Daydream believer
by David Shanahan
Thirty years ago this very month, in January, 1996, the Ontario Government of Mike Harris passed the Savings and Restructuring Act to reduce the number of municipalities from 815 to an eventual 444. The idea was that streamlining the system would result in significant cost savings with reductions in the number of councillors and municipal staff, as well as any other redundant duplication of operations. As we look back on the first quarter of the 21st Century, it seems like a good time to review the story of amalgamations in this region to see how those plans worked out.
Many recent residents are possibly unaware that this municipality was originally made up of two townships and an independent town: Oxford-on-Rideau, South Gower and Kemptville. After long, and often fraught, negotiations, the new Township of North Grenville was established, soon to be become the Municipality of North Gren-
ville. It’s a long and fascinating story which has been told in these pages previously.
To put it briefly, amalgamation in Ontario did not live up to its promises. In fact, a Fraser Institute Report in 2015 found that the entire amalgamation project had failed in almost every aspect. While the number of mayors, reeves and councillors across Ontario was reduced by almost a quarter, the number of municipal employees rose by almost 40%. The rise in the number of municipal employees in amalgamated municipalities was twice that of those left unrestructured. In local terms, plans for amalgamation in 1996-97 assumed that there would be a total of eight staff needed for the new North Grenville, working out of a few rooms in the Ferguson Forest Centre. This, it turns out, was somewhat off the mark.
Oxford-on-Rideau and South Gower each had more than two centuries of history before amalgamation, while Kemptville had been independent of Oxford since 1857. Each had schools, churches, stores,
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I don't know which planning school Sarah Herring went to, but she is right on (I did go to planning school)! The Province sets the context for local planning through Provincial policy and currently it is "build big and often".
The best the municipality can do is manage growth and development within the Provincial rules; not doing so means less Provincial (and Federal) grants and costs associated with fighting losing battles at the Provincial Land Tribunal. Personally (and as a retired land use planning professional) I think Council and staff have done well to get the required mix and density of development at the right location within the municipal service area (Kemptville).
The Municipality is currently undertaking an official plan review and I encourage the public to be involved to influence those
town halls, and strong community identities. Today, municipal council and staff are still trying to define what is meant by “small town feel”, and that only in the case of Kemptville, which ceased to be a small town some years ago. The hamlets have lost their churches, stores, and the school in Oxford Mills only remains open because of the strong local campaign after the Province ordered it closed.
The only winner from amalgamation has been Kemptville, if you think what has happened there is winning. The recent op-eds and letters in this paper regarding over-development in Kemptville indicates how much the community has changed since 1998. They say you can’t stop progress, but you can certainly define it and shape it better than has been the case with successive municipal administrations (councils and staff). Here’s another indication of how things have changed for those outside the “Urban Services Area”: local identity has been severely weakened. We get so many articles coming in to the
Times that refer to “Kemptville” when they actually mean North Grenville. It’s as if “Kemptville” is the real name of the Municipality. Why, even the river is being called “Kemptville Creek”, when its historical name is the South Branch. And, yes, I know that is an old bugbear of mine, but it’s still true!
There’s no point in engaging in boosterism: claiming that all is wonderful and unique in Kemptville. The fact is that it has lost its traditional character and identity, and has yet to find a new one. Inevitable, perhaps. But where is the vision for such a new identity? We’ve had so many Master Plans, Official Plans, Strategic Plans, consultants’ reports, etc., etc., over the years, but no clear sign of a long-term attempt at implementation.
We see in the Kemptville Campus that original ideas for the institution have been radically altered in just a few years, possibly leaving us with a large, ugly tent of a Sportsdome to ruin the landscape, and yet more concrete (with few sidewalks) all around
the municipality. Perhaps a hint about how this has happened is found in the ridiculous motto of the United Counties in which we live: “Where Lifestyle Grows Good Business”. One can easily imagine where that came from. Some consultant, with little if any imagination, decided that there were some key terms which should define how they saw a successful project: Lifestyle, Growth, and Business. They just joined them with a few irrelevant words and came up with how they viewed the future. Note the absence of terms like “Community”, “Value”, Heritage”, etc.. Such thinking has "guided" our development as a municipality.
Thirty years later, the plan of amalgamation has produced significant change in the communities that once valued their history and identity. This is not the complete picture, and doesn’t show the full impact of that has been allowed to happen over the decades. That will require a little more analysis as we look ahead to the second quarter of an already-surreal century.
aspects of the community Council can actually address rather than just commenting (complaining) about where the community may be going and looks like. You are also welcome to talk to your local MPP, Mr. Clark as the Province is driving the land use planning framework in Ontario and, of course, locally. Carl Cannon, North Grenville
Dear Editor,
I have just been reading some articles on the current system of governance in our country. The system is called neo-liberalism, brought into Canada in 1984 by the Brian Mulrony government, (and now, it seems, also adopted by the Carney Liberals), the core of which is that the paramount freedom is economic freedom. Therefore, the state's first obligation is to protect the "right to profit".
Under neo-liberalism, governments are part of the problem, not part of the solution. Taxes are a "burden". Regulations that protect labour rights, health, safety, and the environment are "red tape" that inhibits competition and wealth creation. What we get is the reining in of public spending, tax cuts for the wealthy, the raising of interest rates as the automatic response to inflation, reduced demand; with, as a result, less investment, higher unemployment, lower wages, pressure on small businesses, renters, and mortgage holders, less help for those in need, and lower expectations. Sound familiar?
It was the fossil fuelled Harper government, that entrenched austerity, focused on making Canada an energy superpower, and was a strong climate denialist. Pierre Poilievre is following in his footsteps, using 3 word slogans that
speak to public anger and alienation about affordability and the elites, and promising lower taxes, less government spending, less regulation, and lower public debt. What he doesn't tell you is how he is going to achieve that.
The Liberals, under Carney, are essentially following the Conservative playbook of neo-liberal policies, which also means putting climate change, Indigenous rights, and renewable energy on the back burner. I know of several people who loaned their vote to Carney because they were concerned by the parallels between Poilievre and Trump's approach to government, and they didn't want a Prime Minister who was snarly, angry, blamed others for his own shortcomings; but mostly because he offered no solutions to the things that he said needed fixing.
The proposed Carney
government cuts to transfer payments to the provinces are not helpful, and will dramatically impact provinces and municipalities in vital areas like disaster assistance, housing and infrastructure, and workforce training, not to mention the elimination of thousands of public sector jobs.
Failure to solve the cost of living crisis is also likely to drive more people to vote for the radical change offered by the Far Right. We have seen that surge happening in many countries that have this problem. It doesn't have to be that way. If we take a look at how Scandinavian countries operate, we find a robust tax system and strong social programs. Their populations score strongly when surveyed on contentment, yet we continue to adhere to a neo-liberal system that favours the wealthy, who we refuse to tax at nowhere near what the rest of us pay.
The billions raised could be used to help fund our social programs. We need to investigate other political choices when voting. We also need proportional representation, where every vote matters, which would also go a long way towards solving our current voter apathy problem.
Colin Creasey, Kemptville
Land use designation and Sports Dome on Campus
by Chris Turnbull
Land use designation and planning is important when we consider locating a proposed Sportsdome on the “prime” agricultural land that borders County Road 44 at the Kemptville Campus. Is this a good use of agricultural land and its systems? What is determining a need for a Sportsdome?
