Issue 38 2020 September 23 NG Times

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol 8, NO 38

Sept 23, 2020

Local memorial hockey fund looking for applicants

Marty at a national game where they won the championship

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by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Marty Brayman Kids Hockey Fund is looking for children to sponsor for this year’s hockey season. The Fund was created in memory of Marty Brayman, a North Grenville native and Master Corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces, who was tragically killed in September last year.

Marty was an avid hockey player in Kemptville ever since he was little, eventually playing on the Kemptville 73’s team and continuing into his time in the military.

“It was a huge part of his

life,” says Marty’s father, Joel Brayman. To honour his legacy, Marty’s family and friends set the goal of raising $32,000 to sponsor a child’s hockey career, one who might not otherwise get the chance to play the sport. To their surprise, in under a month they raised close to $50,000, with money pouring in from all over the world. “It was incredible,” Joel says.

Because they raised so much money so quickly, they decided to sponsor three kids to play hockey last year. Their goal is to fund a child’s hockey costs for several years, to make sure they feel supported and are able to get the full

experience of playing hockey in Kemptville.

“For us, I think it’s psychologically really important for kids to know they have some support and that it’s not just going to end,” Joel says. “Marty played it for so long, and it was such a huge part of his life, we wanted to make sure we had that sort of longer-term view of how this would work.”

Since last year, the donations have continued to pour in, and the Fund has now raised close to $70,000 to help local boys and girls play hockey. Joel says they are in the middle of building a website; but, at the moment,

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people can apply for the sponsorship by emailing him directly at joel.brayman@ gmail.com. They are also still welcoming donations to the fund, and are even looking at setting up a subscription so people can sign up to donate on a yearly basis. “We’ve got a lot of things that are going to happen in the very near future,” Joel says.

Marty was loved by many and was one of those people who made friends wherever he went. One of Marty’s friends from high school, Krystal O’Farrell, described him as a gift. “He fit in with everyone, or if someone didn’t particularly fit in, he took it upon himself to make sure they felt like they had a friend,” she said in a message to Marty’s family.

Dan Corkery, one of Marty’s best friends, who is also involved with the Fund, says that it is the perfect way to honour Marty. He would love to see the Fund grow into something substantial that would be able to help kids play hockey while making sure Marty’s legacy lives on.

“He would think it was really amazing,” he says. “Even if he was alive, he would have done what he could to get something like this going. It really is perfect for Marty’s memory.”

To donate go to www. chuffed.org and search The Marty Brayman Kids Hockey Fund.

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Someone turns 60 this month.

Can you guess who it is?

Reopening schools safely matters to everyone That’s why the government of Ontario has worked with health officials, school boards and educators to develop a comprehensive plan to keep kids and staff safe.

• Physical distancing measures will be implemented such as desk separation, signs, floor markings and one-way hallways.

Send in your guess to production@ngtimes.ca or call 613 215 0735, for your chance to receive a $60 gift certificate from a local business. Draw will take place last day of the month.

• Face coverings will be required for staff and students in Grades 4-12.

North Grenville looks north to process organic waste

• Hand hygiene will be enabled with hand sanitizer and hand washing.

• More nurses will be in schools.

by Hilary Thomson

• School cleaning will be enhanced.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

North Grenville is in the process of finding a processor to take the Municipality’s organic waste. At the council meeting on September 1, council passed a resolution to enter into a contract with Emterra Environmental to carry out waste management in the Municipality. This includes a new organic waste program that will be available to all North Grenville residents, both rural and urban.

Although the new contract with Emterra will start on November 1, the organic waste pick-up will be implemented after the Municipality is able to provide some education to the public about what it is and how it works.

Some residents are not happy about the idea of organic waste pick up, either because they already compost themselves, or they don’t want to pay more for bag tags to fund the program.

Councillor John Barclay, who has been working on the waste management file for over a year, says that, according to their waste audits, about 50% of the garbage in North Grenville is organic waste. This means that with the implementation of the organics program, residents should be able to decrease the amount of garbage they put

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Sept. 23, 2020

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out by half. “Even if the cost of the bag tag goes up by a buck, the average household should see some savings in putting out fewer bags,” Councillor Barclay said.

He also noted that there are lots of things, like animal products and dairy, that you can’t compost in your backyard, but which the green bin program is set up to accept.

“People might struggle during the winter in terms of compositing,” he adds. “They might compost in the shoulder seasons, the spring and the fall, but over the winter they might use the green bin.”

Councillor Kristin Strackerjan has also been working on the file for over a year.

She spearheaded composting workshops in 2019 and facilitated the distribution of around 70 free compost bins in the community. As a result of these workshops, they found that there was an appetite in North Grenville for diverting organic waste out of the regular garbage.

Through the workshop and staff’s municipal waste audit, they also found out how many people, even in the rural areas, weren’t compositing. Kristin says that this new organic waste program will give those who are not comfortable composting another option. She also mentioned that the province is indicating that organic waste will

be banned from regular garbage disposal in the next few years. “It’s not going to be the solution for everybody; but it’s going to be the solution for the majority of people,” she said.

Staff have been working hard at finding a good destination for North Grenville’s organic waste. Earlier this year, they identified the possibility of entering a contract with the City of Ottawa to have them process our organic waste with their own.

According to the CBC, the City is currently in a 20-year contract with Convertus.

The potential contract has been rubber stamped

by Ottawa’s standing committee on environmental protection, water and waste management, as they see some significant fiscal and environmental benefits to the deal. However, it still has to be passed by Ottawa City Council, hopefully this week.

Councillor Barclay says that, should the deal be approved, it will be a very good thing for North Grenville’s organic waste management program.

“This piggy backing on the Ottawa contract is a real feather in the cap for staff and Public Works, because it certainly makes the green bin program a lot easier to manage, and there are some cont'd on page 3

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"No Job Too Small"

North Grenville in good standing, despite COVID-19 North Grenville CAO, Gary Dyke, presented a detailed report to council at their meeting last week, outlining the impact of COVID-19 on the Municipality. He reported that the Municipality was able to mobilize quite quickly to address the pandemic. The provincial emergency orders were declared on March 25, and by April 3 staff were before council with recommendations on cost mitigation and the projected impacts on the organization. The CAO said that, at the time, they didn’t know whether they would receive any support funding from upper tiers of government, and they felt it was important to have their own cost containment strategy to keep the pandemic from affecting both the current and future budget.

