Issue 2 2021 January 20 NG Times

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Vol. 9 No. 2

The Voice of North Grenville

January 20, 2021

A piece of Polar History in North Grenville Kemptville Eye Exam Clinic

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The Nansen Sled as it arrived in John Wright's workshop

by John Wright It’s often said that The North is part of the Canadian identity, but, perhaps the country’s links to the far South aren’t as well known.

The Arctic and Antarctic recently came together in North Grenville with the arrival of an important artifact destined for display at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. John Wright, a former Field Guide with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and a Senior Polar

Tourism Guide explains.

In 1944, Britain started a program of scientific work in the Antarctic, and, in 1945, twenty Inuit sled dogs from Labrador were taken south. These dogs formed the nucleus of the teams that would support all the British scientific work in the Antarctic till 1974. After this time, mechanised transport took over and the dogs were kept mainly for recreational journeys until 1994 when, due to being an alien species,

the last team was removed as a requirement of the Antarctic Treaty.

For one final season, in 1993-94, the last dogs undertook a scientific field season, after which they were flown out to the Falkland Islands and then to the UK, where they were quarantined.

Considerable thought had been given to finding a suitable home for the dogs, and it was decided that they should return to their ancestral homeland. In March, 1994, the dogs were flown from the UK to Boston, then trucked to the road head at Chisasibi on the eastern side of James Bay. From there they were driven north by their BAS drivers in company with Kevin Slater, a guide from Maine, and his team to the Inuit community of Inukjuak on the eastern side of Hudson Bay. Over the years, for unexplained reasons, many dogs in the area had been culled, and a number of elders welcomed the BAS dogs with tears in their eyes. Although the BAS dogs have long gone, their arrival sparked a renewed interest in traditional Inuit sled dogs in the area and there are now a number of teams.

Although the dogs remained in Inukjuak, the Nansen Sled that they had hauled during their last field season in the Antarctic, and that they had taken north to Inukjuak, did not. Possibly, it was thought that it was

more appropriate for the dogs to be introduced to the traditional Komatik sled.

The result was that the Nansen sled returned to Maine with Kevin and was stored in his barn. Realising the historical significance of the sled, it was initially intended to return it to the Antarctic for display in one of the historic bases now visited by cruise ships. However, the logistics were challenging, to say the least, and the sled sat gathering dust.

In January last year, I was handing over my guiding duties on an Antarctic cruise ship to a former BAS colleague, and the subject of the sled came up. I had recently become a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and it occurred to me that, with the dogs’ connection to Canada, the RCGS would be a very appropriate place to display it.

Fast forward through a few hurdles involving transfer of ownership and freighting from Maine to Ottawa, and the sled arrived at my property in late November.

Having used Nansen sleds during my time in the Antarctic, I’m very familiar with them, all that was lacking was a team of dogs! The sled is constructed from ash and held together with hide and flax lashings, which allow the sled to flex. They are so adaptable that they are still used for scientific work cont'd on page 2

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The Voice of North Grenville

Four lives claimed in fire

Stop the Spread

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Stay home.

Stay strong.

Save lives.

The burned out home on Stone Road {photo by the OPP]

by Hilary Thomson Four North Grenville residents have perished in a fire that broke out at a home near Oxford Mills. On January 10, at 6:15pm, officers

from the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to assist members of the North Grenville Fire Ser-

vice, at a residential fire on Stone Road.

At first, the people thought to be in the house at the time were reported “unaccounted for”; however, on January 13, the OPP sent out a press release stating that four bodies had been recovered from the scene. While their identities had not been confirmed by the Regional Coroners Office at the time, family members were notified. OPP spokesperson, Bill Dickson, says that, while it is a tragic incident, at this point they are not looking at any obvious signs of foul play.

The incident remains under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshall and the Coroner’s Office, with assistance from the Grenville OPP.

Statement from Mayor Nancy Peckford on fatal fire in Oxford Mills Mayor Nancy Peckford issued the following statement on fatal fire in Oxford Mills: “As many of you know, it has been confirmed that four people died tragically in a catastrophic house fire this past weekend on Stone Road in Oxford Mills, on January 10. On behalf of myself, Councillor Strackerjan, Emergency and Protective Services Liaison, and my Council colleagues, we would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

“Please know our hearts are with you during this difficult and seemingly impossible time.

The news of this tragedy undoubtedly comes as a shock to the community at large.

“To the North Grenville Fire Service and all of the volunteer firefighters, who also carry this devastating day with them, we thank you for your service, dedication, and professionalism.

“Council also wishes to acknowledge the efforts of the Ontario Provincial Police, the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal, and the Emergency Preparedness & Response Unit, who worked jointly on the investigation of this difficult scene, and with sensitivity for all victims of this tragedy.” cont'd from front page

John Wright delivering the Nansen Sled to the RCGS Credit RCGS in the Antarctic, though, regrettably, pulled by skidoos rather than dogs. Setting the sled up on trestles in my garage transported my mind back to my sled workshop on base in the Antarctic over forty years ago.

Apart from a thick layer of dirt and broken handlebars, the sled was in very good condition and we decided to perform only a light restoration, leaving it looking much as it did on its retirement 26 years ago. The lash lines and tow lines were removed, the dirt cleaned off the sled, and a light coating of linseed oil applied, just as would have been done on base during the Antarctic winter. The

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handlebars were replaced using methods that could have been improvised in the field, and the lash lines and tow lines were reinstated.

Just before Christmas, the sled was carefully wrapped to prevent it receiving a coating of Ontario winter road dirt, and taken on a flat bed trailer to Ottawa, where it was delivered to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The society has great plans for the sled.

Once the Covid restrictions are behind us, it will form the centrepiece for a lecture evening and an exhibition telling the story of the Inuit sled dogs in both the Arctic and Antarctic. Everybody is delighted with Canada and, in particular, the RCGS as the location to display the sled, and a number of former BAS dog drivers have expressed an interest in coming over to Canada to attend the lecture evening – and no doubt try to find a dog team to drive for old times’ sake.

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change our game plan. Since food hampers require the help of many people for both preparation and delivery, we wanted to avoid close quarter gatherings, so we provided food vouchers from B & H and gift cards from Jonsson’s Independent.

We thank the students and staff of St. Michael’s High School, Holy Cross Elementary school, O’Farrell Financial Services, McGahey Insurance, Grenville Mutual Insurance, and all the other business and individual donors who helped us achieve

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our goal.

In lieu of gifts this year, each child received a gift card. This was made possible with the assistance of Rotary, Kinsmen, NGCSC, OPSEU (union), Brenda Coucheir and Serge Lacroix, the business community, and private donors.

We also thank Jonsson’s Independent and Walmart for allowing us to hold food drives on their premises in early December. The generosity of the community was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. This allowed us

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

North Grenville municipal staff presented a draft budget to council last week which included a zero per cent tax increase. Director of Finance, Brad Brookman, gave council a high-level overview of both the suggested operating and capital budgets at the council meeting of January 12. He also explained the budget process, which will include community outreach and consultation.

The proposed 2021 budget was developed in recognition of not only municipal service level and capital investment, but also taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the broader community. According to the report prepared by Director Brookman, early steps were taken by council and staff in 2020 to prepare for a year of uncertainty and financial hardship. This proactive approach included the delay of certain capital projects and the creation of the municipality’s COVID-19 Response Reserve, which helped the municipality prepare for costs and losses associated with the pandemic.

The municipality also received $436,000 from phase one of the COVID-19 relief funding from the province, and $987,000 in phase two funding, most of which has already been spent to cover the costs and losses of COVID-19.

“Despite all the steps January 20, 2021

we’ve taken, the costs of COVID on this municipality have resulted in it being necessary for us to use those funds,” Director Brookman said. “I just want to make sure that it’s clear that it’s a side to our budgeting process. It certainly is going to help us in terms of our fiscal management, but it’s not a significant point for us.”

This year, staff continues to focus on the modernization of municipal operations.

Director Brookman explained this year’s operating budget as a “transitional document”, which they are going to use to modernize the municipality and reset things in terms of municipality operations. “The realignment of the budget and the associated reporting documents are meant to significantly increase the administrative and fiscal transparency and accountability of the organization. And you’re going to see that, both through the budget process, and through future reporting.”

The proposed operating budget for 2021 is $22.5 million, which is an increase of $700,000 over last year. Municipal salaries and benefits take up a large chunk of the budget, with costs sitting at $8.3 million, which is $1.3 million more than the budget for 2020. Director Brookman said this is due to the hiring of new staff needed to be able to execute and provide the service level that is necessary for the municipality, as well as cost of living increases, changes in titles and roles,

staff moving up the wage grid, and some increases in benefits and premiums.

“It looks like a big increase, but really it’s part of that modernization. It’s about bringing us up to speed, getting the right people in the right roles, and making sure that we’re able to provide the service that is necessary for the municipality to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Other significant items in the proposed operating budget include contract serviceswaste management, roads, insurance, software/IT ($4.9 million - $500,000 increase), the police services contract ($2.4 million – no change), program materials and supplies ($900,000 - $200,000 decrease), transfers to reserve funds ($2.5 million - $1.2 million decrease), external transfers – North Grenville Library grant, community budget requests, RVCA, accessible transit, Kemptville District Hospital ($1.2 million - $300,000 increase) and utilities ($700,000 – no change).

The greater part of the revenue for the operating budget will come from taxation, with the rest coming from user fees and charges, grants and government transfers, fines, penalties and interest, investment income, and other revenues like lease agreements. Staff have been taking into consideration the potential impact of COVID-19 on the municipality’s finances for 2021, and will use anything left from the

Sarah Chisholm Financial Advisor

877.989.1997 | OFSI.CA | FUTURE@OFSI.CA to replenish our food bank for much needed food staples to carry us into January – February.

We also thank Anytime Fitness for food and cash donations, as well as Royal Lepage for their donations.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to our foodbank and the other local charities we support, can do so by visiting: https://www.ocf-fco. ca/k-of-c-5333-fund/ Tax receipts will be issued for all donations through this site. Our foodbank is available to anyone in need

COVID-19 government funding to help recover any costs and/or losses.

The proposed capital budget includes many of the projects that were put on hold last year due to COVID-19. This means that the draft capital budget is sitting at $9.9 million, which is an increase of $1.8 million over last year. “A lot of that is driven by capital projects that were halted, either consciously by council in preparation for COVID, or we had some budgetary concerns, because some of the costs that came in for what we were expecting to move forward with were well in excess of what we were prepared to accept,” Director Brookman said.

A large chunk of the capital budget is scheduled to be spent on roads (about $4.7 million), which includes the municipality’s portion of the redevelopment of County Road 43 and the rehabilitation of Wellington Road, which was a project that was deferred from last year due to cost. Other capital projects include parkland rehabilitation ($700,000), fleet and equipment ($600,000), buildings ($400,000), streetlights ($200,000), parks ($100,000), sidewalks ($100,000), other capital projects ($200,000) and more carry-over projects from last year ($2.9 million).