Since 2022, the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville has been undertaking a modified Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) approach as part of their Official Plan (OP) (2026) process. LEAR contributes to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)’s aim to standardize local official plans and aid comprehensive mapping, and to update previous provincial policies.
The County reviewed lands designated Agricultural Area lands, and lands designated Rural Lands, across the County. They also identified potential “new”Agricultural Area lands.
This is my too short summary of a section of the County’s Agricultural Area Review material (AAR), available online. This process affects Agricultural Area, and Rural Land, designations in North Grenville. The full extent of the process by County is here: www.leedsgrenville.com/ en/government/agriculture-area-review.aspx. It’s worth a read.
The Kemptville Campus lands have been, historically, designated Agricultural Area by the County, and the soils identified as prime agriculture using the Canada Land Inventory class system. The 630 acres fits the definition of the Provincial Policy’s “agricultural system”. Kemptville Campus, as a new nonprofit corporation in 2020, planned to continue the Campus’ agricultural focus through agribusiness, agrinetworks, and agri-tourism. The Master Plan (which is online) outlines the vision of the Campus lands.
The Kemptville Campus is zoned Institutional by
the Municipality of North Grenville (MNG). Under the recent LEAR process, the Institutional zoning affected the scoring of the Campus lands. MPAC codes were part of the criteria for LEAR scoring, but the LEAR parameters for the 630 acres did not recognize that the campus lands are agricultural. It recognized Institutional use, and that, in combination with the settlement area being so close (Concession Road is the urban boundary), influenced the outcome and its lower scoring. As a result of the lower scoring, the LEAR consultant recommended the Campus lands be designated Rural Land, from previous Agricultural Area designation.
The Planning and Advisory Committee, which is comprised of County Mayors, including Mayor Peckford, adopted the LEAR option on January 7. During discussion before voting, they had the option of considering the issue of scoring. This is documented in the PAC Committee meet-
Burritt’s Rapids visit Council
by David Shanahan
What seemed like the entire population of Burritt’s Rapids (or should that be Burritts Rapids?) attended the regular Council meeting on January 13 to express their firm views on a proposed zoning amendment application which, they felt, threatened the character, heritage, and identity of their community.
But before the Public Meeting to discuss the application began, two items on the agenda, at least, deserve mention. One was a resolution by Council directing staff to commence the procurement process in advance of the 2026 Budget Deliberations for the proposed Sportsdome. The sum of $32,000 is being set aside in the 2026 Budget “for the completion of a geotechnical investigation, topographical survey, and site survey for the proposed North Grenville Sports Dome at the Kemptville Campus”.
The second, though by means the only, item to be discussed by Council was following a presentation by Bishop’s Mills resident, Tom Graham, who was try-
ing, once again, to havecertain areas of the south part of the Municipality removed from a list of places in which bedrock extraction of aggregates would be allowed. The sections in question had been added to the list, according to Tom, without proper research or consultation, and extraction would have a potentially devastating effect on the water supply used by residents of the tracts included. The issue continues to be looked at by municipal staff.
It was the Burritt’s Rapids matter that took up a lengthy section of a very lengthy Council meeting. A rezoning application has been made by a developer for a parcel of land bounded by Burritts Rapids Road and River Road, directly across from the swing bridge entrance to the hamlet. Although the applicant assured Council that no subdivision would happen there for a number of years, and that the rezoning was necessary to sever the land from a larger piece zoned agricultural, they were able to provide a sketch showing a proposed development of more than 20 lots, or blocks, which, it turned
ing via a question from the Mayor of Rideau Lakes to the Planners regarding the Campus lands.
At this same meeting, the PAC committee also voted to adopt MNG’s request from 2025 for a 300m setback on all “new” agricultural lands that abut Municipal and County roads. The 300m setback runs counter to the Provincial Policy Statement, which aims to limit agricultural fragmentation (PPS 4.34.3.5).
Of note, the planners from both County and MNG staff did not support the 300m setback. The County planners also did not recommend the adoption of the LEAR results. This is documented at the meeting. The MNG planners advised the Municipality of North Grenville Council not to adopt the 300m setback. This is recorded in MNG Council minutes.
The Kemptville Campus’ current Agricultural Area designation is poised to change to Rural Lands if
out under questioning by residents, could amount to tripling the entire population of the hamlet.
The impact on the community was underlined by many residents in presentations to Council, and there was a unanimous request that the rezoning application be denied. Although the rezoned land, which would be identified as “Residential”, would have a holding restriction, residents had understandable doubts about how effective that might prove in the future, once the development plan was officially submitted to Council. This was particularly emphasised, given recent comments in this newspaper about the relative impotence of municipal councils to obstruct developers at that stage.
Deputy Planning Director, Phil Mosher, was closely questioned, both by residents and members of Council, on the application throughout the meeting, and, although he was clear that the project met with all requirements of both County and North Grenville Official Plans and zoning regulations, this failed to satisfy residents, who clearly believed that techni-
County Council votes in favour of adopting the LEAR. Agricultural Area lands restrict, under provincial policy, the ability to subdivide (incl severance), except for surplus dwellings or farm lots. Land use is tied to agricultural uses under the County OP and subject to Municipal OP policies and zoning provisions. Agricultural policies are intended to safeguard the agricultural land base from fragmentation and limit conflicting land uses within Agricultural Area designation. Lands removed from Ag designation are subject to Rural Lands designation and subsequent policies; these may permit limited residential development and some additional uses, as well as lead to future Rural Settlement areas.
A LEAR process could be conducted by the Municipality of North Grenville to address the problems with scoring that have been identified by County planners. The LEAR would be focused on the Municipality of North Grenville. It
cal compliance was not the only relevant issue at hand. The entire meeting seemed to take place in an unreal atmosphere, as it was not at all obvious that anything said by either residents or council would stand in the way of developers who would have provincial legislation on their side. Now, it was felt, was the time when Council might have a chance to stop the application going further.
It was also reminiscent of previous similar applications to Councils over the years which were finally decided, not by locally elected representatives of the community, but by provincial and municipal staffers who were more focused on regulations and procedures than on the best interests of local community members. The issue will be further discussed at a future Council and Planning meeting next month.
For anyone interested in running for Council later this year, they might like to ponder the fact that this one Council meeting (one of very many held almost every week) lasted more than four and a half hours. For this, they are paid the incredible salaries as fol-
could contribute to the Municipal Official Plan review process that is currently underway, and could work to re-establish appropriate agricultural designation for the Kemptville Campus and other lands that have been removed from that designation.
There is currently no servicing for a Sportsdome at its proposed location on the prime agricultural land to the West of County Road 44. The Municipality has a wealth of parks and recreation facilities. Our Parks and Recreation Master Plan (which is due for review) highlights extensive recreational options and an articulated desire for more trails. It minimally mentions a sportsplex. As yet, there’s been no concise, public, justification of a Sportsdome, though a geotech investigation, topo survey and site survey are in procurement phase prior to the 2026 Budget Deliberations.
lows: Mayor $48,660.05; Deputy Mayor $27,440.82; and Councillor $24,124.46.