Staff was able to control costs by modifying their operating budget and redirecting capital investment funds. As a result, council authorized the creation of the COVID-19 Cost Containment Plan and Reserve Fund, which saw $400,000 from the operating budget and $966,730 from the capital investment fund reallocated to address costs and revenue loss due to COVID-19. “[This] created a fund of around $1.4 million that allowed us to deal with COVID-19 as it comes at us, without having to significantly alter other aspects of our essential services,” CAO Dyke said.

As predicted, the Municipality has suffered some financial loss due to COVID-19. CAO Dyke’s report projects a net revenue loss of $266,960 by the end of the year due to the closure and/ or modification of the operation of municipal recreation facilities, like the rinks at the Municipal Centre and the Kemptville pool. There were also some expenses incurred due to the pandemic, which include the small business support program, the creation of a marketing plan, advertising and communications, increased custodial staff, IT improvements, PPE, security and transportation.

The cost of all these COVID19-related expenses added up to $512,553 at the end of August.

With the net losses and expenses to the Municipality, the total unbudgeted impact on the community is around $780,000. CAO Dyke said at the meeting that this number is not insignificant, seeing as each $100,000 increase in the budget relates to a 1% increase in the tax rate. “To come up with that money would have been a significant impact,” he said.

Like all Ontario municipalities, North Grenville received some relief funding from the Provincial Government to help them pay for COVID-19-related costs.

Based on a per household allocation, North Grenville received a one-time payment of $434,000 as part of this program. With the money set aside in the Municipality’s

cont'd significant [cost] savings too,” he said.

Director of Public Works, Karen Dunlop, says that this contract with the City of Ottawa is just one possibility that staff will be bringing back to council in October.

“The idea is that we will have a contract with the City of Ottawa to utilize the processing facility they use, should it be accepted and be the most reasonable option for North

Grenville,” she said.

John Barclay is very proud of the work of municipal staff, like Engineering Technologist Brandon Shipman, who has worked hard at finding the best option for waste management in the Municipality. “I’m really proud of the Public Works Department, because they got ahead of the curve on this,” he said. “I feel very positive about it.”

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sept.23, 2020

own COVID-19 Response Fund, and the funding from the province, the Municipality is more than able to offset both the revenue loss and costs due to the pandemic, without any affect on the tax rate. The CAO says the Reserve Fund can also be used to offset future COVID-19 costs and losses, as they head into 2021. “[We are] probably looking at being able to return a significant portion back into the Capital Fund that we took it from,” he said.

He also mentioned that staff is aware that the $434,000 they received from the province is just the first phase of COVID-19 relief funding, and that they are in the process of preparing the documentation needed to take advantage of the next funding envelope. “I can’t overstate my gratitude to staff and council with respect to the way we handled the situation,” Gary said. “Because of the early hard lifting that was done at the staff level, and with the cooperation and direction we received from

council, we’re well positioned to maintain a very positive response to COVID-19, as we go through the balance of 2020 and into 2021, without any significant impacts on our operations and on the community as we provide our service levels going forward.”

All members of council expressed their gratitude for the way the CAO led the Municipality through the beginning stages of the pandemic.

“It was a team effort, and that can only happen when the team is led by somebody with your calibre and what you’ve brought to this municipality,” said Councillor Kristin Strackerjan.

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Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

In spite of all the danger

by David Shanahan Surrounded as we are by bad news, dangers to our health, physical and economic, and all the daft conspiracy theories taking over from rational thinking, North Grenville is actually doing rather well these days.

The Chief Administrative Officer [CAO] of North Grenville, Gary Dyke, has presented a Report to council reviewing the status of the municipality in terms of administrative development, growth, and finances.

In a 45-page document, the CAO covered a range of topics, such as Budget Development & Management, the Council Work Plan, Organizational Changes and Initiatives, and an Update on Covid-19's impact on the financial situation in the municipality. [There is a separate report on that aspect of the Report elsewhere in

this issue).

The 2019/2020 – CAO Municipal Operational Report places the emphasis on the responsibility of council and municipal staff to consult with residents and make room for community input.

Gary Dyke has made some significant changes to both the personnel and job descriptions of senior staff, as well as to the format and reporting of council meetings. This has an impact on staff and their work environment.

“It is important that we create an environment that will facilitate and value the input that we receive from the community; this information will play a vital role in the development of our business planning and budget process”, he says in the Report. “ We will make every effort to ensure that we have ongoing engagement opportunities for a meaningful impact on the future of North Grenville.”

The Report deals with the changes in personnel since the CAO arrived in North Grenville. We have a new Chief Administrative Officer; Director of Finance/ Treasurer; Municipal Clerk; and Deputy Treasurer. That’s quite a turnover of personnel for a municipality of this size. But there is a perceptible improvement in morale, as far as can be judged from the outside.

Much of the Report deals with the financial sector of municipal operations, and it is, generally speaking, a good news story. “The focus on our new process is to maximize meaningful public engagement and information sharing as part of the budget development process. To this end, public budget information sessions were held in the community and a new ‘Budget Information Book’ was developed that explained the municipal budget in a

manner easily understood by the public.”

The 2019 Financial Update contained the fact that “2019 resulted in a traditional surplus reported excess of revenue over expenditure of approximately $436,000".

This result came largely, says the Report, from better than expected revenues from investment, while supplemental taxes contributed an additional $262,000. “Waste diversion and landfill generated approximately $182,000 in additional revenues and ice rentals were higher than expected at $133,000. Administration, wages and honorarium expenses were also down $257,000. These excesses were offset by a shortfall on building permit revenue of approximately $205,000, combined with an operating excess expenditure at the College of approximately $382,000. Other expense overages included: $62,000

road aggregates, $48,000 in waste tipping, $40,000 of unbudgeted insurance expenses, and $25,000 for tax write-offs. The balance of the excess was related to miscellaneous unbudgeted operating and capital revenue and expense savings.

2019 Water & Wastewater resulted in a traditional surplus reported excess of revenue over expenditure of approximately $1.39M.” All in all, a very positive Report by a CAO who has gained quite a good reputation with council, staff, and the public. Now, in the recent past, this paper has been accused of being “the mouthpiece” of this council. Of course, we’ve also been called “the Pravda of North Grenville”. I’m not sure where that leaves us; but, assuming that mayor and council can stand up for the people of NG over the proposed prison, for or

against, successfully or not, then I think credit where credit is due. Those of us who remember some previous mayors and councils can only appreciate a change for the better.