As part of municipal modernization, staff will also be looking at creating a multiyear plan for capital projects, to improve management and ensure projects are properly funded. “We’re going to cre-

3

Daren Givoque Financial Advisor

Draft budget includes zero tax increase

by Hilary Thomson

North Grenville’s Financial Services Professionals

Master Electrician

To the North Grenville Community:

The Kemptville Knights of Columbus, council 5333, sincerely thank the community and local businesses for your support this past year, with financial and food item donations.

Christmas time is our busiest period of the year. In previous years, along with food hampers, we were able to provide gifts for children with the assistance of Holy Cross Parish, our local service clubs, schools, local businesses, and members of our community. This year, with the pandemic, we had to

The Voice of North Grenville

BROCKVILLE CORNWALL KEMPTVILLE RENFREW WINCHESTER

within North Grenville. The principal contact is David Habberjam, 613.258.3683 The work we do can only be done with the generous assistance from our community.

Once again thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

We wish you a Blessed 2021.

Sincerely, Knights of Columbus Council 5333, Kemptville

THOMAS M. BYRNE Barrister and Solicitor

General Practice Corporate / Commercial Family Law Estates Real Estate Wills & Powers of Attorney tom@tmblaw.ca 613.258.1277 222 Prescott St., Kemptville

ate a new capital planning process, and that will be introduced and presented to council in 2021,” Director Brookman said.

The water/wastewater system will continue to operate on a user-pay system in 2021, as set out by legislation. The municipality is currently in the planning stage for the much-needed expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, which is set to occur over multiple years.

The cost to the municipality for this year will be $2.6 million, which is eligible to be funded through development charges. However, the municipality will have to secure alternate funding through debt servicing to pay for the entire project. There will also be a $500,000 impact on the water/wastewater budget this year, due to the County Road 43 expansion.

Even with the significant capital expenditures on the books, and another uncertain year in terms of municipal revenues, Director Brookman says a zero per cent tax increase will not negatively impact the municipality. “It’s

not going to require inflated tax increases in future years,” he said. “It’s there to allow us to increase our strategic use of our existing financial reserve balances. That’s why we’re aiming for a zero per cent increase. It’s going to improve the economic stability of the municipality, allow us to continue operations in this municipality, and allow us to continue with growth and investment in 2021, despite the challenges we are going to be facing.”

Staff will now be looking at engaging community stakeholders and residents in the budget process. They will be holding two public engagement sessions on January 27 and 28. The budget will come back to council on February 2 for further discussion and approval. “This is a very high-level glance at the budget as it’s been developed to date,” Mayor Peckford said at the meeting. “The guidance provided by both the community and council in the forthcoming weeks will shape the ultimate budget.” www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Grenville Times

We shall overcome

by David Shanahan Let’s face it: most of us are thoroughly fed up with covid, restrictions, and all the other irritating aspects of life these days. And it’s not just a pandemic that’s getting on our collective nerves.

There’s the climate: did you know that the past six years have been the hottest six on record, worldwide? That’s according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. And it’s not going to get any better soon, if ever. Feeling a little discouraged now?

This issue of the Times contains quite a lot about the latest results of covid: a province wide lock down (again), stay at home, wash your hands, keep apart as much as possible. It is so easy to just throw our hands in the air and tell it all to go the way of the Dodo. Not that any of that would do any good either.

Last week, someone sent me a troubling rant sent out by someone to their “dear neighbours”. It was another of those conspiracy theory things that warn you

to “read this before it gets taken down”. It promised to “disclose to you [what] very few people know about”.

Of course, naturally. Only the privileged few get to see behind the curtain and appreciate the diabolical things that are happening, and who understand that the “mainstream media...has largely been controlled by corrupt CIA and evil individuals”.

I am amazed that these evil and machiavellian powers are so bad at their plotting that everyone finds out about them so easily. I am also amazed that no-one seems to have a rational (too much to hope for?) reason for why they are doing these dastardly deeds. If they are so powerful that they are already pulling the strings of world politics, media and social affairs, why do they still need to keep plotting? I’m sorry: I’m trying to be reasonable about something totally unreasonable.

How pointless.

Of course, these “enlightened ones” will simply point out that, as a newspaper editor, I have been either coopted by the nasty villains, or simply fooled into blindness.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Random thoughts brought on by having time to muse during this pandemic. The prison project did surface in these thoughts. Thank you for your consideration.

Remember when teachers would admonish their young students to choose a subject?

Then, in writing compositions, to answer: Who? What?

When? Why? How?....? During this pandemic, musing has sometimes just taken over. Well, the subjects that have filtered through my mind again and again have to do with facts, governance coupled with leadership, and, finally, transparency coupled with ethics. I am not wise enough, nor do I have enough facts, to provide the answers to the 4 W’s in these areas.

However, I do want to frame the questions that perhaps others can relate to and answer. These are musings, not in any order, but they keep knocking for my attention.

1.When someone decides to put themselves forward

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 January 20, 2021

for public office at any level of governing, should it be understood and expected that they are truthful, ethical, consultative, and vetted by their constituency or party to be qualified? If yes, then how do they stay proactive regarding the needs and concerns of their constituents?

2. If elected office holders become motivated to serving their agenda, ego, or ambition, and do not first ascertain the economic, efficient, effective use/cost of resources; why is it a surprise each time to the voters who gave their trust in their vote, perhaps several votes over time?

3. Why do communities accede to housing, road, or other development without criteria and agreement of what is to be met and required in the plans? Why should development be passed without such measures?

4. Should Timetables of milestones be put in place as part of any project, and a deposit required from the developers/entrepreneurs/

The Voice of North Grenville

You really can’t win when you try to discuss conspiracy theories rationally. But I am also an historian, and I know that this kind of witch-hunt has been a regular aspect of times of confusion, fear and social disruption throughout history. It has only become even more toxic in an age of online social media platforms that encourage the most baseless and insane ideas free access to millions. And there are always going to be those who swallow these idiotic ideas wholesale because it makes them feel they are privy to secrets, and therefore makes them important.

What is particularly dangerous in these days, could be seen in Washington on January 6. Thousands of people, most of whom are “regular” folks, getting caught up in the emotion and excitement of the mob, and committing acts that led to the deaths of five people. Don’t dismiss the power of the mob mentality too easily. I have experienced it first hand. Back in 1972, after the British Army shot 26 unarmed protestors in Derry, 14 of whom died, there was a very understandable anger in Ireland that led to a protest

march on the British Embassy in Dublin. The emotion, the feeling that we were part of a righteously angry people, allowed some individuals to throw molotov cocktails through the doors of the embassy, which was completely gutted in the ensuing fire.

During the entire event, we cheered lustily and totally lost any sense of reality. (Aside from the fact that most of us were anti-violence in any other situations, we also had to pay for a new British Embassy!).

But back to our “dear neighbour” and that flyer.

One of the sources listed there is to a youtube video

by Lin Wood. That should be enough to put anyone on the alert for some genuine, 100% nonsense. This is a really weird example of the conspiracy theorist. The Huffingtom Post reported that: “He predicts the execution of Vice President Mike Pence by firing squad on charges of “treason”; he tweeted that he believes Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts raped and murdered a child on video; he claims hackers from “Lizard Squad” have encrypted evidence of a global

cabal of powerful individuals whom intelligence agencies have blackmailed to do their bidding.”

Look, this is not a “good” world in which we live. In spite of what many want to believe, people are not always good, not even fundamentally. But history is full of these stories of cabals and secret societies that are secretly a. running the world for their own enrichment; b. drinking the blood of innocents; or c. controlling the media in order to brainwash regular people into believing their lies. In past generations, these powers have been identified as Masons, Illuminatti, the Jews, Catholics, witches, or any number of others who were the focus of the day.

Life is difficult these days, and we have to keep our heads, as well as our bodies, safe from viruses. There are people who will claim masks, social distancing, vaccines, and other measures, are not only ineffective, but positively dangerous, and part of a plan to somehow keep us all down. No reliable evidence is offered to support these claims. Believing them puts others at risk. The evidence

government ministry? If there is an impact on community infrastructures, and a need to expand services such as water, roads, schools, other services; then, up front, before project initiation, what planning/ funding/resources can be agreed to be supplied by each responsibility centre and in what timeframes?

5. Why can the central Ontario Municipal Affairs Minister/Department impose projects without explanation, community consultation, costing, or impact/ feasibility studies on any community?

Why are Needs Assessments, Feasibility, Impact and Cost not the first things required to be studied and considered before announcing a decision to go ahead with any level of government projects?

6. What recourse does a community, profoundly affected by a government project, have if it is not wanted by the majority of residents? Is it a conflict of interest if their elected provincial MPP is the Minister of Municipal Affairs

and openly describes his pride in the still to be costed future project?

7. How can centrally controlled planning, divided among Ministerial responsibility with each having Province wide cover, be efficient, effective, economic? If the affected communities are not part of the discussion from the start, and only the fact of Ontario Government ownership of the land considered, how is this economic, effective, efficient, or allow for aspirational objectives?

8. How come the specifications for a project can’t be communicated to communities to ascertain which feel they do meet/want: and, which feel they do not meet/ want the project specifications?

9. Is it more efficient to adopt a bottom-up planning for Ontario Communities?

The responsibilities of the Ministries are quite defined.

Why not use those definitions to network and plan in partnership with communities?

OR 10. Is it more effective to parachute projects into communities without prior detailed staff work, prior to feasibility testing against project needs, prior to identifying community infrastructure impacts, prior to consulting? Prior to knowing the total costs?

As you see Dear Editor, these musing ended up centred on the proposed construction of the provincial prison in Kemptville. I have realized that this project affects me as resident of Kemptville; tax payer at the municipal, county, and provincial level; and, most of all, as an admirer of the community endeavours and spirit of this small community. Wearing all these hats, I cannot understand this placement of a prison on our doorstep.

Best wishes, Nadia Gray

the north grenville

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Editor Marketing David Shanahan Shannon Lever shannon@ngtimes.ca david@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

OFFICE 613-215-0735 Accounting Pat Jessop cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

Copy Editor editor@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671

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is all on one side, and it is not that of the QAnon initiates who somehow know all.

Of course, even if they’re right, and that we are helpless against an all-powerful elite who play with us as puppets, what do they suggest we do about it? Create insurrection and anarchy? If these conspiracies were true, there would never have been a revolution of democracy, civil rights, an end to Apartheid, an ecological movement, a feminist movement, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and assembly, because these are all anathema, we’re told, to the “hidden ones” who run the world.

This is no time to be fearful, gullible, irresponsible.

This is a time when we have to stand together against a very real danger; one that has killed more than two million people worldwide; one that continues to threaten us and our children, parents, friends and neighbours. That is the real truth that’s out there.

That is what we have to guard against, no matter how tired, irritated and genuinely fed up we may be. This will take time; but this, too, shall pass.

We shall overcome.

Dear Editor, At least once a week, I shop at Jonssons’ Your Independent Grocer in Kemptville.

Using one hand to push a large grocery cart in front of me, I steer my wheelchair with the other. The unusual system works well: grocery bags hang from my wheelchair, my phone with the grocery list lies on the front edge of the cart.