The salary covers attendance at: Regular Committee of the Whole and Council meetings; Special Committee of the Whole and Council meetings; Attendance at association meetings, conferences, Professional Development Events and Community Events, etc.; Meetings with Municipal Officers and staff liaison committees; Advisory Committee of Council meetings to which
a member of Council has been appointed by By-law or Resolution, including meetings of the working groups established by an Advisory Committee; and, Meetings of local boards, including Council meetings at the County level. You wonder why they do it...
www.northgrenville.ca
What’s going on? See our events calendar: www.northgrenville.ca/events
Stay informed! Council Meetings: www.northgrenville.ca/meetings
Need to see us? Municipal office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Need to reach us? Contact us: Call 613-258-9569 or email: general@northgrenville.on.ca
Need additional information? Visit us: www.northgrenville.ca
Discover the charm of Downtown Kemptville this Winter
by Talia Hreljac, CEO, KBIA
Winter in Downtown Kemptville has its own quiet magic. While the streets are calmer and the festive lights are packed away until spring, our downtown core continues to be a hub of community life, local flavor, and that unmistakable small town charm. From cozy cafés and unique boutiques to essential services, there’s still plenty to see, do, and enjoy even during the quieter months.
This January, residents and visitors have something new to look forward to: the launch
of the Downtown Kemptville Foodie Passport at the end of the month.
The Foodie Passport is a delicious way to explore the variety of restaurants and eateries in our downtown. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to try something new, support local businesses, and enjoy the flavors that make Kemptville a culinary destination in its own right.
Beyond dining, Downtown Kemptville offers a range of services to meet everyday needs, from professional offices and personal care services, to unique shops that make errands a little more
enjoyable. Even without the bustle of events or decorations, the downtown remains a place where convenience meets community. Every visit is an opportunity to connect with local business owners, discover hidden gems, or simply enjoy a relaxed stroll along our charming streets.
What makes Downtown Kemptville truly special is its sense of community. Even in the quieter months of winter, the downtown embodies that small-town warmth that draws people together. It’s a place where neighbours meet, busi-
nesses care, and visitors feel welcome.
So, this January, take a moment to explore Downtown Kemptville. Warm up with a hot drink at a local café, pop into a boutique you haven’t visited before, or try out a new service in town. Keep an eye out for the Foodie Passport, and rediscover the heart of North Grenville, a downtown that’s inviting, vibrant, and full of smalltown charm, even in the stillness of winter.
Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur Gala announces judging panel
The organizers of Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur are pleased to announce the five judges for the inaugural Gala. Presented by Community Futures Grenville and 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation, the competition supports local entrepreneurs through expert coaching, public exposure, and access to meaningful funding.
The Gala will take place on January 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Prescott Town Hall. Six incredible finalists will compete for two grand prizes, each valued at $20,000. Tickets are
now available.
The strong response to the call for applications showcased the talent and ambition of entrepreneurs across the region.
Selecting the Grand Prize winners is an important responsibility, and the judging panel brings deep business experience, sound judgment, and strong community ties. The program partners sincerely thank these respected leaders for contributing their time and expertise.
Meet the Judges: Wendy Merkley is a senior business leader with a distinguished career in technology and insurance. She held global leadership roles with an international reinsurance company, was named a 1998 UK Business Pioneer: Women and the Global Market, and later served as CIO of a Kingston-based insurance com-
pany. Wendy served her community as a municipal councillor, current Vice Chair of the 1000 Islands CDC Board, chair of the Friends of Rockport Customs waterfront project, a 2020 Bill Thake Award recipient, and a leader in her family’s marina business.
Barry Moss, President of Four O One Electric, has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience. He grew the company from a small contractor into a business employing over 50 full-time staff. Recently named Citizen of the Year by the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce, Barry is known for mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting community and youth initiatives.
Wendy Onstein has guided hundreds of small business owners as a business consultant. Known for her practical advice
and approachable style, she continues to run Wedding Ceremonies by Wendy and volunteers with Community Futures Grenville, Leeds Grenville Small Business, and Brockville General Hospital.
Brett Prikker is Business Centre Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in Kingston, supporting entrepreneurs across Eastern Ontario. With more than 30 years in commercial banking, he specializes in financing, business growth, and mentorship, and previously served as Board Chair of Frontenac Business Services Community Futures Development Corporation.
Robert Walker, Owner and Partner of Walker & Associates Professional Corporation, brings over 30 years of experience supporting small busi-
nesses, not-for-profits, and individuals. A Chartered Accountant since 1991 and former Trustee in Bankruptcy, he provides trusted guidance in accounting, taxation, and financial planning through offices in Prescott and Kemptville.
As the Pitch Gala approaches, the program partners are proud to welcome this accomplished judging panel. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in supporting local
entrepreneurs and celebrating business success in Leeds and Grenville.
The program gratefully acknowledges Innovation Sponsor iTrepreneur, Visionary Sponsors YourTV and Beattie Film, and the many sponsors contributing to the grand prize package.
For more information about the program, sponsors, and the gala, visit www.lggreatestentrepreneur.ca.
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A New Year at Seniors’ Community Services
by Jill Woodley
Seniors Community Services is excited to share an expanded lineup of programs for early 2026, offering opportunities for physical health, lifelong learning, social connection, and practical support. From new fitness classes and wellness talks to engaging guest speakers and delicious meal enhancements, SCS continues its commitment to helping older adults thrive.
New Functional Fitness Program Builds
Strength and Confidence:
A new Functional Fitness program begins on Tuesday, February 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. This 8-week class on Tuesdays and Thursdays focuses on building strength, balance, mobility, and confidence for everyday activities.
Participants will enjoy light cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, all delivered at a safe and comfortable pace. Instructor Sheryl Trekofski will guide
you through how each exercise supports independence and long-term health, making the program both educational and empowering. Registration is $100. Please contact lisa.caldwell@ seniorscs.ca or call 613258-3203.
Empower Yourself with Technology at SCS Tech Café:
On Tuesday, February 10, and March 17, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. SCS will host Tech Café, a free drop-in session providing help with phones, tablets, and other devices. Each visit includes a short interactive activity aimed at building technology confidence or increasing scam awareness. Topics are based on participant needs, ensuring practical, relevant, and supportive assistance in a welcoming setting.
SCWW Connects You Over the Phone: Join us at Seniors’
Centre Without Walls with guest speaker Sarah Green Well Being on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. This free, phone-based program allows participants to enjoy health and wellness sessions from the comfort of home.
Sessions include educational talks, brainboosting activities, live music, and friendly conversation. Wellness coach Sarah Green will share insights on mindset, movement, and mood-boosting foods to help beat the February blahs.
Please contact jill. woodley@seniorscs.ca or call 613-258-3203 to register.
Tuesday Talks Welcomes Engaging Guest Speakers: SCS also invites the community to its monthly Tuesday Talks series, featuring guest speakers, light refreshments, learning, and conversation. Each session runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join Mayor Peckford on Tuesday, January 27 for an open conversation about community updates and plans for 2026. This is a terrific opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and connect
with local leadership.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Amplifon Hearing: Brooke Barkley, Hearing Instrument Specialist, will discuss modern hearing-aid technology, what to expect during a hearing test, and available costs and insurance options. Learn how Amplifon helps individuals find hearing solutions that fit their needs and lifestyle.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 – Pickle & Myrrh: Meet Erin, founder of Pickle & Myrrh, and hear how her handcrafted caramel business grew from a local passion into a brand enjoyed across Canada and the United States. An inspiring, and delicious, presentation.