The world is in a pretty bad state right now. Autocratic regimes may be creeping into North America, and unacceptable numbers of people are dying every day from a pandemic we seem unable to overcome. But let’s, for now at least, focus on some positives. Cynicism and caution may have its place, but where there’s reason to be, let’s remain positive and try, as the cliché goes, to be the answer we seek. Or is that too naive for this generation?

I hope that the upcoming consultations will go a long way to reducing prejudices and fears to a more realistic and acceptable level. I also have the apparently futile hope that it may disabuse those who seem convinced that this development is the beginning of a downward slide into a totalitarian state presided over by a Fascist dictatorship. It would be nice to think that we’re all grown up enough to realize that a democratically elected government has to make some decisions which will not be universally well received.

Jails are a fact of life, regardless of our opinion of them, and this one is desperately needed. There are those who would prefer to see a development of what they perceive as being more socially acceptable. How about a Trump Resort with casino and golf course? That wouldn’t be at all controversial.

Pippa Wright

Dear Editor Re: The New Prison Many times recently I've heard it said that since the province owns the land, they can do anything they want with it. I don't think that is quite true. When I owned a piece of land I could not sever or build without approval of the Health Unit and Rideau Valley Conservation. Then, of course, there is the requirement for a building permit.

Any of these three departments could have prevented me from building on my own land. Doesn't the province need these approvals?

I would prefer that the prison not be built at the planned location because this is good agricultural land.

True, it is not being used now, but if it is covered with construction it can never be used.

Who knows what Ontario's food production needs will be in the future? Will we have to keep importing more?

That brings to mind a song - We don't know what we've got till it's gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Jean Hartjes, Kemptville

Dear Editor, I have had the privilege and opportunity as owner of a small Company headquartered in Kemptville to offer 'community relations programs' in over 200 rural Communities from Quebec to British Columbia over the past 20+ years. I have observed the culture around 'jail towns' over these years, and would initially make these observations: in my opinion, jails only operate successfully in proximity to a city, where the negative impact can be better dissipated over a larger population, or even better in a remote location; and secondly, the impact of placing jails close to small communities is significant - namely to schools, crime rates, real estate values, policing, and the overall negative effect on the 'sense of community' generally experienced as an attractive asset in smaller rural communities. All one needs to do is to ask the local folks in these locales. They would tell you that any community

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, May I comment upon the correspondence regarding the proposed Kemptville Jail and in particular the provocative use of the words “shocked”, “shaken” and “horrified”.

There was the alarmist implication that a “community safety zone” could be violated, creating an unexplained danger to the school children and hospital staff within this zone. Are we to imagine this as being a threat by marauding and desperate escapees from the (secure) Jail? One must assume that the authors of these letters avoided visiting Kingston prior to the closure of the Penitentiary and never visit Brockville where presumably there is the ever present spectre of the schools and hospital besieged by roaming paedophiles, rapists and other assorted criminals (with apologies to the people of Brockville).

I worked as a Nurse in a Hospital close to a High Security 800 male occupant prison. We frequently had prisoners admitted as patients,

after all, they too suffer and require hospital treatment.

As a young nurse, the only downside to nursing these men was the occasional belligerence from the minority of Correctional Officers who inevitably accompanied these particular patients. I went on to work as a Community Nurse in the residential area immediately outside of the prison and never experienced any fear or anxiety due to its proximity.

Years later, I found myself and my two young sons living close to a 900 male inmate Maximum Security prison, the occupants being those serving life sentences for crimes such as terrorism and murder. The only disruption to our lives was the odd traffic delay due to armoured and armed convoys taking prisoners to and from court appearances.

Correctional facilities are occupied by sons, fathers, brothers and increasingly, grandfathers. There is a requirement to situate them in our, and their, communities,

without resorting to unpleasant “Nimbyism” (Not In My Back Yard). The positive aspect of this proposal is the creation of employment both in the short and long term for the local area and the accompanying boost to the local economy. A Jail is a long term project. Brockville Jail has been a constant employer since 1842, rather more employment security than Hershey in Smith Falls?

Perhaps this state of the art facility will prove a benchmark standard for the rest of Canada, with spinoff employment in the Correctional Services Training Development sector, and creation of Best Practice models?

While we are considering the safety of our own community, perhaps a thought should be given to the safety of the inmates and staff of current facilities. My understanding is that such is the state of overcrowding, disrepair and antiquity, both staff and occupants are at unacceptably high risk from stress and physical and psychological injury.

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Editor David Shanahan david@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

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Accounting cfo@ngtimes.ca 613-215-0735

cont'd on page 5

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TIMES

Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

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letters cont'd benefits to a prison project like this are much more than offset by the negatives in their communities.

Please don't get me wrong. We need jails, and, arguably, maybe even more of them. But this is an unwise decision produced by a desperately flawed process. We already have a Federal government looking more like a kakistocracy every day; let's not operate our Province and Municipality the same way.

Remember, EVERYTHING rises and falls on leadership.

Folks, we deserve better than this. Let's get to work, do our research, and end this project before it begins.

Mark Fowke, Kemptville Hello Mr Clark, I am sure there is a need for more space. I don't think Kemptville is the right place.

Kemptville is a small town without the support cities like Brockville and Ottawa have.

There is no town police force to assist with transfers to and from court or hospital. You often see Brockville police at the hospital transporting people in handcuffs at all hours of the night in emergency from the prison to be assessed. We have the OPP who cover a large area, who already can take 20-30 minutes to respond if they travel a great distance.

We don't need them transferring to court or hospitals.

The courts are in Ottawa and Brockville; the overflow should be closer to a city. Just think of all the wasted time and fossil fuel and man hours in just driving. That is one of the biggest complaints from people who move out here from Ottawa, the cost of fuel and time driving. They find out once they do it for a month or two. So much for reducing carbon footprint. Also, the hospital in Kemptville has less staff and services in the evenings and weekends than the city hospitals do. Or maybe increase their funding to provide any extra service the new facility may put upon them. Kemptville has no services for reintegration into society; no John Howard Society support groups for mental health. How will day parole work? You would have to drive into Ottawa, as there is nothing to do in Kemptville.

Those services are in Ottawa.