But this letter is not about me, nor is it about my unconventional shopping style.

It is about Jonssons’ helpful owners, employees, and customers. From the moment I enter, both customers and staff are quick to offer assistance. It never fails that, as soon as my unusual caravan of wheelchair and cart appears, at least one customer volunteers to push me or my cart while I shop.

There are always employees racing around as they fill curbside pickup orders. When I ask where something is, they take the time to get it for me, or they lead me to where it is. If I head down an aisle and what I want is on the top cont'd on page 5

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

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The North Grenville Times

Letters cont'd shelf, someone always asks if I need assistance. I graciously refuse, thank them profusely, and then stand up. Supported by my braced right leg, I can always reach what I need.

Last week, a shopper who must have witnessed some of the many offers of help, laughed when she saw me at the checkout. “What you need is a flag flying from your wheelchair: Thanks everyone for your kind offers of help, but I can manage!”

When I checkout, the staff are always friendly. Steve, the owner, sometimes bags my groceries. Best of all, one of the staff always takes my groceries out and loads them in my car. Everybody is kind, helpful, and cheerful.

Grocery shopping is never a chore at Jonssons’ Your Independent Grocer because its owners, employees, and customers make it an enjoyable experience. Shopping at Jonssons’ has shown me the best side of humanity. Jonssons’ is a shining example of the wonderful community in which we live. Thank you to Steve & Sylvie Jonsson, your staff, and your customers.

Claire Smith Dear Editor, It may be no surprise to Ontarians that our healthcare system is in dire need of more investment and improvement. Nothing shines a light on all our societal failings like a pandemic. Looking at ourselves and how we fare compared to other countries is also helpful, especially since we like to make claims about how great Canada is.

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 37 member countries, Canada ranks 33rd when it comes to the number of hospital beds available.

The OECD report measures what resources are available to deliver services to inpatients. This is calculated in terms of the number of hospital beds that are maintained, staffed, and immediately available for use.

It is measured in number of beds per 1000 inhabitants.

Canada had 2.5 beds available per 1000 inhabitants in 2019.

Our healthcare system in this regard is surpassed by so many other countries, including Slovenia and Estonia. Slovenia had 4.4 beds per 1000, and the Czech Republic had 6.6 beds per 1000. Japan leads the OECD countries with the most beds available at 13 beds per 1000 inhabitants.

In 2018, Ontario's health quality watchdog reported January 20, 2021

that hospitals were overcrowded, wait times were too long, and there were not enough beds. This was nearly two years in advance of the pandemic that descended on us in 2020. The early language of this current provincial government when it came to power was one encouraging institutions to look for greater efficiencies. This was followed by an announcement of $90 million, which is $10 million less than the previous government announced.

Healthcare professionals are calling for 12,000 additional long term care beds in the next few years. Clearly, the problem is compounding quickly, and is exacerbated by the pandemic, and our rapidly aging population. The writing has been on the wall for some time now, and we were aware of this crisis for the past decade with minimal government response.

We know that we need significant long-term investments in hospitals and across the continuum-of-care. Yet, we are faced with rhetoric about the government purse being empty, and an economic crisis. The ideology of lower taxes includes the reality of fewer services.

Doug Ford’s Conservative government provided tax cuts to the wealthiest people in Ontario, resulting in huge savings for millionaires; but it ripped $308 million out of our public purse.

In September of 2019 the Financial Post reported the following: “The dire and declining state of Ontario’s finances should concern everyone.

Debt today means taxes tomorrow, and each Ontarian already owes more than $24,000 thanks to government overspending. Ontario’s debt grows by $523 each second. Ontarians pay $1.5 million every hour on interest alone.

A recent report by the Fraser Institute estimates that at the current rate of spending, an additional $42 billion will be added to Ontario’s debt from now until the government balances the budget in 2023 — which isn’t, conveniently, until after the next election.”

You would think that when Moody’s downgraded Ontario’s credit rating, this current government would be looking for money anywhere to pay down debt and enhance services, but they cancelled out a huge portion of probable revenue.

Public statements by the Conservative government to balance the budget appear to be only good sounding

rhetoric. Everyone expects fiscal prudence. Don’t live beyond your means is an excellent mantra. However, there is more to a society than an accounting ledger.

If finding savings at the cost of putting our health care system in jeopardy so that millionaires can get a tax break, is part of the program, then count me out. If finding savings to pay down debt means putting peoples lives at risk in a crumbling health care system, I cannot support this. If it means we should all ante up, while millionaires are given a pass, then count me out. I identify with the majority of Ontarians who are struggling. I agree that we should tax things we want to discourage, and remove taxes from goods and services we wish to promote. I support government action that leads to a better quality of life for all. Our vision must be to create a better society, and not a vision driven by political favours to rich friends. Next election, we must vote as if our lives depend on it. As we can see by what is happening in our facilities, it just might.

Lorraine Rekmans

I had another friend who set the parental controls and when she looked in on her son who was playing, someone had gone in on their end and turned off the settings she had set and was chatting with her son....she turned the settings off again, but a bit later it happened again. This was not her son who changed the settings, it was someone online trying to get at him.

I would highly suggest that you take a look at this website I use to review apps before I approve them for my children. This is the review they did on Roblox and it is extremely different from the article written in the paper this week. I would also suggest that your reporter talk to other parents who have children who have experiences and information on this kind of thing.

In summary, I feel there should have been a lot more information for parents so they know both sides of this app and therefore could actually make an informed decision about it. This was not a good overall explanation of this app and did not reveal the truth about what can happen in this app. As a parent just reading her article, I would totally feel fine about signing my kid up for this; but, after talking to my friends and reading this article, I would 100% NOT let my children of any age get into this environment. I think if you are going to give parents/readers information about an app, then I think you should give them the tools to protect their children and also tell them the pros and cons of an app.

There are much better online apps and games out there for kids to use with their friends that will not expose them to unnecessary violence, rape, bullying, racism, homophobia, and other graphics that are offensive.

Angela Wood

Dear Editor, I just read the article written by Naomi Jackson titled "What is Roblox?". This article does talk about being careful and that there is bullying, racism, and homophobia on Roblox, but "Roblox is a wonderful, but sometimes harsh, online gaming community. It is growing and changing for the good as more voices speak out and stop cyberbullying and scams.

Roblox is safe to play, and incredibly fun to explore with your friends, and might just be the community for you."

Her final sentence is encouraging parents to allow their children to use this app with their friends as it is "safe and incredibly fun to explore."

I am sorry, but I am a parent of a 10-year-old girl and this game is anything but being safe from the information I have gotten from her and her friends. My daughter was bugging me and bugging me to get this app and I kept putting her off because I hadn't had a chance to look into it and talk to my friends about it. Then one day she came home and said she wanted NOTHING to do with it at all.

She told me how two girls in her Grade 5 class (8 and 9 yr olds) were playing and had their own avatars and decided to go into a private room together where they proceeded to have virtual sex with their avatars for three hours a night for a while.

The Voice of North Grenville

UPDATE

UPDATE

For updates related to COVID-19 visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus NORTH GRENVILLE MUNICIPAL OFFICE

In light of the province-wide shutdown, please be advised that the Municipal Centre is currently closed to the public.

The Municipality remains operational to provide essential services and assistance to residents and businesses by virtual appointment only.

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETING

Council meetings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Council meetings will be live streamed on YouTube commencing at 6:30 p.m. To view the live stream visit: https://www.youtube. com/user/NorthGrenville/featured.

For any members of the public wanting to attend the meeting virtually, pre-registration is required by e-mailing clerk@northgrenville.on.ca. To make a deputation in relation to an item on the agenda, please pre-register with the Clerk's Office at the same e-mail address. Please provide your comments no later than two hours prior to the start of the meeting.

• Council Meeting – Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm

BUDGET PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 6:30 pm Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 6:30 pm For details on how to participate visit www.northgrenville.ca/ budget

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, January 25 at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Active Transportation Advisory Committee – Thursday, January 28 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM BEGINS FEBRUARY 2021 Green Bins and the NEW Waste Guide are being delivered to each household. If you have not received yours by January 28 contact us at 613-258-9569 ext. 133. For more information visit www.NGrecycles.ca.

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: email: bylawinquiries@northgrenville.on.ca 613-258-9569 x211 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002

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OPP Street Crime Unit seizes cocaine, fentanyl & meth in Prescott The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has seized a variety of illegal drugs in Prescott, with one person facing charges.

On January 12, 2021, members of the Street Crime Unit, assisted by the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and OPP Canine Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence on Wood Street East in Prescott.

Officers seized a quantity of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine and cannabis. They also seized a machete, a high-powered rifle style pellet gun and items associated with drug trafficking. One person was arrested at the scene.

A male, age 31 of Prescott has been charged with: Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) sec. 5(2) - three counts Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose - Criminal Code (CC) sec. 88 Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order - CC sec. 117.01(1) Fail to comply with a Probation Order - CC sec. 733.1(1) The accused was held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on January 12, 2021.

The investigation is continuing.

5

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Statement from Mayor Nancy Peckford

Local trainer reaches new heights in powerlifting

Photo provided by Hilda Siegel

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local fitness trainer has reached a new personal best in powerlifting, placing her amongst the top in the country. Hilda Siegel fell into powerlifting accidentally 11 years ago at the age of 33. She decided she wanted to lose some weight and joined a gym with personal trainers. One of them was a strong male competitor, and his wife was a competitive powerlifter. “They did a little mock meet at their gym and they said – why don’t you try it out?” Hilda remembers. “That’s how I kind of got into it. I got what they call the iron bug.”

She started competing in Ottawa at first, but quickly transitioned to national and international meets. Hilda was supposed to compete at nationals in November this year, however, like many sporting events, it was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Instead, she was invited to compete at a small, local bench-press only meet, which is where she broke her Canadian record and

benched 100kg (220lbs).

This personal best is only 2.5kg off the world record for her age and weight class for the WPC Powerlifting Federation.

“It was a big deal for me, because as you get more advanced in lifting, you kind of plateau for a bit. So, to break through that plateau is a huge thing,” Hilda says. Her next goal is to get to 102.5kg (225lbs). “Most women in general can’t bench 225. To bench over 200 is a big deal for a female.”

Hilda has made fitness part of her lifestyle. She has been a yoga teacher since 1999, and is now a professional personal trainer, working at Anytime Fitness in Kemptville. Not only does she compete in powerlifting, but she has also does body building, and national and international pole fitness competitions. “I’m not the type of person who can just go to the gym and train, I have to have goals. I find with lifting, even with pole fitness, with anything, it’s like you are constantly trying to better yourself. You have these goals that you set for

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North Grenville, as your Mayor, I have been grappling with setting the right tone when it comes to the Stay at Home orders for the next 26 days. There is no doubt that we need to take the threat of COVID-19 very seriously.