To register contact lisa.caldwell@seniorscs. ca or call 613-258-3203. Meals on Wheels Gets a Comforting Winter Upgrade:
SCS is also pleased to announce delicious enhancements to its Meals on Wheels program. Clients can now enjoy six varieties of homemade soup from The Village Bean Coffee House in Merrickville: perfect for soothing chilly winter days. Homemade desserts from local favourites Loughlin’s Country
SENIORS’ COMMUNITY SERVICES
Store, Grahame’s Bakery, and SCS volunteer bakers offer the perfect sweet treat after your meal too! Meals are delivered Monday through Friday between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm right to your door. To register contact lisa.caldwell@seniorscs. ca or call 613-258-3203. Visit our website at www.seniorscs.ca or follow our socials to keep up to date on all the great things happening this year.
History Buttergate: the Conspiracy!
by David Shanahan
It was 1975 and 7,000 pounds of butter had mysteriously vanished from a truck that had been involved in a traffic accident outside Kemptville. Rumours abounded as to who had taken the dairy stuff, and where it had ended up. Questions were asked about why charges against high-profile suspects had not proceeded. Possibly, this would have been a purely local story. But this was one of those unusual times when events in small-town Kemptville had impinged on the consciousness of the nation, and people in positions of political power had taken an interest in the Buttergate controversy. Following the staying of charges in the case, the Ottawa Citizen ran an article on May 25, 1976 in which it was suggested that political pressure had been brought to bear on the police investigators to minimise the extent of the prosecutions, particularly in the case of Mayor Seymour. Ontario AttorneyGeneral, Roy McMurtry decided to set up a committee to look into the allegations.
Kemptville Police Chief Steve Kinnaird stated clearly that he had found himself in an awkward position having to investigate prominent citizens of Kemptville, which was why the OPP had been brought in to help. The Deputy Commissioner of the OPP, L. R. Gartner, testified that it had been the decision of the Crown Prosecutor, John Vamplew, that there was not sufficient evidence to charge Mayor Seymour. Mr. Vamplew agreed with that testimony, but threw the responsibility back on the OPP by stating that they had not recommended laying charges against the Mayor in the first place.
The Deputy Commissioner flatly contradicted that, and repeated that it was the Crown Prosecutor’s decision not to lay charges. It was then revealed that the original plan had been to charge four people, including Mayor Seymour, though only the other three were ever prosecuted.
Solicitor General John MacBeth then got involved, objecting to having the issue debated in public in the first place. He reprimanded Deputy Commissioner Gartner for revealing the discussions around charging the mayor, stating that “generally we don’t do trials in the press”. The next day, Gartner changed his testimony, claiming that he had been misunderstood: the OPP had never recommended charges against the mayor. Members of the Committee wondered aloud about whether this change of testimony was another result of political interference in the saga of Buttergate.
The Committee’s work ended without reaching any conclusions when the Assembly closed for the summer break. For a few weeks, the Buttergate story had occupied the Ontario Legislature and the press, with extensive coverage in both Ottawa newspapers. Given the level of interest and the colourful details of the story, it was only natural that the local newspaper would have been full of the twists and turns of the saga. In fact, the Kemptville Advance published... not a single word! No mention was made of the exciting proceedings of the Committee in Queen’s Park, nor of the ongoing controversy surrounding Mayor Seymour. In fact, the regular report from Queen’s Park by local MPP Don Irvine continued to appear regularly, without a mention of the Committee, Buttergate, or
Canadian travelers set their sights on unique destinations in 2026
the continuing fascination Kemptville was having on the provincial legislature. More political influence?
Relations between the Kemptville Police and local politicians were strained, to say the least.
In September, 1976, the Town Council’s Police Committee launched a scathing attack on the professionalism and commitment of Chief Kinnaird and his officers, accusing them of “not co-operating”with Council and not being “congenial”. Council then laid off the Police Department’s part-time Secretary. Chief Kinnaird was forced to issue his own rebuttal the following week, pointing out the amount of work being performed by an understaffed force, and refuting each of the accusations that had been made against his Department.
At the end of the year, Ken Seymour announced that he would not be running for re-election as Mayor of Kemptville. Perhaps some peace was restored in those elections, when the Chair of the Council’s Police Committee was acclaimed as Reeve, and Chief Kinnaird’s brother was elected Deputy Reeve. Buttergate was then consigned to history so far as public revelations were concerned.
The fact is that, to this day, there is much more known about these events that has ever, or may ever, be made public. Names could be given, details supplied, but that would require more proof, more concrete evidence, than anyone is willing to put forth. Perhaps it is too soon, too many of the characters int his particular drama (soap opera?) are still around. Perhaps the 1970's do not yet qualify as history?
New year, new travel beginnings are here! Canadian travelers are redefining their vacation priorities, embracing authenticity, affordability, and personalized experiences. Industry reports reveal a surge in interest for destinations that combine cultural depth, sustainability, and value, both at home and abroad.
Portugal’s Azores ar-
chipelago tops the list, with Terceira Lajes seeing a remarkable 209% increase in searches. Its rugged landscapes and eco-friendly appeal make it a perfect fit for travelers seeking nature and tranquility. Ponta Delgada, another Azorean gem, also ranks among the top ten, underscoring Portugal’s growing popularity.
The Caribbean re-
mains a favourite, but with a twist. Canadians are gravitating towardSaint Kitts and Saint Lucia, drawn by their authentic island culture and boutique experiences. Meanwhile,Mexico’s Guadalajara is emerging as a culinary hotspot, offering vibrant festivals and rich traditions beyond the typical beach vacation.
Closer to home, domestic travel is thriving. Comox and Victoria in British Columbia andGander in Newfoundland and Labrador are seeing significant spikes in interest. These destinations cater to Canadians seeking affordable, drive-to escapes that support local communities and reduce environmental impact.
January Lions draw
by Willy Heidebrecht
Happy New Year indeed to Kristine Nepssy of Spencerville, the very lucky winner of the January 2026, Kemptville Lions Trip of the Month Club lottery draw. Kristine and her partner are off to Veradero, Cuba to enjoy sun, sand and surf. Congratulations Kristine.
Making the draw at Catered Affairs are Lions Louise Hale, Ron and Wendy Gallinger. Thank you Patty Mathieson who continues to help out with the draws and Lions David Doyle, Bill Neil and secretary Mike Amirault.
This lottery provides $17,690.00 in support to ten charities. The community is the real winner and we thank every ticket holder for your support.
If you are someone that enjoys serving the community and are looking for an opportunity to do that here in Kemptville, please consider the Kemptville Lions Club. For more information email: kemptvillelionsclub@gmail.com or call Lion Alan at (613) 406-9976.
Kemptville Repair Café
by Tricia Habberjam
The Kemptville Repair Café hopes 2026 will be a good year for you and that you will continue to bring us your repairs! We have been in operation for two years come February and during this time we have seen 159 items for repair including; small electrical items, clothing, woodworking and toys. We were unable to fix 43 of these items because they were too old, impossible to open up, too badly damaged or needed costly items to make them work. We operate with volunteers and provide our time free. We are grateful to the library for providing us space to work from.