Since the facility will be built in a field on the edge of town, will it have well and septic, or will there be funding to upgrade Kemptville’s water and sewer to meet the needs of the new facility? And the Sept.23, 2020

announced name: Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex - someone in Toronto has not looked at a map. Kemptville is not part of the Greater Ottawa area. Ottawa will benefit more from this overflow facility. It's like naming the Kemptville Hospital the Ottawa Hospital south campus.

At this time, the only people seen benefitting are lawyers charging mileage to their clients for time to and from Ottawa when meeting with them out of town. Just the long term cost of gas and man hours chauffeuring should make you rethink the site.

D Lewis Mr. Clark, I hope you might be able to provide answers to the following questions that relate to the "controversial announcement" of a "new correctional facility" (maximum security jail), for the Kemptville Campus of the University of Guelph. For clarity, I understand the proposal is to build this facility on what is now called "College Road", the western extension of "Dangerfield Road", (a road the Government of the day, in the early seventies, severed with the construction of Highway 416). As I understand the announcement to date, this would put the facility on the "Farm Site" of the Kemptville College Campus, utilizing the "agricultural and research land" on the north side of the stated road.

My first question, is "Why did the Government pick this site"?

Secondly, the proposed institution will only house persons convicted of "Provincial Offences", which, by contrast to "Criminal Offences", gives a different context to the term "maximum security", correct? Would you be so kind as to explain that difference? My Provincial elementary and secondary school education on such basic matters of citizen rights, obligations, the topics of "humanities" and "sociology", did not seem to make a sufficient impact to continue residency within my grey matter. (Yes, I realize that this is actually question two and three - counting learned during my Provincial education did seem to stick).

Third, and more to the issue of potential location for a Provincial "correctional institution" is, who owns the land of the former "Burritt's Rapids Correctional Institution"?

You may recall, this was the local institution which the Provincial Government of the

day (early 2000), decided to close and tear down. Is that property not still in the hands of the Crown, and therefore could be regarded as "once a correctional institution land use, appropriately continue as correctional institution land use"? Why destroy other good agricultural land and research facilities for land use the Government already holds elsewhere (read history and registered use)? Doesn't using the Burritt's Rapids site but a few miles away make sense? A few miles away from all the things the North Grenville residents have expressed concern and displeasure with?

Oh, my apologies, I just realized that using the Burritt's Rapids site is not in your constituency.

With dwindling respect for politicians, I remain, alive, upright and a taxpaying person.

Ron Patterson

the winter.

It is, again I say, beautiful, with the forest on one side, but trees along both sides. I think when I walk through the Campus: how beautiful this is for the young children who go to school there, and also the daycare, as the author of the letter states, in such pristine, inspiring settings.

The students from the other schools on Concession Road used to hike or trail-ski back through the forests; maybe still do. I used to trailski back through the forest on the trails to Bedell with little fear, until my (late) husband warned me about the inmates from Burritts Rapids coming to the College to take courses, I didn’t frighten so easily then, I guess. I kept skiing for some time after the warning, though my husband was a police officer.

Now I am afraid with the thought of this ‘penitentiary’ so close by. I agree with Ms. Roy that this “degrades North Grenville’s environment and quality of life”.

And the suggestion that we will become part of Ottawa, the Greater Ottawa Area, is also scary. Our taxes would most likely skyrocket if this happens.

Kath Piché

Dear Editor, I sympathize greatly with Veronique Roy in her excellent letter to Steve Clark, M.P.P. I have always been very fortunate to live close to the Kemptville Campus. It has always been so beautiful and well maintained, and also the surrounding areas. For many years I walked my dogs there, it was so perfect. Now I use the trails, the “Rail Trail” almost daily, but especially in

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UPDATE UPDATE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

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

UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL MEETING October 06, 2020 at 6:30 pm While members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, seating has been arranged to facilitate physical distancing and accordingly is limited. Pre-registration at clerk@northgrenville.on.ca is required. Persons arriving without pre-registering will be accommodated where there is sufficient seating capacity to permit attendance while complying with safety protocols. All attendees will be required to self-screen and masks must be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. If you require accommodation, please advise the Clerk when pre-registering so that we may best assist you.

This meeting will be live streamed at https://www.northgrenville.ca/govern/governance/agendas-and-minutes.

Comments on the agenda may be submitted to the Clerk on or before noon on the day of the meeting.

PLANNING PUBLIC MEETING – Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 pm - Proposed Zoning By-Law Amendment –Patterson’s Corners - Site-Plan–382 Townline Road, ERA Cannabis **NOTE: Those wishing to speak at the October 14, 2020 Public Meeting must pre-register with the Municipality by noon on October 14, 2020, by sending an e-mail to amartin@northgrenville. on.ca. Alternatively, members of the public can provide written submissions ahead of the Public Meeting to the same e-mail address.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Environmental Action Advisory Committee – Monday, September 28 at 4:00 pm Police Services Board – Wednesday, September 30 at 1:30 pm Community Economic Development Advisory Committee – Monday, October 5 at 3:00 pm Agriculture and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee – Tuesday, October 6 at 4:00 pm Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Thursday, October 8 at 4:00 pm **NOTE: Committee Meetings are being conducted electronically via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to participate in the meeting or have any questions, please contact the Committee Clerk (jworkman@northgrenville.on.ca) by 2:00 pm the day of the meeting for instructions to access the meeting. Any deputations can be e-mailed and will be read aloud to the Committee and will be made part of the public record.

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

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

www.NorthGrenville.ca

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Sudden Impact

by Craig Stevenson The imposition of a correction facility on Kemptville’s agricultural borderlands demands a tough and creative response from municipal officials. The suddenness of the announcement and the potential consequences for this area have left residents in shock.

Set aside for the moment thoughts of danger, and of who knew what in this development and when, and of various economic and social consequences for the area.

The truth will unfold eventually in those matters. Let us discuss what this facility will look like—because it will have a tremendous impact on the community’s character.

The south end of Kemptville bears a distinction from the north, east, and west approaches to the town. It is the one side of Kemptville that retains a smooth blend of rural and small town, and that transitions into and out of the surrounding countryside landscape in a manner that is visually pleasing. To phrase it in opposite terms, it is the one side of town whose entrance is not characterized by the jarring suddenness of

urban sprawl.

Exactly how we quantify that pleasant visual landscape is another matter altogether.