But staying at home doesn’t mean abandoning your local economy. In fact, North Grenville has been able to protect itself from a COVID surge because we are a relatively self sufficient community, with access to many restaurants, clothing, catering, hardware, grocery, pet store, boutiques, and other local establishments, as well as services (think dentists, physio, pharmacies, vets, car dealerships, home repair and on it goes!). And these businesses have been there for our community in these long months of COVID, adapting

yourself, and being able to compete makes it that much more rewarding.”

Hilda also feels empowered by powerlifting, which is still a male dominated sport. “There’s something about being a female and being able to lift almost as much as the men in the gym, if not more.”

Hilda is hoping to bring a powerlifting competition to Kemptville in the future, which will include squat, bench, and dead lift. Before COVID-19, she was working with the organizer of the local powerlifting meets to bring one to the area, but it was put on hold because of the pandemic. “We’re looking for a location for maybe this year or next year to do a powerlifting meet and bring it to Kemptville, because there are quite a few people, even at Anytime, who dabble in powerlifting.”

The pandemic has thrown that huge wrench into the competitive fitness world, with so many meets and events cancelled. Hilda was supposed to go to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous competition in Ohio to compete in pole fitness in March; but it was cancelled just a few days before it was supposed to start. “It was a huge letdown, because I’ve always wanted to go to Arnold’s, and it was my first time actually going to compete there. That was my goal,” she says.

The most recent lockdown, and the closure of gyms, has also been difficult, forcing dedicated athletes like Hilda to train at home.

“I’m really creative, so I am still able to train; but it’s not the same as being able to be in a gym,” she says.

For now, Hilda is continuing to work towards her goals at home. When gyms open back up, she will be taking on new clients at Anytime Fitness. To learn more about Hilda and how you can work with her, visit www. powerpoleperformance.ca.

their services and stores, and it is now time that we step up for them.

Staying at home doesn’t mean you cannot purchase something from a local business that you consider essential for the well-being of you and your family, and pick it up safely using curbside or delivery options (if the business isn’t open to the public).

Staying at home doesn’t mean total isolation. It means practicing good judgement, always following public health guidelines when it comes to face coverings, social distancing, and limiting social contact outside of your immediate family.

Staying at home does mean doing EVERYTHING in your power to avoid even short trips to the hot spots all around us, including the City of Ottawa, and all communi-

ties in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. We are fortunate to have low COVID 19 in North Grenville. We have an incredible community and an impressive array of local businesses that have worked so hard to serve their customers during unprecedented times. It is now time for us to rally and fully give them the support they deserve to get through another COVID disruption.

With proper adherence to public health guidelines, there are many safe ways to get what you need right here at home, and I strongly encourage you to do everything you can, each and every day, to do so. The only way through is together, North Grenville.

Let’s do this and have each other’s backs, and especially the backs of our local businesses.

Questions about the Ketogenic Diet

What is a ketogenic diet?

How does it differ, and is it more effective than other diets? Apart from the hype surrounding this diet, what are the medical concerns about it?

Recent marketing of the ketogenic diet suggests it’s a new one. But a report from the University of California says it’s been used for years to treat medical problems such as epilepsy in children.

But what is it about the ketogenic diet that causes weight loss? A major factor is that it’s low in carbohydrates and high in fats. Blood sugar (glucose) is normally the body’s main source of energy. But when blood sugar is diminished by eating less carbohydrates, the body is unable to maintain needed levels. To compensate, the body must start burning fat for energy. It also obtains more energy by converting some amino acids from protein in foods. And if this does not suffice, it gets energy from muscles.

The breakdown of fat, and to a lesser extent, protein, creates a condition called “ketosis” which is also used for energy. Hopefully none of us will ever be in a situation where we’re starving. But if that happens, we develop ketosis. It also occurs in uncontrolled diabetes.

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6

Ketosis starts within a few days after carbohydrates are decreased to between 20 and 50 grams a day. This is not much carbohydrate, as two one-ounce slices of bread contain 28 grams of carbs!

How does a ketogenic diet compare with a normal diet?

The average North American gets 50-55% of energy from carbohydrates, 30-35% from fats, and 15-20% from protein. The ketogenic diet obtains 5-10% from carbohydrates, 70-75% from fats, and 20% from protein.

A ketogenic diet contains full-fat dairy, eggs, fish, poultry, meat, nuts, non-starchy vegetables and butter. You are allowed to eat as many of these foods until you are full. It eliminates starchy vegetables, most fruits, grains, and sweets.

The British Journal of Nutrition analyzed 13 diet studies and reported that most, but not all, found that patients on a ketogenic diet lost more weight than those on other diets. They also ended up with lower blood pressure and blood triglycerides. And it helped those with type 2 diabetes. The negative of this diet is that it also increases bad cholesterol because of its high content of saturated fat.

Another negative is that the low carbohydrate content makes it hard for people to

stick to it. Also, by eliminating most fruits, many vegetables, whole grains, and fiber, constipation is more likely to be a problem. Moreover, it removes ingredients essential for good health. No one should start a ketogenic diet without the help of your trusted family doctor.

It’s unfortunate that most diets wouldn’t be needed if people would follow a sound lifestyle. The first error is not having a bathroom scale that you step on every day. Scales tell it the way it is. Focus on losing any gained weight the same day the scale reports an increase.

This means saying no to high calorie desserts, eating smaller portions on smaller plates, and declining any offered second portions.

Healthy weight loss also means an increase in daily exercise. Loss of excess weight and common-sense healthy living significantly reduces the risks associated with the epidemics of obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

A sustained commitment can add years of longevity.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Council receives new tourism strategy for municipality

with a review of over 20 documents and 75 tourism

by Hilary Thomson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter assets in the North Grenville area. Through reaching out to community stakeholdNorth Grenville now ers and residents, Clark has a new direction when says they found that there it comes to tourism in the was a lot of enthusiasm for municipality. In 2019, the developing tourism in the municipality launched a municipality. “The communew dedicated tourism pro- nity engagement was quite gram, which included a new overwhelming,” he told Explore North Grenville council. “There’s clearly a website, the hiring of a tour- lot of support for tourism in ism summer student, and the North Grenville.” launch of new social media The study found that channels. Early last year, tourism represents a large North Grenville received a part of the economy in North $20,000 grant from a Re- Grenville. There are about gional Tourism Organiza- 415 tourism-related jobs tion (RTO 9), funded by the in the municipality, which Ministry of Tourism Culture represents about 9% of the and Sport, to help develop a total workforce. tourism strategy. Using this “Certainly, if you had grant money, consultants one employer who employed MDB Insight were awarded four hundred people, they a $40,000 contract to de- would be elevated as a very velop the tourism strategy important employer in your for the municipality. community, so tourism is Representatives from very important,” Clark said.

MDB Insight were at the The report profiled the meeting of January 12 to Rideau River, the Fergupresent their findings to son Forest Centre, and the council. According to Senior uniqueness and authenticity Consultant, Clark Hoskin, of Kemptville, the hamlets, the development of the strat- and farms as core resources egy began in September, and attractors to the com-

munity. It also recognized that North Grenville already has some key attractions that draw more than 10,000 people to the community a year, including Kemptville Live, Rideau River Provincial Park, Rideau Woodland Ramble, and Saunders Country Critters.

The MDB Insight team outlined a few strategic priorities for the municipality to develop for tourism in North Grenville. The strategies include items like fast-tracking the development of the experiences on the Kemptville Campus, expanding the development of monetized outdoor experiences through the use of local guides, and capitalizing on the self-drive Le Boats, which are already in use along the Rideau Canal.

They also recommended marketing the municipality to a young-adult audience who are looking for things like arts and culture, local food, and recreation experiences that are already widely available in North Grenville, as well as creating strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships with other sur-

rounding municipalities.

Perhaps the most controversial of the strategic priorities was their recommendation to brand Kemptville as the tourism destination in the municipality. “Using a brand in tourism that is unknown or confusing is poor marketing and a waste of money,” Clark told council. “So, you certainly want to maximize a brand that you already have, that’s been around for over 100 years, that people know where it is, and you don’t have to repeatedly answer the questions about where you are. We hope that North Grenville will reclaim awareness of Kemptville, and use it to, not only help the town itself, but obviously any success that happens in Kemptville is going to be shared across the whole municipality.”

MDB Insight has also suggested that the municipality put some more resources behind developing tourism in the municipality, laying out an annual budget of roughly $200,000. This includes the hiring of a dedicated Tourism Development Coordinator to unify

3 tips for surviving coronavirus volatility

by Daren Givoque, CDFA , Financial Advisor & Partner, O’Farrell Financial Services These are uncertain times. The stock market has reflected that fact. It is natural that in times like these people start to worry about the state of their future.

However, could there be a silver lining?

In good times, people tend to run on autopilot. Our days become routine and we often approach the weekend disbelieving how quickly the work week has passed. When your days follow a recognizable pattern, it is easy to go on autopilot. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the entire world out of our routine.

It is a great time to reevaluate and look at your financial goals. Here are three things you can do right now to help you feel more in control and refocus your energy into something that will benefit you in the long-term.

1. Review your investments: With your advisor, look at your investment portfolio.

This is a great time to replace investments that have not performed well with more defensive investments that will perform regardless of market January 20, 2021

conditions. Switch out all the investments in your portfolio that are not serving you and add in options that are more likely to perform well down the road.

2. Re-evaluate your risk tolerance: This is a great time to re-evaluate how you really feel about the ups and downs of the market. Often when people first set up an investment portfolio with a financial advisor, they tend to be relatively aggressive. However, when the market starts to go down, and investments decrease the volatility feels uncomfortable.

It is a good chance to re-evaluate how comfortable you really are with risk and re-balance your portfolio accordingly.

• • • •

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open back up completely until 2022, planning can start right away, as it usually takes about three years to see the results of moving into a new market. “I do think it’s very important to start that collaboration, start that communication with your businesses, and also reaching out to partner communities and all the other various organizations you can lean on,” he said.

Staff will now review the strategy and report back to council with a plan for tourism service delivery in North Grenville. “As we’re about to embark on budget deliberations, it will be critically important that this piece be considered as part of certainly some of the recommendations that are going forward from council,” Mayor Peckford said. “We’ll look to [CAO] Dyke and Mr. Gilmer to give us a recommendation about whether or not it’s attainable to spend this year, and embark on that three-year journey.”

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3. Create a detailed plan: This is the time to create a detailed financial strategy that reflects the goals you want to achieve. Goal-based plans are useful because they take into consideration what you want to accomplish over a certain time period. This will directly affect your investment strategy as a longer time frame allows for a greater level of risk.

Do not give into fear.

Historically, as the world has gone through major challenges, the market has always recovered. The best thing you can do right now is stop, take a deep breath, and have a good conversation with your financial advisor. If you have more questions, please reach out to us! See our ad in this week’s North Grenville Times for contact information.

• • • • •

the industry and create the partnerships needed to make tourism a success. “Putting resources in place is going to really have a tangible effect on what North Grenville can do for its tourism industry,” Clark said. “We see great spirit and fortitude and intent with your tourism industry, within your community. It’s excellent momentum that we would certainly like to see continue.”