We continue to be up for the challenge of trying to keep our landfills free of repairable items. We also urge all of you to be mindful of what you purchase; can it/ they be repaired should it be necessary? We are also looking at an initiative to bring repairing to more people. More on this later.
Our next Repair Café will be held in NG Library on January 24, from 11am-2pm., if you have repairs that need our help bring them along. Electrical, sewing, woodworking etc., all are welcome. Other dates to put on your calendars are February 28 and March 28.
If you need more information, please email me Tricia Habberjam pmjh@snowie.ca, or call 613 258 3683.
Kemptville Male Choir supporting the Kemptville Youth Club
Following a very successful and well-sponsored Kemptville Male Choir Christmas Concert for Young Hearts titled “Merry and Bright”, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the choir was able to donate $3,300.00 to The Kemptville Youth Centre. A small group of our elves, eh, choir members, attended the cheque giving ceremony held at The Kemptville Youth Centre Wednesday, January 14. The cheque was received by Roxanne Trumble-Elliston accompanied by some of the Youth Centre Members using the facility after school.
Our many thanks go out to all the local companies who generously sponsored our concert, given in support of the Youth Centre.
Kemptville Male Choir “Merry & Bright” Sponsorships Christmas 2025 Platinum Level (title sponsor) - $500: R Rose
Automotive
Gold Level - $250 each: A Fitter Me, Amplifon Hearing Centre, Bryson and Wood Construction, Myers Kemptville, Yazdani Family Dentistry.
Silver Level - $150 each: Evergreen Dental, Fat Les, Hard Stones, Kemptville Health Hub, Winds of Change. Programme: COBA Studios and Print Shop Digital Board - Publicity support at Municipal Centre: O’Farrell/Assante Wealth and Estate Planning/Capital Management
The Kemptville Male Choir extends a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous audience for their continued support. Their
presence and attendance at concerts like “Merry and Bright” are central to our mission, as they allow us to give back to the community. Because of you, and our sponsors, we could make this donation. The KYC is a cornerstone of our community, offering a safe, welcoming and accessible place for local young folk to connect, learn and grow through engaging programming and support services. We are grateful to know, that by sharing our music, we were able to help support the Centre’s vital work as they support our youth.
Common Sense Health
Stronger from the inside out
by Diana Gifford-Jones
Why is it the face lines of aging men can make them handsome, while a wrinkled female face needs improvement? That double standard should be put to bed. Nevertheless, looking and feeling younger is not a cosmetic matter, for women or men. Studies show that “feeling younger”, or perceiving oneself as younger, correlates with better health outcomes.
A study of three large longitudinal U.S. samples found that people who felt older than their real age had a 24% higher risk of mortality compared with those
who felt younger. Researchers following over 6,000 people in the U.K., found a rate of death of 14.3% for those who felt 3 or more years younger than their age, compared with 24.6% for those who felt older.
Feeling younger is a worthwhile goal! That’s why collagen supplements are big business, promising to make you look younger by helping keep skin firm and hydrated. But the real health story isn’t at the surface.
The body is comprised of tens of thousands of different proteins that conduct all kinds of functions. Col-
Upper Canada District School Board report
Trustees with(UCDSB) met on Wednesday, Jan.14, 2026. Here are the key items that were discussed in the public session.
Update to the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP):
The Board of Trustees passed a motion to update the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP). The updates reflect progress the UCDSB has made in achieving established goals, highlights the Board’s priorities, and aligns the language and direction of the plan with the Ministry of Education. The updated MYSP now includes the following priorities: Reading, Writing, Math & Student Suc-
cess.
Ensure students read, write and do math at grade level, and graduate on time with the skills they need to be successful.
Student & Family Supports.
Ensure students and families have access to the educational supports necessary for student success. Staff Supports.
Provide staff with the tools and resources they need to ensure student success.
Responsible Spending.
Continue to deliver balanced budgets and ensure resources are responsibly focused on students.
Staff will update the Director’s Work Plan, which outlines the actions being taken in each area to support the priorities of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
UCDSB Financial Forecast Highlights Ongoing Commitment to Responsible Spending:
lagen is the most abundant of them, accounting for nearly a third of all the protein we have. It’s the glue that holds us together, forming the scaffolding for our skin, joints, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and even the lining of our gut. It gives tissues their shape, flexibility, and ability to repair themselves when stressed or injured.
But starting in our 40s, our fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen, slow down. The fibers they create lose structure and strength. Declining collagen means joints feel stiffer, muscles recover more slowly, and
tissues take longer to heal. Blood vessels lose some of their elasticity. Even digestion can be affected, as the gut lining depends on collagen. Aging, in other words, begins from within.
Collagen supplements have surged in popularity, with sales climbing every year. Many forms require large doses, up to ten grams daily, usually consumed as powders. Capsules are more convenient, but few deliver enough active material to make a measurable difference.
its composition. Cartidyss doesn’t just supply collagen. It naturally contains other compounds that are key building blocks for joint cartilage, skin elasticity, and hydration. And it’s been produced to facilitate absorption by the body, so only two capsules a day yield effective benefits.
Chief Business Officer and Treasurer Jeremy Hobbs provided Trustees with Financial Forecast #2 (Revised Estimates) for the 2025-26 school year, which showed that revenues and spending are on track with the original budget passed by Trustees in the spring.
The UCDSB has projected revenues of $470.2 million and expenses of $469.7 million for the 202526 school year. CBO Hobbs confirmed that, although there have been some minor fluctuations in revenues and expenses since Financial Forecast #1, the $0.5 million surplus projected remains unchanged.
The UCDSB continues to maintain a balanced budget in alignment with its commitment to responsible spending and its original budget that was passed by Trustees in the spring.
A third and final financial update will be provided in April.
An exception is the new generation of marine collagens. When buying it, look for the ingredient Cartidyss, a hydrolyzed Type II collagen derived from the cartilage of sustainably caught skate fish in northern France. The collagen is extracted using only water. No chemicals. And the cartilage itself is upcycled from fish already harvested for food. It’s a clean, environmentally responsible source.
What makes this marine collagen distinct is
In a 90-day study involving women aged 45 to 59, those who took 500 milligrams of Cartidyss daily showed a 38% increase in skin dermis density leading to a 26% reduction in crow’s feet wrinkles around the eyes and a 31% reduction in laugh line wrinkles. Those are the measures that are easy to see on the surface, and signal stronger connective tissue everywhere collagen is functioning in the body.
We’ll all get wrinkles and that’s not a bad thing. Every line tells a story. But there’s nothing wrong with fighting back if it helps you feel younger. If you’re looking to boost collagen naturally, make sure you are getting enough vitamin C and lysine, the essential building blocks of collagen formation. If you choose a collagen supplement, make it a high-quality one –clean, clinically tested, and built on real science. That’s the smart way to age strong from the inside out.
This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff. com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones
Recognizing significant dates in North Grenville –Winter 2025/2026
North Grenville is proud to celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that make up our community. Our Significant Dates Calendar highlights key cultural, social, and awareness observances that reflect who we are and the values we share Community members and businesses can support our diverse population by recognizing and considering scheduling around these events. In this article we share some dates that are not as well publicized.