What is it worth to North Grenville, and what will be lost when it disappears or is altered significantly? Those questions are worth considering as a community—and they are essential questions for the current council to contemplate.

It’s difficult to pinpoint this council’s relationship with Kemptville’s rural south. One does, however, see signs of indifference. The Kemptville Campus project remains slow-moving and quiet considering its potential importance to the community.

By contrast, the focus on reimagining the downtown core as “Old Town Kemptville” is a fascination of some council members and their vocal acolytes that simply gets the relationship backward. Instead, the focus in the community should always have been to develop the campus as the hinge between Kemptville’s rural regional surroundings and its town core. A properly utilized campus would bring along the old downtown in its wake to provide the most

effective relationship between town and country. And yet here we are, with that rural south end under imminent threat.

Nothing indicates that the province’s decision will change. Residents will be given chances to voice their concerns, but those expressions will be constrained by what is within the realm of the possible. And council must vociferously and creatively push the limits of how it can affect this project for the betterment of the community, even if it strains its relationship with Minister Clark’s office.

First to the matter of sightlines. We have no way of knowing what built form the correctional facility will take, or how it will change the current view of the eastside farmlands as seen from the road. It may be possible to limit the footprint of the complex to an area that does not exceed the current builtup area of the farmland, and that does not rise above the treed canopy in a way that creates an ugly view out of keeping with the farm’s character. Council must make it clear to the provincial gov-

ernment that it wants input into the built character of the complex.

Second is the matter of the agricultural lands themselves.

Council must not allow the acreage to be swallowed up behind fencing. There is considerable acreage to the north and south of the farm, and council should fight hard for the option to acquire any lands that can be severed from this deal.

Third is the question of how to manage an increase in the volume of area traffic. If allowed, much of this traffic will flow through Van Buren and Prescott Streets.

This would add pressure to roads not well suited to what may be a mix of heavy equipment and delivery vehicles, and congest a direct route to schools and the hospital. By whatever means necessary— speed bumps and traffic lights at the corner of Concession and Prescott come to mind— excess prison-related traffic must be discouraged from using this route.

Finally, what of the buildings currently on the farm?

The buildings offer a pleasing agrarian view that is consistent with the buildings across

Branding and your neighbourhood jail

by Jim Bertram What would come to mind to you if I were to write the words “Big Ben”, “Eiffel Tower”, or “Jewel on the Rideau”. I’m willing to bet that you spontaneously thought: London, Paris, and Merrickville in that order. In a sense, the words cited conjured up a perception which you have for various reasons built in your mind relative to the places mentioned.

In a way, those images are part of what marketers refer to as the “brand” of those places. Branding is defined in the dictionary sense as “... the activity of connecting a product with a particular name, symbol, ...particular features or ideas...” in order to make people reflexively recognize and want to buy it. The concept has been extended beyond the domain of products to include, among other things, municipalities.

The brand, or image of a place is an important part of the overall reputation of a town or city. Much of what happens in a town goes toward making the brand.

And the brand contributes to the range of things which Sept. 23, 2020

might happen in a town. For example, would you rather set up a tourist shop in Joyceville or in Merrickville?

I’m guessing you’d opt for the latter. I think we can instinctively understand this process of choice without having to analyse it to the ground.

Nonetheless, some people have studied the process of branding extensively.

At the end of the day, they stress the informal tendency of people to classify places according to their own values and form an image or brand of their own. It is this independent and personal process that makes branding hard to control, no matter how hard a municipality or city tries. And once a brand is established, it’s very hard to change should one wish to do so.

Which brings me to Kemptville. What is Kemptville and North Grenville’s brand? Right now, maybe the College? The Ferguson Forest? Prescott Street from the bridge Southward? You will have your ideas. And visitors will have theirs.

Whatever the brand, it has served to draw many people to this town and surround-

that brand to be?

Will “Jail on the Rideau” be the brand we must live with? Or something better? And what are you prepared to do about it?

Since your Council seems ready to roll over before the provincial power, I and the group that is forming in opposition to phase one of this jail represent the only organised opposition.

If you wish to fight with us for your town, contact me at: jaybert12@yahoo. com I’ll be pleased to hear from you.

ing area as tourists or new residents.

But what will our future brand be? Hard as it may be to accomplish, a brand can be changed. What will the imposition of phase one of a provincial prison project on Kemptville do to the town’s image or brand? The perception of our town in the minds of others. Will the imposition of such a variously negative project on the town irrevocably change its brand from one of bucolic, small town freshness to something else? Something darker? Less desirable?

Readers: we were not consulted before this topdown, autocratic decision was made. And – make no mistake, it HAS been made.

The question now is: Can we do something about it?

Is anyone besides myself and a thus far small group of citizens interested in preserving the reality of Kemptville as a fresh, healthy, quintessential Ontario small town ready to work in that direction? Remember, the branding our town receives will essentially be rooted in the reality of our town.

What do you want that reality to be? What do you want

the road at the Campus. If left to the devices of distant bureaucrats and planners, they will suffer only one fate: the wrecker’s ball. This would be a shame, and it must be communicated forcefully to the provincial government that the wholesale destruction of the farm is unacceptable. The architecture of comparable detention centres in other locations suggests that they are not likely to be incorporated into this facility’s design.

Some effort must be made to identify which buildings east of the road have legitimate heritage value through connection to the former college—or to agricultural heritage in general—in order to seek their preservation.

Here, then, is a quartet of starting points for a council that must now move beyond the symbolism of governance and embrace the difficult

realities of pragmatic, gritty deal-making. Caught unawares by a development that they might have seen coming, the council must now work to rediscover purpose and value in Kemptville’s agricultural south end, create a vision for it, and salvage what it can from this situation. The municipality and the provincial government are now at cross purposes, and the imposition of this facility will strain the relationship between council and Steve Clark in ways that other events have not. How hard the five councillors are willing to push the province—and how adeptly they force this facility to adapt to community expectations— will be a considerable test of their future electoral value, and a matter of legacy.

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Winchester COVID-19

Assessment Centre Introduces New Appointment System The COVID-19 Assessment Centre Winchester is experiencing a significant increase in volume, resulting in longer wait times. We are implementing some changes to alleviate longer than normal wait times.

As of 9:00 am on Thursday, September 17, patients can call 613-774-2420 ext. 6814 to book their test. Patients will be given an estimated window of time to come to the Winchester Lions Hall. Our goal is to test as many patients as we can each day, recognizing the limited resources and space.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we implement this new system. We will continue to provide updates on the Assessment Centre on the WDMH website and through social media.