Councillor John Barclay commented at the meeting that MDB Insight’s presentation certainly confirmed a lot of what council was already thinking about tourism in the municipality. “There’s a lot of pent-up demand, and there’s a lot of things that we haven’t really exploited,” he said.

Given that Ontario is currently in a state of emergency, and it is expected that the pandemic will last many more months, Mayor Peckford asked Clark how ready the municipality should be to welcome more visitors to the municipality once the tourism industry opens again.

Clark said that, although things most likely won’t

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Lions Club signage to be displayed at Village entrance ways

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Village of Merrickville-Wolford will be assisting the Lions Club of Merrickville in placing their logo at the entrance signs to the Village. The request was brought to council at the meeting of January 11, in a letter to CAO Doug Robertson from Club President, Kelvin McGreavy.

The letter pointed out that Merrickville-Wolford is a vibrant community made up of many organizations that each contribute in their own way to the quality of life of residents and play an important role in the community.

It also highlighted that many visitors, prospective home-

owners, and businesspersons look to these organizations as an indicator of health of the community.

“It is a reason that many municipalities, large and small, proudly display emblems of these groups on their entrance signs,” the letter stated.

The Lions Club did have their logo on the entrance signs to the Village in the past, and their letter requested that council consider installing them once again, to increase awareness and mark the Lions Club’s presence in the Village. The letter also requested that other organizations like the Legion, Theatre Night in Merrickville (TNIM), and the Merrickville JazzFest be also given the chance to have their logos or signage displayed at the entrances to the Village.

“As enrolment in some of these groups is dwindling, increasing awareness of their presence would go a long way towards keeping them active and continuing their contributions to the cultural life and economic positive impact to the Village.”

Merrickville-Wolford council moves to afternoon meetings

Director of Operations, Brad Cole, saw no reason why the Lions Club signage couldn’t be displayed at the entrances to the Village, as long as the signs don’t impede any sight lines for traffic entry onto the roadway, since they are close to some laneways.

Council passed a resolution to direct staff to work with the Lions Club to have their suggested 18-20-inch logo installed at four entrances to the Village. “If the size becomes an issue, working with the Lions Club, and perhaps coming back with either saying they change the size of their logo, or some other alteration,” Mayor Struthers said.

CAO Robertson did note that this resolution addressed the Lions Club logo only, and that any other group that wants to put their signage up would have to make a similar request to council. “Any other requests from other organizations would be brought to council on a one-off basis,” he said.

to start earlier to hammer it Local Journalism Initiative Reporter out,” he said.

The only council memMerrickville-Wolford ber who was opposed to the council will be changing change in meeting time was the time of their meetings, Councillor Timothy Molloy. at least until they are able He remembers that, prior to to welcome the public back amalgamation, Merrickville into the council chambers. had their meetings at both The idea was first brought 4pm and 7pm. They ended to council by Councillor up changing all the meetings Don Halpenny last year. to 7pm, as they found that He made the suggestion the afternoon meetings did to move the meetings into not accommodate those who the afternoon so that staff worked in Ottawa. wouldn’t have to stay at the “What would be the ciroffice after hours. cumstances if we changed “If you can remember those meetings to 2pm or when we had people com- 4pm, or whatever it is, on ing here, everybody that the people who are workcomes are not working any- ing in Ottawa and can’t way,” Councillor Halpenny make those meetings?” he noted. “They’re all retired.” asked. “My feeling is, even Although Councillor if there’s only one or two, Halpenny’s original idea that’s substantial, because was to start the meetings you’re limiting a voter’s at 4pm, Councillor Bob right to a council meeting Foster suggested that they based on time.” move their meetings to Councillor Foster re2pm, to make sure they minded Councillor Molare wrapped up during the loy that the change in time work day. “Especially with would only be in place until the budget deliberations the requirements set out coming up, we might want by the province due to the

by Hilary Thomson

pandemic are lifted and residents are able to attend the meetings in person once again. “This is just an interim measure, to try afternoon meetings while COVID is still raging and people aren’t allowed in here anyway,” he said.

Mayor Struthers also mentioned that, at this point, a 2pm meeting is no different than a 7pm meeting, as recordings are uploaded to the website as soon as the meeting is over to ensure transparency. “In part, this is a nice gesture for our staff,” he said. “Whether we continue on afterwards, we can have that discussion once restrictions lift.”

The motion to move the council meetings to 2pm on the second and fourth Mondays of the month was passed in a recorded vote, with only Councillor Molloy voting against the change.

Council meetings will continue to be recorded and posted on the municipal website directly after each meeting.

New executive for the Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce Robyn is excited about the new executive and the Local Journalism Initiative Reporter possibilities for the Chamber The Merrickville and in the coming year. “I am reDistrict Chamber of Com- ally excited, because we don’t merce has a completely new really have anything in place executive who are excited to say we have to do this, to see what they can do to that, or the next thing,” she support the business commu- says. “We basically inherited nity in the municipality. The a clean slate.”

Chamber held their annual The Chamber has identiAGM in December, when fied membership, marketing the new slate of directors and promotion, partnerships, was elected. Robyn Eagle, networking, and communiof RW Eagle Carpentry and cations as the four areas on SawnYah’s Signs & Stuff, which they will be focusing is taking over from Yves for the next year. With one of Grandmaitre as Chamber the executive members leadPresident, Robyn Fredrick- ing each of the committees, son, who owns The Village they hope to connect with Bean, is Vice President, members of the community Janet Gaskell of Nelly’s who have the specific skills Room is the Secretary, and they need to be successful their Treasurer is Jennifer in their efforts. “We’re going Ritskes, a local real estate to reach out to people who agent with Royal LePage. really know what they’re doYves is still on the Chamber ing when it comes to pushing board as a director at large, marketing and promotion of along with Nick Previsich of their products,” Robyn says.

Merrickville Antiques and “Let’s get some help for evAlessandro Guiliani who erybody.” owns Stella Luna.

Throughout her term as

by Hilary Thomson

January 20, 2021

we have to do it in a new way.”

According to Robyn, the Chamber will also be focused on supporting the servicebased businesses that don’t necessarily always benefit from the tourism traffic in the village. “We have to find ways of focusing on our businesses and services and to make them relevant.” For example, she would love to see a service-based business, like a psychotherapist, teaming up with another store in the Village to cross promote each other. “Wouldn’t it be great if, before or after a client comes, they get a coupon to go and have an ice cream cone, or a coffee, or something like that? That marketing and promotion is going to be our big focus.”

The Chamber will also be looking at working with store owners to have more consistent business hours in the Village, as well as creating a “made in Merrickville” trademark that they will be

president, Robyn hopes to get a strategy in place for the Chamber and seek out new ways of bringing value to their members. “Nothing really happened last year, and the year previous. I was looking at the AGM notes and there seems to be some common threads and one is basically making the Chamber relevant to Chamber members.”

Robyn believes the best way of doing that is through communication and including residents in their discussions.

She notes that there were a lot of visitors in the Village this past year, which was great for business, but worried about residents, as some people weren’t wearing masks or social distancing. The marketing and promotions committee has their work cut out for them when it comes to promoting the municipality’s businesses within the context of COVID-19. “I’m all about collaborating and networking and partnering, and with this COVID-19 pandemic thing 8

able to use for marketing and promotion. “Maybe a postcard, or maybe a shopping bag, or something like that, that has a consistent byline so you know it’s Merrickville,” Robyn says. “It also speaks to collegiality and cohesiveness among the store owners and services.”

Finally, Robyn is hoping to forge a more productive relationship with the municipality and council, which she believes is even more important right now, with communicating the requirements and protocols associated with the pandemic. “There’s always been bit of a challenge having open communication, and I really want to forge forward

and build that partnership.”

With so much potential development in the Village, Robyn hopes that the Chamber will be a one-stop shop for newcomers, introducing them to the municipality’s urban and rural roots. They have a completely redesigned website, which they hope will help guide residents and visitors to the great businesses that are available in both Merrickville and Wolford.

“We want to make sure we can make a difference for everybody in our community, because if our community is healthy, and everybody’s kind of working together, then that’s good for business.”

Shannon Lever

Marketing Consultant

Phone 613.791.8317 Email: shannonlever@ndtimes.ca www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Critical time to reduce further spread of COVID-19

by Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government issued a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home, with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.

I encourage everyone who has possible symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, to stay home, check the Provincial Assessment Tool, and follow the instructions, which may include testing. The recommendations for children and adults are different. Testing is readily available now at our Assessment Centres in Brockville, Kemptville, Smiths Falls, and Almonte. If you can’t get to an Assessment Centre, please call the Health Unit. If necessary, we will arrange for a community paramedic to come to your house to do the testing.

Most test results are coming back within one to two days now, and are easily obtained through the provincial lab portal.

Please continue to be COVID-SMART – practice physical distancing of 2m/6ft, stay home when you are sick, wash/ sanitize your hands, and do regular cleaning of common hard surfaces, as well as wearing a well-fitting face covering/mask in enclosed indoor spaces and when physical distancing is an issue outdoors.

Our offices and service sites are currently closed to the walk-in public. Our website has answers to many of your questions about local cases, masks, self-isolation, vaccines, school issues and testing, but if you would like to speak to someone, call 1-800-660-5853.

Thanks to the community for helping keep our community safe.

Keeping you safe at our conservation areas

by The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority We know that outdoor spaces matter right now more than ever: your mental and physical health depend on them. That's why we are proud to keep our 11 conservation areas and 42 km of trails open for you during this time.

When visiting our sites, your safety and the safety of others is our top priority. Please remember: - Stay 2 metres from others, and wear a mask when that’s not possible - Follow all directional signs on trails (many are now oneway loops) - No more than 25 people in gathering areas like parking lots, trailheads, viewing areas and toboggan hills - Mask required when congregating in areas like parking lots, trailheads, viewing areas and toboggan hills - If the park looks busy, be prepared to come back another time - Stay on the trails and park only in designated areas - Dogs must be on leash at all times - Ice conditions are not monitored and may be unsafe - Parking fees apply in some parks. Annual passes are also available at paybyphone.com (code 5222) - All conservation areas close at dusk.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our community safe and healthy.

Stay safe and happy trails!

January 20, 2021

The Voice of North Grenville

First COVID-19 vaccination in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark

by The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit The shipment of COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to Kingston Health Science Centre (KHSC) this week marks the beginning of Phase 1 of the provincial vaccine rollout in the South East region, including Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. The province initially provided COVID-19 vaccine to areas with the highest rates of COVID-19 infection. It is important to note that some areas in Ontario started receiving vaccine before the South East region. These areas are further along in their vaccine distribution. Our region will catch up as vaccine becomes more available.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is working closely with Kingston Health Science Centre and other neighbouring health units to ensure efficient distribution of vaccine to staff, residents and essential caregivers in longterm care homes, as well as in higher-risk retirement homes. The first long-term care workers from the LGL region to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were immunized last week at Kingston Health Science Centre. The

health care workers were excited and grateful to be getting the vaccine to help protect themselves and the residents in their care.