A few dates for the Winter season are:
• February 14 – Pink Triangle Day: a day to recognize the persecution of members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by the Nazis. The day also challenges heteronormative traditions associated with Valentine’s Day.
• February 17 – Lunar New Year: celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and by communities worldwide focussing on the lunar cycle. Includes feasting, family time, and recognizing new beginnings.
• February 18 – Ash Wednesday: marks the first day of Lent and is often recognized by attending service and receiving ashes in the form of the cross on the forehead.
• February 19 – First Day of Ramaḍān: the month of fasting (ending with ʻĪd al-Fiṭr on March 19 at sunset) during which physically able Muslims do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset. It is a time of selfexamination and religious devotion.
• Evening of March 2-March 3 – Purim: Celebrates the defeat of a plot to massacre the Jewish people in Ancient Persia. Festivities include wearing costumes to public readings of the story of Esther and delivering gifts to friends and neighbours.
• March 3 – Holi: a religious spring festival celebrated by Hindus recognizing Krishna and the victory of good over evil. Participants celebrate by throwing colourful powder and coloured water at each other and take part in dancing and feasting.
These observances and more are included in North Grenville’s Significant Dates Calendar, a living document developed by the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee (EDIAC) to recognize the cultural, social, and spiritual diversity in our community.
Explore the full calendar at www.northgrenville.ca/events. If there are other dates you’d like us to add to the calendar click the “Submit your event” button at the bottom of the page.
Emergencies Act use rejected by Federal Court of appeal
The Federal Court of Appeal has delivered a historic victory for the rule of law by ruling in favour of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)’s arguments in the Emergencies Act case.
The Emergencies Act allows the federal government to enact wide-reaching orders without going through the ordinary democratic process; but only once stringent legal thresholds are met. The Federal Court of Appeal confirmed today that the federal government did not meet these thresholds when it invoked the Emergencies Act in February 2022.
“While the extraordinary powers granted to the federal government through the Emergencies Act are necessary in extreme circumstances, they also threaten the rule of law and our democracy,” said Howard Sapers, CCLA’s Executive Director. “The courts are responsible for ensuring that the government does not invoke these powers arbitrarily, and CCLA’s
mandate is to raise these important issues for judicial scrutiny.”
CCLA’s judicial review challenging the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act was not an endorsement of the “Freedom Convoy” protests. CCLA condemned the reported acts of violence, racism and homophobia, and agreed that, given the protracted timelines and the extent of the disruption, the police needed to dismantle the blockades. However, the CCLA maintained there was no “public order emergency” as contemplated under the Act, and certainly not one that extended across the entirety of Canada. Existing laws could have, and should have, been used to address the situation, rather than the Emergencies Act.
The Federal Court of Appeal agreed, holding that the legal thresholds built into the Emergencies Act were designed to ensure that only sufficiently serious considerations; and certainly not the speculative or tentative ones that
Whaley, James Curtis
March 24, 1933 – December 25, 2025
On December 25, 2025, at the age of 92, James “Jim” Whaley passed away at Granite Ridge Care Community in Stittsville, Ontario, after a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Beloved husband of THE LATE Nora Anita Whaley (nee Dulmage), proud father of Barbara Brunzell and Brenda Christensen (husband, Kevin), and loving grandfather of Logan, Lauren and Rachel, his memory will live on. Born in Ogdensburg, New York and raised in Oxford Station, Ontario, he was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Edna Whaley (nee Cooper) and father, James Henry Whaley, as well as his sister, Muriel Edna Render (nee Whaley), and brother Edwin Joseph Whaley. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom he cared for deeply. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his love of nature, music, and dance, his boisterous laugh, his ability to connect with others, and make everyone feel welcome. A private celebration of life will take place this spring. As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to the James (Jim) Whaley Memorial Fund through the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (www.rvcf.ca) to support tree planting in the watershed.
Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-258-2435
AMBER Alerts save lives
Your help could mean the difference for a child in danger
the federal government had identified, could prevail over democratic values and fundamental freedoms.
“Legal thresholds do not bend, much less break, in exigent circumstances,” said Anaïs Bussières McNicoll, Director of the Fundamental Freedoms program at the CCLA. “Today’s historic judgment puts this and future governments on notice: even in times of crisis, no government is above the law.”
CCLA is immensely grateful for the outstanding pro bono legal services of Ewa Krajewska, Brandon Anand Chung and Erik Arsenault of Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP in this case.
January 13 marked AMBER Alert Awareness Day, and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding Ontarians that AMBER Alerts are a call for the public's help to find a child in danger.
An AMBER Alert is an emergency broadcast that is issued in the event of a child abduction. It is only issued when the abducted child is believed to be at imminent risk of bodily harm or death.
When the alert is issued, the description of the child (and, if available, the alleged suspect or involved vehicle) is immediately broadcast through television, radio and LTE-
connected and compatible wireless devices via Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system.
The issuing of an AMBER Alert is not taken lightly. Before an AMBER Alert is issued, specific guidelines must be met, and all of the following criteria must be satisfied:
The law enforcement agency believes a child under 18 years of age has been abducted.
The law enforcement agency believes the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
There is enough descriptive information about one or more of the following: the child, the abductor,
and/or the vehicle, which is sufficient to allow the law enforcement agency to believe that an immediate broadcast alert will help in locating the child.
During an AMBER Alert, time is critical. If you see or hear an alert, you should watch for the child, suspect and/or vehicle described, and report tips or sightings immediately by calling 9-1-1. Calling 911 to complain about an AMBER Alert is considered public mischief and may result in charges.
Learn more about AMBER Alerts and how you can help by visiting opp.ca/ AMBERAlert.
COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca
Malala Women's Choir invites women who love to sing to join us for our 9th season.Rehearsals in Spencerville on Wednesday evenings March 4- May 27. Concerts May 31 & June 1.For information contact Sheila Fawcett sheilafawcett92@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus Monthly Supper at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Su ppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.
Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.
NG Duplicate Bridge Club Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15. All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155 Youngsters of Yore
Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street. Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair. Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack We welcome All Ages!
January 29 - speaker - Peter Johnson Community Dinner Free or by Donation
Every Tuesday afternoon, 4-7,(Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres. Everyone is welcome, young and not so young Bring clean indoor shoes
For more information or to volunteer, please contact the North Grenville Community Meals Association at NGCMAssociation@gmail.com
Friendship Lunches are offered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will offering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. SweetheART: Art You’ll Fall For — Art Exhibit & Sale Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pte Blake Williamson Memorial Hall / Armoury, 25 Reuben Crescent, Riverside Park, Kemptville, ON Artwork Prices: $250 or less
Admission: Free
Accessible venue, free parking
5% of all proceeds from SweetheART will be donated to Beth Donovan Hospice For event updates, follow the North Grenville Arts Guild on Facebook and Instagram (@ngag_20) or visit ng-artsguild.ca.
Friendship Café is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. Tuesday Community Hub hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. Modern Square Dancing in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"
KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required. North Grenville Men’s Shed A men’s shed provides a safe and friendly environment for men to socialize and/ or do projects.
Contact: Peter Ivay 343 598-1174 or website ngmensshed.com for scheduled meetings on the calendar and additional information. Kemptville Horticultural Society - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church. NG Pride: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the first and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coffee, chat, cards and shenanigans. Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?