6

TIMES Gord Logan Marketing Consultant

Phone 613 258 6402 Email: gord@ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Support Small Support L cal JUST BECAUSE CERB IS ENDING, DOESN’T MEAN SUPPORT IS

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Sunday-11-4 Monday-Saturday 10-5

by Martin Carette, Financial Coach, The Employment + Education Centre The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville created the SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) to support residents of Leeds and Grenville who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.

“It helped me in a time when I wasn’t able to get any jobs due to the pandemic, so the money I received helped me to pay some bills. I am very grateful I made the decision to call the employment office (EEC) and got them to help me with getting some support from the relief fund.”- SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) recipient.

Distributed through the Employment and Education Centre, the Covid Relief Fund is designed to help individuals and families cover the costs of everything from rent, food, school supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, and more.

Another SSRF (Covid Relief Fund) recipient said, “I was able to buy groceries, cleaning supplies and get caught up on my hydro bill. It pretty much helped keep us above water.”

The Employment + Education Centre offers multiple financial services along with the SSRF (Covid Relief Fund), covering everything from budgeting basics and financial literacy, to money management and cash flow analysis.

“We are encouraging people to think outside of the box. If you need support for something that might not be covered by the Covid Relief Fund directly, why not save money in one area, to cover the cost in another? It doesn’t hurt to reach out and talk about your options.” said Martin Carette, Financial Coach.

Not sure if something is covered by the SSRF? Just give the Employment and Education Centre a call and their financial coach will work with you to figure it out.

You can contact the Employment and Education Centre’s Financial Coach, Martin at 613-498-2111 ext. 234 or martin@eecentre.com.

SHOP ONLINE ANYTIME www.tbcconsign.com

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613.258.0166

Residential rent freeze in 2021 The Ontario government has introduced the Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act that would, if passed, freeze rent in 2021 for most rent-controlled and nonrent-controlled residential units. The bill would provide the vast majority of Ontario's tenants with financial relief as the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery.

The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"From the very beginning of this pandemic, our government promised the families, workers and small business owners of this province that we would have their backs and provide them with the support they need to get back on their feet," said Premier Ford. "The crisis is far from over and the threat of a second wave is real, as are the challenges it will bring. That's why we need to take the necessary steps now to help families keep a roof over their heads and small businesses keep their doors open."

The Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act also proposes to change the Commercial Tenancies Act to extend the temporary ban on evictions for commercial tenants. The ban was initially in place from May 1, 2020 to August 31, to align with the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Sept.23, 2020

(CECRA) for small businesses. This temporary ban would continue to apply to businesses that are eligible for federalprovincial rent assistance through the CECRA for small businesses, but their landlord chose not to apply for the program. The ban will protect small businesses from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19.

"Our government wants to stabilize rents for Ontario's 1.7 million rental households for 2021, because this year is not like any other year," said Minister Clark. "We know that families are continuing to be impacted by COVID-19. We know landlords have worked hard to be accommodating and have made sacrifices. We know that by continuing to work together, we will move past this extraordinary time and get Ontario back on track."

Extending the ban on commercial evictions would allow Ontario to continue to protect small businesses and help them get back on their feet, so they can create jobs and help rebuild the economy.

"Our government has been there to support small businesses since the beginning of COVID-19," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "We partnered with the federal government to provide commercial rent relief and so far over 50,000 tenants have received support. Unfortunately, COVID-19 isn't behind us. That's why we are working with our federal partners to explore

opportunities to ensure small businesses continue to receive the support they need."

This proposed legislation would also create a single register of voters for municipal and provincial elections, which is expected to be more accurate, could mean fewer corrections for voters at polling stations, fewer delays for people on election day, and may reduce costs for municipalities.

The Residential Tenancies Act sets out the formula for calculating the maximum allowable rent increase for the next year in rent-controlled units.

These amendments would revise the guideline for 2021, which is set at 1.5 per cent. The residential rent increase guideline applies to most tenants living in rented houses, semis, basement apartments, condos, as well as care homes, mobile homes, and land lease communities.

The proposed rent freeze would end on December 31, 2021. However, a landlord could give proper 90 days’ notice before the freeze ends for a rent increase that takes effect starting in 2022.

The Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, passed this summer, encourages landlords to try to negotiate a repayment agreement with a tenant before seeking eviction if rent has not been paid during COVID-19.

Life & health insurance • Employee benefits RRSPs/RRIFs • Disability insurance • Mutual funds* Estate and Financial Planning Services

Bryonie Baxter*

Tel: 613-258-2939 Cell: 613 878 1367 bryonie.baxter@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/bryonie.baxter 222 Prescott Street, 2nd Floor Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 *Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2020.

Expanded Covid-19 testing in Kemptville and region Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced today a three-part strategy to increase the availability of COVID-19 testing across the region.

“With the return to school and continued reopening of our economy, I recognize the challenges the increased demand for testing has caused for families and individuals as well as the incredible staff working tirelessly in our local assessment centre,” he saidk.

“I’m so pleased that our community partners have stepped up in response to develop this strategy to increase capacity and that our government is 7

providing the funding to make it happen.”

The MPP said the steps being taken to increase testing capacity include providing testing in Kemptville, as the first phase of establishing a full assessment centre in the community. There will also be increased hours of operation and additional staff at the Brockville assessment centre to expand capacity. Creating a community paramedic mobile testing program will allow for pop-up testing in municipalities throughout Leeds and Grenville.

Steve Clark said the expanded testing capacity will ease wait times, relieve pres-

sure on assessment centre staff, and ensure people are able to get the COVID-19 tests they need.

“I’ve heard from parents frustrated by lengthy waits to get their children tested so they can return to school and I understand their concerns,” he said. “I’m confident that with the support of community partners like our primary care providers, hospitals, health unit, paramedics and municipalities, including North Grenville, along with funding from our government, we’ll be able to meet local demand for COVID-19 testing.” www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

Steve Clark talks about the proposed prison

by David Shanahan The NG Times put some questions to local M.P.P., Steve Clark, following the announcement that a new prison, the Greater Ottawa Correctional Facility, would be located in Kemptville. It is an issue that has raised serious concerns among residents, and it seemed right that the Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing should respond to those worries.