The provincial government has set a target of vaccinating 100% of willing staff, residents, and essential caregivers in long-term care homes and higher-risk retirement homes by February 15, 2021. By immunizing and protecting people in these priority groups and those who provide care for them, we will decrease the risk of COVID-19, and outbreaks, among those who are at greatest risk of serious COVID-19 infection.

The Health Unit will also begin the roll out of mobile clinics to local long-term care homes and higher risk retirement homes over the next week. These mobile clinics will be delivered in partnership with our homes, Emergency Medical Services and healthcare partners who have offered to support COVID-19 vaccination distribution in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.

“I am very pleased to see the first COVID-19 immunizations happen in LGL, and am proud of all of the hard work to get to this point,” states Dr. Paula Stewart, Med-

ical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “This is an important milestone in protecting a vulnerable population in our community.’

We know many people are eagerly anticipating their turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The Health Unit’s local COVID-19 Vaccination distribution plan aligns with the provincial COVID-19 vaccination program. Planning began last spring when we reviewed and updated our community immunization plan. Since then we have added to the plan new information about the administration and storage of the approved COVID-19 vaccines, the priority groups set by the province, options for proving the vaccine to individuals and groups with our partners, and what vaccines might come to us and when. Our experienced staff has contributed to all aspects of this plan, and we are actively working with our health care partners on its implementation. The availability of the vaccine is the key factor influencing the roll out of the plan. Details will be posted on our website as they are available.

Until the majority of individuals in our population have

Mild Winter causing unstable ice throughout Rideau watershed and flows will continue to fluctuate across the watershed with the continued warmer-than-normal conditions and forecasted rain later this week. As a result, ice thickness can change drastically and be unpredictable. The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is also very slippery and poses a serious hazard.

Falling into open water can result in hypothermia or drowning.

The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies by: - Regularly testing ice thickness and staying off

from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority We have had a warmer than usual December and a mild January to date. As a result of a significant rain event on December 24 and 25, water levels are above normal for this time of year in the some of the lakes and rivers in the Rideau Lakes and Tay Valley sub-watersheds.

Generally, water levels are at normal levels for the remainder of the watershed.

Although no significant flooding is anticipated at this time, it is expected that water levels

9

ice that may cover flowing water; - Reminding children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water; - Keeping pets on leash near frozen water bodies.

RVCA does not monitor or maintain ice conditions anywhere, including

been immunized, we all must continue to do everything we can to protect one another from the spread of illness by being COVID-19 SMART. The continued efforts of individuals and families will help keep the number of positive cases low in our area and help our community stay safe until vaccines are available to all. The people who are immunized must also follow all these precautions as we don’t know yet if the vaccine prevents the virus form being transmitted, in addition to preventing symptoms.

Public messages will be shared on our website and social media, as well as through local media channels when we know more about the next steps. The Health Unit regularly sends information directly to health care providers and they will also be updated through this approach. If a physician is not on our list, they can contact us to receive these updates.

For more detailed information and FAQs about the vaccine visit the COVID-19 Protection and Vaccine section of our website: https:// healthunit.org.

its 11 public conservation areas. This includes the Rideau River and its tributaries, as well as the ponds, lakes and other bodies of water within our parks.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday, February 1, 2021 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Municipality advises practical steps during the State of Emergency Practice good judgement and follow provincial orders says Mayor Nancy Peckford.

Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the declaration of a second provincial emergency. This is to help curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the Province by largely limiting your day-to-day contacts to those members of your immediate household.

“Quite simply, by severely limiting your trips outside of the home, and avoiding the commute to any hotspots for non-essential reasons, you are helping to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “While I recognize there has been some confusion about the new Stay-at-Home orders, this is essentially about being responsible and practicing good judgement to stay at home as much as possible.”

Though COVID numbers continue to remain low in this region, which is overseen by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit, it is by practicing good judgement and staying at home as much as possible that we can keep it this way.

“Our everyday actions can dramatically reduce the chances of a COVID surge in our area, as well as protect our seniors, other vulnerable residents, and frontline workers,” Mayor Peckford added. “This is an amazing community, and North Grenville residents have done a

remarkable job of keeping each other safe up to now.

However, as COVID cases rapidly increase in hotspots, including with neighbouring regions, please continue to do everything in your power to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and our community.”

The mental health and well-being of North Grenville residents is key which is why there is still limited access to non-essential local businesses, libraries, outdoor recreational amenities, and municipal services. Residents are encouraged to use their own good judgement in considering how and when they use these services.

The current Stay-at-Home order is in effect for all communities for 28 days. Ontario residents are being ordered to stay at home as much as possible. Where necessary, North Grenville residents are strongly encouraged to utilize curbside and takeout options in order to support our local economy.

“No matter who you are - parent, business leader, employee, child of an elderly parent, someone living by themselves or with family, and/or with a pre-existing health condition, you are not alone, and your efforts to protect yourselves and each other matter each and every day,” added Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan who herself is a practicing Registered Nurse.

Here is a quick breakdown of what the new pro-

vincial orders mean here in North Grenville: Businesses: Essential businesses, including but not limited to grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies remain open. Curbside pickup continues to be offered by many of North Grenville’s local businesses. Consult www.loveng.ca for the full list and please support your local economy!

Building and Construction: A list of essential construction projects and the impact of the provincial orders as it pertains to building permits has been updated on our website at: www.northgrenville.on.ca.

Families: There are many single parents and seniors living alone in our community. The province has clearly stated that individuals who live alone, as well as single parents, can have "exclusive, close contact" with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Being outdoors with your family (of the same household) is recognized by the province as a safe and important activity, and is highly encouraged for residents of all ages.

Recreational Amenities: As is the case in many municipalities, public outdoor rinks and the newly established sledding hill in Ferguson Forest remain open.

Bishop’s Mills and eQuinelle operate neighbourhood, vol-

unteer rinks and have a limit of 10 people at one time. Multiple families can use the new toboggan hill in Ferguson Forest Hill at the same time, so long as they are socially distanced.

Trails at the Ferguson Forest, Kemptville Campus and Limerick Forest remain open.

Masks are highly recommended at all outdoor facilities, including rinks and the toboggan hill, and are required when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as when entering and existing the rinks.

Mental Health Supports: There are several resources available if you find yourself or your loved ones struggling. Remember, you are not alone and can access support at: Children’s Mental Health of Leeds & Grenville: 613498-4844 | www.cmhlg.ca/ Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Mental Health and Addictions: 1-866-499-8445 | https://llgamh.ca/ Family & Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds, & Grenville: 1-855-667-2726 | https://fcsllg.ca/

The Voice of North Grenville

Connect Youth: helps vulnerable youth who are not safe at home. http://connectyouth.ca/ Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville: 1-800-9397682 | www.vslg.ca For the full list of community supports visit: www. northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

Help Support Your Local Businesses

SHOP LOCAL

Baldwin’s Birds

Hopefully all of you are fit and well and staying safe, under the new restrictions imposed

by Covid 19. Our winter birds are, fortunately, not under the same restraints and are still visiting daily, particularly the "Niger" seed eaters, the Red Polls, mentioned in my last missive, published, very kindly, in the 13 January 2021 issue of the NG Times. I apologize, if some confusion arose, over what I had written and what appeared in front of your eyes! It was, in fact a picture of a Cardinal, not of a Redpoll, but, I'm sure, that not many of you were fooled by this mis-representation! Maybe some of you had to check your Bird Books to understand what was supposed to be there, which is not a bad thing is it!? At least it would have provided an interesting diversion from what you might, or might not having been doing, during these troubling times, to pass the time away. Hopefully it gave you some pleasure.

It could be argued that the editorial staff assumed that a Cardinal is a Red Poll, being, itself, red all over!! I'm sure that the bird Pundits would tremble, at the thought, as not being a fair comment, so I'll not go there! I am including a picture of an actual Red Poll this week to compensate, for this apparent misconception.

Best wishes to all, Stay Safe, John Baldwin 10 January 20, 2021

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

COVID-19

Information for North Grenville Residents A State of Emergency in North Grenville is in Effect Provincial Stay-at-Home Orders

► North Grenville’s trails remain open, including trails at Ferguson Forest, Kemptville Campus and Limerick Forest.

Please respect physical distancing.

Download our trails maps at: www.NGtrails.ca.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the declaration of a second provincial emergency to help curb the rising COVID-19 cases and deaths across the Province.

A Stay-at-Home Order is in effect requiring everyone in Ontario to remain at home and limit trips for essential purposes only (groceries or pharmacy, health care, exercise, or essential work). For more details on the Provincial order visit: Covid-19.ontario.ca.

► Dogs must be on a leash at all times and please don’t forget to scoop the poop!

If you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19 contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 or healthunit.org.

Municipal Updates (as of Jan. 15, 2021): The North Grenville Municipal office remains closed to the public. For essential services and operations, please call to make an appointment. For any questions or inquiries, please email general@northgrenville.on.ca or call 613-258-9569.

Local Business Support #LoveNG

► Council meetings and all other Public Meetings are currently being conducted virtually. For details on how to participate visit: www.northgrenville.ca.

For local Business Support and resources visit: www.investnorthgrenville.ca

► Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at: www.northgrenville.ca/connect

Support local businesses at: www.LoveNG.ca

Outdoor Recreation Amenities

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

► PLEASE NOTE: Masks are highly recommended at all outdoor facilities, and are required when physical distancing cannot be maintained. ► The two outdoor rinks (located in Bishops Mills and eQuinelle subdivision) remain open with a limit of 10 people.

WEAR A MASK

STAY HOME GO AWAY!

2m (6’)

► Multiple families can use the new toboggan hill in Ferguson Forest Centre at the same time, so long as they are physically distanced.

MAINTAIN 2M DISTANCE

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN

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

Visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.

January 20, 2021

11

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The North Grenville Times

SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

HANDYMAN RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, SERVICES bathrooms, additions, Painting, Demolition, decks, home repair.

Drywall, Call George at Carpentry, etc 613 462 7637 Bill at 613-774-2922

FIRST TEN WORDS FREE

CONTACT classifieds@ngtimes.ca

FOR SALE

WINTER TIRES 225 / 70 R 16, ON RIMS, VERY GOOD CONDITION, ALTIMAX ARCTIC $ 500, 613 258 4457

Cedar, Spruce and Pine Posts for sale. Call Jim 613.258.3561 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR STORAGE FOR VEHICLES, BOATS AND RVS. CALL JON AT 613-227-3650.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY LA Group is looking for a passionate Support Manager to join our small but mighty team. We’re an award-winning construction company and community builder. We’ve put over 3,000 families in homes across the Greater Ottawa Area. But our base is in Kemptville. As Support Manager you’ll have the flexibility to work from home some of the time, as well as in the LA Group offices. If you’re a wellorganized multi-tasker, with strong communication and problem-solving skills, that’s a great start. Total proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is a must. And you’ll need an aptitude and finesse for social media. Being bilingual in both official languages is a concrete asset. We look forward to receiving your application.

Resumés should be submitted to anne@lagroup.ca no later than the 30th of January 2021. No need to send a cover letter, just include a paragraph or two explaining why you feel you would be the right person for this role. Highlight anything we won’t find on your CV. Go to lagroup.ca for more information on the role and our company.