Join the Probus Club of North Grenville — a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com
ACROSS
1. Up to 6. Probabilities
10. Shrub
14. Prepared
15. Boyfriend
16. Countertenor
17. Mistake
18. Eject
19. Asterisk
20. Teenager
22. Makes a mistake 23. Exhausted
24. Degrade
25. Short sleeps
29. Experience 31. Stir up
33. Accuser (archaic)
37. Discern
38. Esprit de corps
39. Adjusted
41. Wastes time
42. Eternally
44. Coin opening
45. Primitive weapon
48. Swine
50. Passage
51. Dairymaid
56. Pledge
57. Behold, in old Rome
58. Call forth
59. Unit of land
60. Brews
61. Spooky
62. Rip
63. Bird home
64. Vogue DOWN
1. Component used as fertilizer
2. Geek
3. Tropical root
4. False god
5. Harps
6. Lewd
7. Rely
8. Intimidated
9. Tallow source
10. Type of wall moldings
11. Extreme 12. Suns
13. Equine
21. Worrisome engine sound
24. Luminous
25. Nil
26. Ancient
27. Falafel bread
28. Mom's new hubby
30. Wed again
32. Thespian
34. Not short
35. Margarine
36. Repose
40. Fiasco
41. Honey
43. Articulates
45. Brown ermine
46. Tranquility
47. Surplus
49. Sugary
51. College bigwig
52. Not under
53. Extra
54. Similar
55. Require
73's prepared for the final chapter
by G.J. the sportsguy
Kemptville on the road for a rematch with the Ottawa Junior Senators on Wednesday evening, they regrouped for a 2 to 1 OT victory. Kemptville broke the ice at 18:43 when Jacob Kulas, on his horse with Lucas Achim in toe, dropped back to William St. James to bang it by Nicolas Morvan. The second salvo remained scoreless with Kemptville on the board and major donnybrook with two tens for each squad. The final third opened up with four on four which seemed to motivate Ottawa as Eric Kane with helpers from Valette and Mead slipped in the rubber to spoil Keegan Carswell SO at 2:52.
Extra five minutes OT on the horizon came to rest with Kemptville capitalizing from a tenacious attack from Gavin McDougall
NGCC’s
with Eric Sweetapple pulling the trigger at a buck eighteen to award the 73’s with the extra point. The coach felt that it was playoff style with both teams not wanting to give an inch to each other. Nice to get the win against these guys for the first time this year as we played hard, up to the task and executed our game plan. Kemptville outshot Ottawa 35 to 22 with each posting 0/2 PP. Cornwall Colts saddled up for a rodeo and roundup with the 73’s Friday evening home stand. After their meeting in the CCHL Winter Showcase, they fell short yet again with a 5 to 4 SO loss. Kemptville lit the lamp in the first from combination of Cade Campbell with Case Hennessy to Jacob Kulas in the wings to jam it home past Gabriel Poitras at 5:02. Cornwall returned fire
when Lyndon Lamb, with helpers from Rhodes and McDonell, put it over Rylan Donovan at 5:35. Lazy play by 73’s gave the Colts the extra man for Adam Walker PPG assisted by Beliveau, and Rhodes capitalized at 16:24.
Cade Campbell, with Eric Sweetapple within the first two minutes, held the zone in the second with a man advantage on to Will Mullins PPG to pump it upstairs at 1:28 to knot it at two. Another Kemptville undisciplined measure for a PPG from Colby Lauzon with assists from Rockwell and McCuaig for tie breaker at 4:25. Lucas Achim cycled with Zachary Venance dumped back to Cade Campbell on the line for a tie at 5:42. Nicholas Voicey transitioned to Jacob Kulas who found Lucas Achim behind the cage to dance around to knock on the door under the bar at 1:21. Cornwall pulled their stopper at 17:53 and Camden McCuaig assisted from Rockwell with Walker to force OT at 18:06.
OT ticked off without results that initiated the one on one shootout to determine the final outcome. Kemptville solicited the win in the third round as Lucas Achim was the hero for just one day with the game winner. Kemptville outshot Cornwall 44 to 30.
The 73’s headed into Rockland to face number one seeded Nationals for Saturday evening confron-
tation that they dug themselves a hole to put them in chase mode to fall 5 to 3. Kemptville got on the board with a combination from Zachary Venance with Jacob Kulas to snipe it by Kayden Newton in the first twenty at 6:29. Kemptville warmed up the pine as Rockland made it count when Gabriel Le Houilier PPG assisted from Dinis with Brunet beating Keegan Carswell to even it up.
Le Houilier with Brunet caught Danel Loserdnyy for Rockland’s tie breaker at 8:22. Man advantage for the National’s when Dinis with Brunet dished it to Alex Kelloway PPG in the slot at 10:50 to turn the heat up. The 73’s mounted a comeback as Eric Sweetapple with Gavin McDougall PPG ripped it home at 17:10 from the dot. Game winner and second for Gabriel Le Houillier with helpers from Laframbroise with Brunet for Rockland at 18:06. Insurance for Rockland at :16 from Myloserdnyy with Turnbull to Justin Garneau to begin the final act. Travis Ouellette's tenacity paid off as he pulled the trigger at 5:02 to put Kemptville within two. The 73’s final push when they relieved Keegan Carswell at 19:50 without success as they suffered a 5 to 3 loss. Kemptville trek over to Brockville for Friday evening and then up the valley to meet Renfrew on Saturday night.
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Championship
by Jim Dolan
North Grenville Curling Club member Hailey Armstrong skipped her team to the Ontario Provincial Women’s Championship.
Team Armstrong will represent Ontario at the Scotties to be held at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga Ontario from January 23 to February 1.
This year will be Hailey’s third appearance at the Scotties. She played vice for Quebec’s Laurie StGeorges team in 2021 and 2022. At the Provincials,
Hailey and her teammates, vice Grace Lloyd, second Michaela Robert, lead Rachel Steele, and alternate Lori Eddy, defeated the defending champion, Danielle Inglis of the Ottawa Hunt & Gold Club, 10-3 in the final. Hailey lost to Inglis in both the A Event final and the B Event final of the tripleknockout competition.
In early games in the Page Playoff format, the Armstrong team defeated Carly Howard 7-4 in the 3 vs 4 game and Chelsea Principi 8-7 in an extra end in the semi-final game.
Another member of the NGCC, Kim Cooper, also played in the Ontario Provincial Championships, as a member of the Cathy Auld team.
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Hailey Armstrong wins Ontario Women’s Provincial Curling
L-R Hailey Armstrong, Grace Lloyd, Michaela Robert, Rachel Steele
Mast years for missing Mastodons
by Fred Schueler, Fragile Inheritance Natural History
Honey Locusts are named from the sweet goo around the seeds inside the pods (which is still sweet and pear-flavoured in January), and the specific epithet of their scientific name (Gleditsia triacanthos) references the three-pointed spines that cover the trunk and lower branches (the generic name is from a director of a German botanical garden).
The Honey Locusts that the Browns planted in front of their new house, on the Buker Road spur of the Bishops Mills intersection, back in the 1990s, have had spectacularly biennial seed production, though other trees may produce fewer pods, or none at all. This year's massive crop of footlong pods has come down around trees still mulched by the pods from 2023, but there were only about 6 pods produced in 2024. We first noted the pods in our doing-the-streets surveys in 2004, and recorded big crops in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025, with sparse production in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2022, & 2024. These alternations are called “mast cycles” (from the Old English “mæst” – the nuts of
forest trees accumulated on the ground) and they are thought to keep seed predators from building up big populations or to reflect climatic differences among years.