From what he says here, it does eem that the planned public consultations will be pro forma and that the new facility is a done deal.

NG Times: When do you expect the public consulta-

tion to begin, and what form will it take?

Steve Clark: The Ministry of the Solicitor General will provide details in the coming weeks regarding the extensive community consultation that will take place prior to any development happening on the site.

It’s important for residents to understand we’re in the very early stages of a deliberative and important process. Consultation will include meetings with local stakeholders including municipalities and community organizations as well as public engagement sessions.

My office also remains available to answer questions

economic impact. It will create good-paying, stable jobs that will attract new families to the community, while providing economic spin-offs to local businesses. While I recognize that residents have questions, as is to be expected with any large-scale project, I’m confident that the public consultation process will demonstrate how this investment will benefit the region for years to come.

NG Times: Why was there no consultation with the local mayor and council before the announcement?

The province has the sole discretion to locate provincial corrections facilities. However, there will be extensive consultation with the municipality prior to the project proceeding to construction.

NG Times: To what extent is this a done deal, or is it possible to review the decision in the light of the public consultations?

The government’s intention is to proceed with construction of the facility following a robust consultation with the community. It is important that we take the time to consult to avoid the pitfalls of building quickly, but poorly.

as the process moves forward.

NG Times: How was the Kemptville site chosen, given that it is adjacent to schools, day care centres and the hospital?

The site was chosen after an extensive review by the government as part of its modernization strategy for the corrections and justice system in Eastern Ontario.

The Kemptville location is part of the province’s surplus property inventory. Building the complex on this site provides good value for taxpayers as it avoids the need to purchase privately owned land elsewhere.

The investments will ensure corrections staff has state-of-the-art facilities to do their jobs safely and to provide additional space to deliver programming and rehabilitative services to those in custody. My commitment to the community is to ensure that the safety of our community and corrections staff will be the top priority in the design, construction and operation of this new facility.

NG Times: What role did you play as MPP and Minister for Municipal Affairs in the choosing of the site?

I’m excited about this significant provincial investment in North Grenville, as it will have a tremendously positive

Update from Mayor Nancy Peckford

Next Steps regarding the Announcement of a Provincial Correctional Complex in North Grenville Over the past few weeks, I have been listening to the community in regards to the recent announcement by the Ford government to build a provincial Correctional facility in North Grenville.

I have received many questions, comments and concerns related to the new facility that has been slated for the approximately 182 acre parcel of land, known as the farmside lands, near Kemptville Campus on CR 44.

Some members of our community are in support of the project and the opportunities it can bring to North Grenville. Others are Sept. 23, 2020

clear that they do not want a correctional facility in our community. Whichever way you lean, a lot of questions have emerged.

I, with the support of our senior leadership team at the Municipality, have continued to reach out to the Ministry of the Solicitor General in search of answers. We have shared your feedback, and like many of you, there are many pieces we still want to better understand: • What was the process to select the site, particularly given its proximity to Kemptville Campus?

• What are the current considerations for the complex?

• How might it help our local economy?

• What steps will be taken to ensure community safety?

• What are the next steps?

• How will they gather public input from us?

So far, our conversations with the province have been positive and staff have been available to assist us. We are actively working to ensure that the Ministry of the

stages. However, in our conversations, they have repeatedly committed to providing as much detail as quickly as possible. We are holding them to it.

Throughout this process, it is important to direct your questions and concerns to the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s online feedback portal (Click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab at this site http:// www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca), or via Mr. Clark’s office: (613) 342-9522; Local Toll-Free: 1-800-267-4408.

Email: info@steveclarkmpp.com.

I look forward to connecting with you again, and will share news on this project as I receive it.

In the meantime, stay safe and take good care.

Nancy Peckford, Mayor, North Grenville

Solicitor General will be transparent and timely in the information they provide to the public. We would all appreciate knowing what measures will be taken to preserve so many cherished aspects of our community.

However, it is quite unfortunate that there still isn’t sufficient information from the province to share at this juncture. Clearly, people’s concerns deserve to be fully addressed. To that end, while not in their original plans, I have asked Minister Clark’s office to lead a Tele-Town Hall in North Grenville in the coming weeks. I will share more details as soon as we have a date.

As I stated from the moment this announcement was made, my job is to ensure North Grenville’s voice is heard - and that we get answers to our questions - so that North Grenville benefits from this information to the greatest degree possible. This is precisely what I have been doing since August 27 when the announcement was made.

I recognize the province is in the very early planning 8

The Voice of North Grenville

The North Grenville Times

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Run Day. To register visit www.terryfox.org.****** (REMOVE) CAO Operational Update: CAO Gary Dyke provided an update on the organizational changes made over the past year as outlined in his semiannual operations update report.

Initiatives have been put in place since the beginning of 2020 for the municipality to become more efficient, open, transparent and accountable.

Under Mr. Dyke’s leadership, progressive measures have been put in place to improve the overall management and administration of the municipality through the adoption of a strategic modernization program based on excellence in customer service and meaningful community engagement, and that aligns with the Council Workplan.

The update included the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the community and efforts taken to re-focus and reprioritize strategies and service delivery methodologies for municipal operations. The report out-

gage local residents to support North Grenville businesses as they continue through, and recover from, the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the development of the Love NG website, aimed to support local businesses by driving traffic to loveng.ca.

Council approved the goals of the Love NG campaign and have directed municipal staff to continue to work with the consultants and Business Support Group (comprised of local business leaders and business support agencies) to further develop the concept and branding elements of the COVID-19 business support and shop local programs.

Municipal Asset Management Program: Council approved staff to apply for the Municipal Asset Management Program grant offered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (“FCM”) in the amount of $50,000, which includes $10,000.00 in matching municipal funding.

lines how the Municipality of North Grenville responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in a progressive, responsible and strategic manner striking a balance between maintaining essential services, meeting the needs of the community, acting with financial responsibility and ensuring the safety of the public and municipal employees.

Also presented was a financial summary of municipal operations for the 2019 fiscal year. 2019 resulted in a traditional surplus reported excess of revenue over expenditure of approximately $436,000. A formal presentation will be made to Council and the public of the audited financial statements by the end of October.

The report can be found on the municipal website.

Love NG Marketing Campaign: Alphabet Creative consultants presented the next phase of the “Love NG” marketing campaign to Council and their plans for supporting local business.