The North Grenville Times would like to apologise for a spelling error in the LA Group's help wanted ad last week. It was placed before it could be approved.

The Ace of Spades will keep hiding – for a little while longer

by Jane Adams The Kin Club of Russell has announced that Catch the Ace is suspended due to the latest provincial COVID-19 stay-at-home order. But it will be back as soon as it is safe to do so – hopefully on February 28!

There are now 15 envelopes left, and the jackpot is more than $180,000. The next weekly win will be more than $10,000. To date, the Kin Club of Russell has raised $250,000 to give back to local charities, including the WDMH Foundation.

Both online and paper tickets sales are still permitJanuary 20, 2021

ted, but no pickup or delivery of paper tickets is allowed.

All tickets that have been purchased since last Sunday, and those purchased between now and February 28, will be valid for the next draw on February 28. Please be sure to select the WDMH Foundation as the charity of choice.

“This is a very exciting event, and taking this short break will help to keep everyone safe,” notes Cindy Ault Peters, the Foundation’s Manager of Direct Mail and Events. “We want to thank the Kin Club of Russell, and everyone who is trying to Catch the Ace. The excitement will continue as soon as it is safe to do so!”

For full details, ongoing updates, and rules of play, visit www.kinclubofrussell.ca, or watch the Kin Club video: https://youtu.be/ KRWEEmejoxk.

The Voice of North Grenville

MISCELLANEOUS HUNTERS PARADISE DEER AND TURKEYS BOW AND BKACK POWDER SEASON CALL 613.258.3561

LOOKING TO RENT FARMLAND FOR ORGANIC CASH CROPS SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR LAND THAT'S FALLOW/ OVERGROWN OR OLD HAY/PASTURE. ALSO INTERESTED

IN CONVENTIONAL CROPLAND TO TRANSITION TO ORGANIC. CALL OR TEXT MITCH @ 613-262-1204

cla ngti

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH GRENVILLE A PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING

A PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT TAKE NOTICE that the Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville will hold a virtual public meeting on TUESDAY 10th, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the North will Grenville Municipal Centre on (285 County Road 44) TAKE NOTICEFEBRUARY that the Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville hold a virtual public meeting TUESDAY, to consider the following item: FEBRUARY 10th, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Grenville Municipal Centre (285 County Road 44) to consider the

following item: Official Plan Amendment, File # OPA-01-21, under Section 21 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as A proposed amended willcial bePlan considered at File that# time.

A proposed Offi Amendment, OPA-01-21, under Section 21 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended will be considered at that time.

The purpose of this application is to add in provisions to the Official Plan to permit the establishment of a

Community Planning PermitisSystem.

The purpose of this application to add in provisions to the Official Plan to permit the establishment of a Community Planning Permit System.

TAKE NOTE that this is a Municipally initiated Official Plan Amendment.

TAKE that this is aattend Municipally initiatedmeeting Official Plan Amendment.

ANY NOTE PERSON may the public and/or make written or oral submissions either in support of or in opposition to the above item.

In the event that you are to attend the meeting butofwish submit written ANY PERSON may attend the public meeting and/or make writtenunable or oral submissions either in support or in to oppocomments, please ensure that your comments are provided to the Planning and Development Department's sition to the above item. In the event that you are unable to attend the meeting but wish to submit written comments, office ensure (285 County #44) prior to the day the meeting. please that yourRoad comments are provided to theofPlanning and Development Department's office (285 County Road #44) prior to the day of the meeting.

IF YOU WISH TO BE NOTIFIED of the decision of The Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville on the proposed amendment, youofmust make a written request toofThe ofproposed the Municipality of IF YOU WISHofficial TO BE plan NOTIFIED of the decision The Corporation of the Municipality NorthCorporation Grenville on the offi cial plan amendment, you must make a written request to The Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville.

North Grenville.

IF OROR PUBLIC BODY wouldwould otherwise have an have ability an to appeal decisionthe of The Corporation of Corporation the IFAAPERSON PERSON PUBLIC BODY otherwise ability the to appeal decision of The of Municipality of NorthofGrenville to the Local Appeal Tribunal but theTribunal person or but public does or notpublic make oral the Municipality North Grenville toPlanning the Local Planning Appeal thebody person body does not submissions a public meeting make written submissions The Corporation of thetoMunicipality of North Grenville make oral at submissions at aorpublic meeting or make to written submissions The Corporation of the Municipality before the Grenville by-law is passed, or public body isthe notperson entitled or to appeal decision. of North beforethe theperson by-law is passed, public the body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submission to IF A PERSON OR PUBLIC BODY does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written The Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not submission to The Corporation of the Municipality of North Grenville before the by-law is passed, the person or be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so. unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the application will be made available to members of the public when reADDITIONAL INFORMATION application will be made available to members ofduring the public when quested.

For more information aboutregarding this matter,the contact the Acting Director in one of the following manners requested.

For more information about this matter, contact the Acting Director in one of the following manners regular business hours from Monday to Friday:

during regular business hours from Monday to Friday: By mail Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road #44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

By e-mail amartin@northgrenville.on.ca

By phone 613-258-9569 x 118

DATEDAT AT THE OF OF NORTH GRENVILLE THIS 20th DAY JANUARY, 2021. th DAY DATED THEMUNICIPALITY MUNICIPALITY NORTH GRENVILLE THIS 20OF OF JANUARY, 2021.

SIGNED: SIGNED:

______Original Signed_______ Signed_______ ______Original Amy Martin, Acting Directorof ofPlanning Planning and and Development Amy Martin, Acting Director Development Box 130, Kemptville,Ontario OntarioK0G K0G 1J0 1J0 POPO Box 130, Kemptville, Fax: (613) 258-1441 Fax: (613) 258-1441

NOTE: agencies submittedtotothe thePlanning Planning and Development NOTE:AllAll agenciesare arerequested requestedtotohave have their their comments comments submitted and Development De-Department’s officeoffi by thanthan Friday, February 5, 5th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. partment’s ceno bylater no later Friday, February 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Support Small Support L cal Shannon Lever

Marketing Consultant

Phone 613.791.8317 Email: shannonlever@ndtimes.ca 12

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The North Grenville Times

The Food Corner

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Contributes 5. French for "State" 9. Disguises 14. Casino game 15. Pipe 16. Small islands 17. Cheater 19. Appearance 20. Bog hemp 21. Juicy yellow pear 23. Type of sailboat 25. Go-between 28. Beam 29. Record (abbrev.)

32. Arch of the foot 33. 3 in Roman numerals 34. Mother 35. Pot

36. An elongated leather strip 38. Not fully closed 39. Require 40. Biblical boat 41. Exert vigorously 43. Arrive (abbrev.)

44. Cry of disgust 45. Resembling death 46. Tardily 48. Baptize 50. German iris 54. Districts 55. An administrative official 57. Inclined 58. Blend 59. Killer whale 60. Trifling 61. Feudal worker 62. Food from animals

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Moving along with soups, how about a Seafood Chowder? I made up a batch last Friday and it was goooood! We brought some over to our great neighbours, Doreen and Greg, and they said it was goooood! Once again, this is a very simple recipe with one simple rule: ensure that your fish and seafood is fresh or freshly thawed. Preparing it is a bit of a social event, with family members crowding around. Accompany this Chowder with an impertinent little Chardonnay and some fresh bread (for dipping).

Paul’s Seafood Chowder Ingredients: 2 cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup 2 cups of milk 2 pieces of any white fish, preferably haddock 1 piece of salmon, or one tin of canned salmon 12 large shrimp cut into pieces 12 large scallops, cut into quarters 1 can of potatoes (or if you prefer, boil your own; I’m just lazy) 1 small can of smoked oysters 1 small can of smoked mussels 1 can of clams 1 cup of grated cheese (whatever you have left in the fridge: last Friday, I used some old cheddar and a bit of limburger) Salted butter to fry the fish and seafood Black pepper and if you have some Cajun Spice, otherwise use Cayenne Pepper Preparation: 1. Open the two cans of soup and place in a soup pot with the 2 cups of milk. Turn on low heat to start the warming process. Wisk to break up the lumps.

2. Wash the fish thoroughly, then soak in cold water with a healthy splash of lemon or lime juice for a half hour while you are doing other stuff; then separate them into separate dishes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Wash the shrimp and scallops and place the pieces into separate dishes; also pat them dry.

4. Open up the cans of smoked oysters, mussels and clams (and salmon, if you are using the canned variety instead of fresh or fresh frozen).

5. Drain the clams, keeping the juice; pour the juice into your soup mix.

6. Open up the can of potatoes, keeping the juice; also pour the juice into your soup mix.

Quarter the potatoes and drop them into your mix.

7. Melt a dollop of butter in a pan until almost blackened: drop the white fish in and cook for a couple of minutes, dusting with Cajun spice or Cayenne; then break up the fish and empty the contents of the pan into the soup mix.

8. Repeat with the salmon (if fresh), but with no spices, and then over and over again separately with the shrimp, scallops, and clams; everything gets dropped into the soup mix.

9. Bring up your heat under your soup pot soup, but don’t boil; add your grated cheese and let it melt into the mixture.

10. Now rinse your oysters and mussels to remove the oil and drop them into the soup. If you are using canned salmon, do the same.

11. Very gently stir your soup until you have the beautiful thick mixture of a Chowder.

I hope you enjoy this delightful and easy to make Chowder. Please let me know how it went at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

DOWN 1. At a distance 2. 20th-century art movement 3. Percussion instrument 4. Lobbied 5. French for "Summer" 6. A traditional headdress 7. Beside 8. Vivaria 9. Lose 10. Pale with fright 11. Thin strip 12. Retained 13. South southeast 18. Make fun of 22. Tramped about 24. Certain sails 25. Tropical vine 26. Not outer 27. Daisylike bloom 29. Indian prince 30. Electronic letters 31. Fair 33. Bother 34. A sacrifice for one's beliefs 37. Dissertation 42. Claw 44. Spirited 45. Inner core of a tooth 46. Small goose 47. Canvas shelters 48. Algonquian Indian 49. Warmth 51. Unusual 52. Ancient Peruvian 53. Immediately 54. Mountain 56. Before, poetically

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

Easy

Hard

January 20, 2021

The Voice of North Grenville

Covid-19 outbreak declared at Kemptville Retirement Living

Medium

The Health Unit is working with Kemptville Retirement Living to manage a COVID-19 outbreak. One staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. Enhanced infection control measures under the Long-Term Care Home Act have been put in place to manage the outbreak and are being monitored by the Health Unit.

Kemptville Retirement Living Inc. Issued the following statement: “We are working diligently with health authorities, staff members and residents to ensure the safety of all concerned. Our team members are working dedicatedly and with total commitment to contain this outbreak, and we are so proud of their continuous efforts. Residents are committed to respecting and following all protocols, and we appreciate their patience during this difficult time. We have also received tremendous support from all our family members”.