Honey Locusts are a species-at-risk in southwestern Ontario, but in eastern Ontario we only see thornless cultivars, which are widely planted far beyond their native range. They are considered an invasive species around the globe, suggesting better sexual reproduction than we see in Bishops Mills, where, despite mast years covering the street with seeds from driven-over pods, or on rainy days with foam from crushed seeds, we have never seen any seedlings.
This inspired two thoughts: 1) the local Turkeys are ghastly slackers to let all these seeds go to waste because they were too shy to come into the village, and 2) these pods must be intended for consumption by Mastodons or other extinct megafauna.
A quick google turns up that "The large, sweet pods of honey locust are considered 'evolutionary anachronisms,' meaning they evolved for dispersers that no longer exist... [and] Mastodon remains have shown honey locust pod
remnants and seeds in their preserved stomach contents and dung, confirming they consumed them."
Before the end of the last glacial period, when human hunters arrived, North America was dominated by a fauna of giant mammals: Mastodons, Mammoths, Ground Sloths, ancestral Camels and Horses, Beavers the size of Bears, and their size-appropriate predators. It’s thought that the spiny trunks of wildtype Honey Locust served to protect the trees from browsing, just as the seeds were adapted to germinate only after passage through elephantine guts, and that various otherwise anomalous features of many surviving tree species were adaptations for dispersal and against browsing by megafauna which are no longer present.
This means that when we see the canopy of a Honey Locust black with giant pods we should be reminded of the mass extinction we precipitated as we spread around the globe, that global warming has allowed Honey Locusts to be planted north of their presettlement range, and that we should be doing all we can to sustain and enhance the diversity and integrity of global ecosystems.
Pedestrians:
Be visible with bright or reflective clothing, keep pets lit, and walk facing traffic on the left side.
Drivers:
Share the road with all users, slow down, pass only when safe, and use extra caution in poor visibility or winter conditions.
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) pods around trees and on the road (note released seeds). Aleta Karstad photos.
Snowmobile safety
by Marnie Wood, Director, OFA
This week marks International Snowmobile Safety Week, a timely reminder for farmers, landowners and snowmobile riders that winter recreation and farm safety are closely connected. Ontario has already seen several tragic snowmobile accidents this season, and winter is only a few weeks in. At the same time, farmers across Ontario are reporting an increase in trespassing incidents.
Snowmobiling is deeply woven into rural Ontario. A trail network of more than 30,000 kilometres, maintained by Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and its volunteers, allows riders to explore the province and supports local winter economies through tourism, fuel, food, accommodations, and equipment sales. But that entire network depends on one essential ingredient: respect.
My family and I farm near Cannington in Durham Region, and I am also a director on the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, representing farmers in my area. We don’t have snowmobile trails running on our farm, but we are surrounded by properties that do, and my family and I are also snowmobile riders, which gives me a unique perspective of both sides.
As farmers and landowners, we have a responsibility to respect the trails when they’re on our property and riders have a responsibility to respect the land they’re crossing and make sure they stay on the trails. Ontario’s local snowmobile clubs make significant investments of time, energy and equipment to establish, manage and maintain
the trail system every year. When riders leave marked trails, the consequences go far beyond broken rules.
For farmers, off-trail riding can mean stress for livestock from fast, loud machines moving too close to animals. It can mean soil becoming compacted and damage to crops that might be hidden under the snow. Gates may be left open, fencing damaged, or wildlife access created where it shouldn’t be.
There are also serious safety risks for riders themselves, however, from venturing off-trails or riding in areas where there are no trails. The snow hides water drainage tiles, culverts, rocks, old fencing material, or farm equipment that can pose risks to riders; speed combined with unknown terrain is incredibly dangerous.
That’s why trail status matters. Before setting out, riders should make sure they know what the current status is of where they hope to ride; the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide, available at ofsc.evtrails.com/#, is the perfect resource for this. Trails are only ever shown as available (green), limited availability (yellow), or unavailable (red). Riding an unavailable (red) trail is trespassing, even if it looks rideable.
Anyone riding this season must also hold a valid 2026 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit, available online only through the OFSC. As well, snowmobilers are responsible for understanding the legal requirements under Ontario’s Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and for following the ABCs of safe snowmobiling:
• abstaining from alcohol and drugs
• being prepared for
the unexpected
• riding with caution, care, and control at all times.
According to OFSC CEO Ryan Eickmeier, trespassing on private property and entering prohibited areas must become as unacceptable socially as it is legally. Land use permission is a privilege, not a right, and it must be respected by every snowmobiler.
Landowners who experience trespassing incidents, including riding on unavailable trails or off marked routes, should report them to their local police detachment. Snowmobiling and farming have successfully coexisted in Ontario for generations because most people do the right thing. Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week is a reminder that safety, access, and the future of the trail system all depend on respect, for landowners, for riders, and for the communities we share.
The season is still young. Let’s make sure it’s also safe.
The Food Corner
by
Paul
Cormier,
Salamanders of Kemptville
Here is another recipe adapted from Marie Nightingale’s Out of Old Nova Scotia Kitchens. Since Nova Scotia is part of the oldest part of Canada, we are talking really old. The recipe for Scotch Cheese comes from Glace Bay in Cape Breton and was named The Coal Miners’ Dish. It works for breakfast or for lunch and maybe for a cold winter’s night in front of the fireplace, So here is Scotch Cheese, very simple to make and very tasty. To make more, boost up the ingredients to match numbers around the table.
Scotch Cheese
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup of butter, softened, preferably unsalted
• 1 cup of medium or old cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 medium sized onions, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 5 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups of milk
• Some black pepper to taste
Preparation:
• Preheat your oven to 350F
• Grease an oven-proof pan with the butter
• Line the bottom of the pan with the cheese
• Cover the cheese with the diced onions
• Mix together the eggs, milk, garlic and pepper
• Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and onion layers
• Bake until the dish is set
You can serve this with some of your favourite toasted bread. A winter chilli sauce also works well with this dish.
Thanks again for your emails and please be in touch at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.
OFA on Canada-China trade and agricultural tariffs
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has issued a statement on the recently agreed trade deal between Canada and China during the visit of Prime Minister Carney to Beijing. “Canada and China have reached some agreements regarding trade and tariffs between the two countries that spell good news for Canadian agriculture.
“The federal government announced today that China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seeds to a combined rate of 15% from the current level of 84% by March 1, 2026. As well, China will remove tariffs on Canadian canola meal and peas from March until at least the end of 2026.
“Canada is the world’s biggest exporter of canola and China is its second biggest market.
The deal does not address Chinese tariffs on other Canadian agricultural products like canola oil or pork, for example.
‘This deal is welcome progress for farmers who have been dealing with trade challenges on a number of fronts, and we encourage the federal government to continue its work to resolve ongoing agricultural trade issues;, said Drew Spoelstra, President, OFA. ‘The OFA will continue to actively engage with all levels of government, our members and county federations, other industry stakeholders and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture on issues related to tariffs and trade that affect farmers here in Ontario and across the country.’”