“Along with the increase in local cases of COVID-19, this outbreak serves as a reminder to the community to continue to be COVID-SMART,” says Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to self-isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms and get tested, wear a mask or face covering when you cannot maintain a distance of 2 metres from others, and to practice regular hand hygiene.”

After an outbreak is declared, we do not report on further cases or status of cases. The facility is responsible for the information about their staff and residents, so they decide whether to release personal information. Data about cases in Long-Term Care and Retirement homes can be found here.

The best way to get reliable information about COVID-19 is by visiting the COVID-19 section of our website. Please call the Health Unit if you have any questions at 1-800-6605853 from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day. You can also get important public health updates about COVID-19 by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, self-isolate at home and then use Ontario’s SelfAssessment Tool. Information about local COVID-19 assessment centres is available by visiting our Assessment, Testing and Results page.

Visit Ontario’s website, www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Solution to last week’s Crossword

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

OPEN FOR TAKE OUT 613-258-6821 2794 County Rd 43, Kemptville

Canadian . Italian . Chinese

20%

off p iz betw za orde red een 1 1 &3 a pm. m

FOR TAKE OUT ONLY

FOR TAKE OUT ONLY

FOR TAKE OUT ONLY

OPEN

Weekly 11 am - 8 pm January 20, 2021

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Open For Business Support Local, now more than ever!

Menu #45

613.860.2539 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

www.dialachef.ca

MONDAY JANUARY 25

In celebration of Robbie Burns 262nd Birthday. $30.00 plus HST and delivery Cock a leeky soup Homemade haggis with whiskey sauce, Mash turnips and potatoes Taffy pudding, butterscotch sauce.

Tuesday January 26 1- Roast beef with sweet potato gratin, .vegetables.

2- Sweet potato gratin, endive spinach and radicchio salad.

Wednesday January 27 1- Roast chicken with glazed carrots and onions, braised Belgium endives.

2- Belgium endive gratin in Swiss cheese sauce, Romaine hearts, Avocado vinaigrette.

Thursday January 28 1- Roasted pork tenderloin, pan jus, roasted root vegetable and potatoes.

2- Roasted root vegetables & Oka cheese melt Feuilleté. Winter green .Friday January 29 1- Spicy tuna steak atop white wine braised fennel, Basmati rice.

2- Aubergine and goat cheese quiche, Boston Bib mimosa.

Cold day? Have s soup to go with your meal, 8oz, $5.00 plus HST. This week :Cock a leekie soup

Sunday February 14,

a special dinner with food supposedly to have an aphrodisiac effect…

Although if I cannot guaranty the results, I can guaranty a very good dinner.

Fennel and oyster velouté Seared beef tenderloin, Ginger & madeira demi glace Mushroom stuffed artichoke, glazed carrots, roasted sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon Gianduja Chocolate and pistachio terrine, custard sauce.

Now the question is: Who will get out of bed to do the dishes? $90.00 per couple plus HST and delivery.

Family Day brunch,

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

January 20, 2021

Order & Pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca

613-324-3136

$37.50 Complete Meal for 2 + HST $70.00 Complete Meal for 4 + HST All Family meals include Chef's choice of Soup OR salad, Appropriate Side Dishes & Dessert.

Butter Chicken

Boneless Chicken in Mildly Spiced Tomato Cream Sauce, Basmati Rice, Samosas & Cilantro Chutney 1 per person, Naan Bread & Curried Lentil Soup

Tuscan Braised Beef

Tender beef in Rich Braising Redux Sauce, Creamy Tomato Mascarpone Pasta, Garlic Ciabatta, Vegetables & Salad

Catered Affairs Chinese Take out

Sweet & Sour Chicken balls, Ginger Soy Glazed Vegetables & Beef, Fried Rice, Eggrolls (1per person), Plum Sauce & Wonton Soup

Apple, Bacon, & Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops

Pan Seared Pork Loin, Rosemary Roasted Mushrooms, Butter Mashed Potatoes, Pan Gravy, Vegetables & Salad

Southwestern Chicken Stew

Shredded All-White Meat, Black Beans, Sweet Corn, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Cilantro, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar, Lime, House Fried Corn Chips, & Salad

Robbie Burns Dinner

$25.00 per person Available Monday Jan 25th ONLY Order by Jan 22 (limited quantity) Haggis, Tatties & Neeps, Cock-a-leekie Soup & Tipsy Laird (trifle)

Catered Affairs Take Home Valentine’s Day Menu

613.258.3014

Snow Removal - Small Driveways, Walkways & Steps - Decks

Tues Jan 26th - Fri Jan 29th.

Please Preorder the day before for next day pick up.

Monday February 15th Croissant, muffins, Blueberry pancake with apple syrup, Maple glazed ham, Home fries, Berry and banana smoothie, Fruit skewer, scrambled eggs atop tomate fondue. $30.00 Plus HST and delivery 15

Saturday Feb 13th & Sunday Feb 14th 12- 4pm $75.00 per couple . Child size mac n cheese available $10.00 or $40 for 4 SOUP: Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato With Toasted Pepitas & Herb Oil SALAD: Heart Beet Salad With Local Greens, Pickled Beets, Pomegranate Pearls & Green Goddess Dressing MAIN EVENT: Choice of Herb roasted Beef Tenderloin (Gluten Free) for 2 With Cabernet Sauvignon Reduction. Served with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Medley Inside Out Chicken Cordon Bleu for 2 Juicy Pan Seared Chicken Breast, Ham, Cheese, Roasted Garlic Breadcrumbs & Creamy Dijon Sauce, Truffled Mashed Potatoes & Vegetable Medley Asparagus & Goat Cheese Flan (Vegetarian) (single portion available) Dessert: Choice of each feeds 2 Honey Creme Brulee or Flourless Chocolate Cake with berries & coulis Gift someone a “night off from the kitchen”...Gift Certificates for Curbside meals are available!

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When People are Down

by Jim Bertram As a new year dawns, we are all aware of the various unpleasant aspects of the year just past. In addition to the various challenges we perceive, and must face up to on a regular basis, has been added the additional scourge of a very serious pandemic.

One just never really knows all that life has in store for us, either as individuals or as a group or society.

Individuals are always confronted with organizing their lives as a consequence of the challenges which present themselves. Normally, these are interspersed with better times, and life can be very agreeable. In times such as these though, Covid-19 and all that it entails as an influence on our lives bends that alternating curve of life experience decidedly downwards. Illness, danger, worry, and economic pres-

sures are some of the factors which we must face to a heightened degree on the personal level. To say nothing of separation from loved ones; from friends; from preferred activities.

We all share in the difficulties which afflict our country and our community right now. I hope most of my fellow residents of North Grenville are successfully coping in what seems to be a war of sorts. As we are all aware, medical workers and other emergency response personnel are literally putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to fend off Covid-19 and save as many lives as they can. And individual citizens are trying to comply with temporary limits on their activities in a group effort to work together to beat this awful scourge. Well done!

Yet, while we all share in the negative features imposed

by Covid-19 and its ill effects,

and join our neighbours in the common fight, are there other, further measures which we might take as individuals? Imagine a situation in which, owing to the complex of problems which Covid imposes, some of our fellowresidents of North Grenville were running short of food.

Not because it’s not available in stores. It obviously is. But, rather, because their financial resources do not allow for them to nourish themselves and their families as well as they should, because of the financial challenges of the effects of Covid. This is a real problem, which has apparently grown more serious in the last nine months. It’s a devastating problem which, for too many of our people, comes on top of all of the other challenges imposed by Covid.

At the same time, though, there are solutions. Solu-

tions which lie within our individual power to effect.

At least one of those lies directly within our hands, if we choose to act. That act is the contribution of food to the local food bank. My approach is to make regular donations to the local food bank through the Salvation Army. The local Knights of Columbus, and some other organisations also, participate in supplying food banks. While there may be other food drop-off points, a very convenient Salvation Army drop-off is to be found at the front of the B&H grocery store on Rideau Street.

The collective effect of our community’s generosity was very apparent over the Christmas and New Year period, at which time the B&H drop-off box was filled to overflowing. Further contributions had to be placed in cardboard boxes beside the overfilled main drop-off

1000 Hours Outside Project

by Joselyn Morley You may have heard people talking about being outside for 1000 hours, and thought them possibly somewhat extreme. Who on earth wants to stay outside for 1000 hours. And why?

1000 hours is a long time!

It's the 1000 Hours Outside Movement. The core goal of the movement is to get kids outside for 1000 hours a year.

You just did some quick mental math there.... didn't you? Broken down equally, 1000 hours a year breaks down to 2.7 hours a day, or 19.2 hours a week. Most families trying this aim for about four to six hours a day, three to four days a week.

1000 Hours Outside is a global movement, based on an effort to match the time spent outside with the time the average American Child spends in front of a screen. Statistically, the Average American Child spends roughly 1200 hours January 20, 2021

a year in front of a screen.

This is a pre-pandemic statistic. Children learn in nature. Being outside, playing, helps children develop on all levels: physically, socially, academically, and emotionally. The founders of the movement, Ginny and Josh Yurich, maintain "that nature - big beautiful, bountiful nature - is the absolute and very BEST reprieve for you and your children." Ginny and Josh have five children under twelve, and live in Southeast Michigan. They started their movement after questioning why they saw so few children at city, country, and state parks, or at trails and campsites.

The emphasis of the movement is on Nature Play: free time in nature.

Children will seek out learning opportunities on their own given the chance.

You can get downloadable tracker sheets on the website, and read others' experiences of their time outside as they try to em-

Send in your letters to the editor to

brace this lifestyle. There are plenty of tips there too, such as "How to Find the Hidden Nature Gems Near You," and information on the benefits of free time in nature, such as how good sunlight is for your mental health.

For many people, even contemplating spending 1000 hours a year outside is laughable, and seems unattainable. So, if you haven't spent much time outside recently, maybe pick a small goal, maybe an hour a day.

Or a half hour. Or fifteen.....

At its core, this challenge is totally grounded in privilege. This is not going to happen if you are working two jobs, kids in daycare from open-to-close, big-city-highrise life. This is a judgment-free zone: I've been there. It requires a privileged life to be able to spend four to six hours a day, three to four days a week.

Nevertheless, the fundamental premise of this challenge, is that kids thrive outside. Adults thrive outside too, although this challenge started as a way to emphasize the benefits to children of learning outside.

Maybe there should be a 365 Hours Outside Challenge. Just spend an hour outside every day.

Check out the project online at: 1000hoursoutside.com There are many groups on social media as well.

editor@ngtimes.ca

The Voice of North Grenville

container. Super! I hope that other centres were also generously laden, over-laden even.

What I hope will happen is that, during this period of extreme difficulty, we will continue to take a moment on a regular basis and spend a little extra to help someone else out in such an important

way. For some of us at least, it’s a relatively easy thing to do. Let’s relieve some of the painful effects of Covid in this way. Thank you in advance for reflecting on this. And all the best to you all as the year evolves.

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

New Waste, Recycling, and Organics Program Begins February 1st 2021 Green bins & waste guides will be delivered to each household between January 18 & 27.

Be sure to look inside!

Visit NGrecycles.ca for more information.

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