The goal of the Love NG marketing campaign is to en-

Du 21 au 25 septembre 2020, les élèves de l’Ontario célèbrent le Jour des Franco-Ontariens virtuellement!

Toutes les écoles des 12 conseils scolaires francophones de l’Ontario sont réunies pour célébrer ensemble plus que jamais le Jour des Franco-Ontariennes et des Franco-Ontariens.

Cette semaine provinciale virtuelle souligne d’une manière inédite la fête des Franco-Ontariennes et Franco-Ontariens du 21 au 25 septembre.

Les responsables de l’animation culturelle des 12 conseils scolaires francophones de l’Ontario, en partenariat avec le Ministère de l’Éducation de l’Ontario, ont fait en sorte que la fête des Franco-Ontariens soit mise en avant et célébrée en grand, de manière virtuelle, malgré l’interdiction de rassemblement en raison de la Sept.23, 2020

pandémie de la COVID-19.

Des événements en direct à des heures précises, des ressources en ligne dédiées, en passant par des activités pédagogiques à faire en classe : c’est une édition inédite cette année. Plusieurs organismes ont aussi contribué à la programmation de cette semaine, dont TFO, FESFO, L’AFO, Le Réveil, L’écho d’un Peuple, Le Festival Franco, Amandine et Rosalie, la Cité Collégiale. Tout ceci est disponible et accessible, et mis à la disposition du personnel enseignant via le site Internet Mondrapeaufranco. ca à partir du vendredi 18 septembre.

Ce n’est pas la pandémie de la COVID-19 qui empêchera les élèves et toutes les communautés scolaires

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

THOMAS M. BYRNE

North Grenville Council Meeting The North Grenville Municipal Council held a meeting on Tuesday, September 15. Here are the highlights from that meeting.

Terry Fox Run Day: Terry Fox Run Kemptville Organizer Steven Paterson presented to Council and requested that the flag be raised in Terry’s honour.

This year celebrates 40 years since Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope. While Terry lost the battle to the deadly disease, his passion and legacy live on. He is a household name and Canadians will not forget his incredible story of defiance and determination. Across Canada, schools and streets are named after him. Every year Canadians participate in the Terry Fox Run in his honour, and to raise money for cancer research.

Council declared Sunday, September 20, 2020 as Terry Fox Run Day and the Terry Fox flag was raised at the Municipal Centre.

Members of the community are invited to participate in this year’s virtual Terry Fox

The Voice of North Grenville

partie du lot des célébrations.

La diffusion sera en direct le 25 septembre de 9 h à 10h 30 sur www.mondrapeaufranco. ca.

Pour en apprendre davantage et pour découvrir le programme complet des activités de la semaine, nous vous invitons à consulter le site : www.mondrapeaufranco.ca.

En cette journée à l’honneur des Franco-Ontariens, portons du vert et du blanc et soyons fiers d’être Franco-Ontariens. Bonne fête des Franco-Ontariennes et des Franco-Ontariens!

de célébrer fièrement leur identité et leur appartenance à la francophonie en Ontario, certes de manière virtuelle, cette année!

Une cérémonie officielle de lever du drapeau aura lieu au niveau provincial par le biais d’une émission en direct le vendredi 25 septembre à partir de 10 h 45. Elle sera disponible sur www.mondrapeaufranco.ca.

La finale provinciale du FLIPFEST, concours d’art oratoire organisé par FLIP TFO au cours de l’année scolaire 2019-2020, fait également

Barrister and Solicitor

Sears, Orville

Orville was born to Harold and Jean Sears in 1944 at Matchewan, Northern Ontario, and came to live on his grandfather’s farm in Oxford Township when he was three years old. Orville passed away at the Smiths Falls District Hospital on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at the age of 76 years. His parents and grandparents lived on the farm keeping animals of one kind or another and growing some crops. Orville took up farming as a natural follow up to that environment. He, however, liked pigs and had a fair sized herd of them for many years.

During that time he went to the one room school house on Todd School Road in Oxford on Rideau Township and never had time for high school. In January 1977 having gone to see what dance classes were like, he met Jean Thompson, a widow and they immediately became attached and married in August of that year. They were married for 43 years. They lived first in Merrickville and then in a brand new home on Donoghue Road in Oxford Township. Excelling in the landscaping of the property it was quite a showcase. Orville also found he had a great knack for carpentry and made some beautiful pieces of furniture for the house. In 2018 after a series of bad luck with health issues they decided to downsize and moved to Van Horne Seniors Residence in Smiths Falls where they stayed comfortably. Private Service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Merrickville and burial at Merrickville Union Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-258-2435

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The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

MAG Virtual Studio Tour set for beginning of October

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The MAG Studio Tour is going virtual this year.

On October 3 and 4, the Merrickville Artist Guild (MAG) will be launching videos of 24 of their artists talking about their art, process, inspiration, and how to get in touch with them. The roughly three-minute videos will be available through MAG’s website and the artists will also be able to share them through their own social media platforms. MAG is also producing a compilation video of all their artists, which includes original music by local musician Stephen Fuller playing the Kora, a string instrument from West Africa.

“It’s really beautiful, and it lends itself really well to the kinds of videos we are going to be producing,” says MAG President Nick Previsich.

Nick says that while many non-profit and arts and culture organizations were overwhelmed with the realities of the pandemic, MAG felt that is was important to continue to spread the arts in the Merrickville community and beyond.

The MAG Studio Tour is their flagship event, held in the Fall ever since MAG was founded in 1984. “It still remains a pivotal event of the year for the MAG artists,” he says.

While the videos won’t be able to spread the same feeling as the physical Studio Tour, which draws thousands of

visitors to Merrickville every year, Nick says the videos will be a great way to get to know the artists and their work.

The videos will include all types of art including watercolour, oil, and mixed media paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewelry, glasswork, prints, and even poetry.

“I think it’s a really good way of continuing to promote the arts,” Nick says. This is especially important in these difficult times when people are looking for something to lift their spirits and brighten their day. “Artistic expression in its many forms has the ability to transcend difficult times in our lives and can send a message of hope and enjoyment,” Nick says.

According to Nick, the goal of this year’s virtual Studio Tour is to help keep art relevant in people’s lives, ensure that they still see the value of appreciating and purchasing art, and for the community to be reassured that Merrickvillle-Wolford is still a vital artistic area. “We have a strong reputation that we have built since 1984 and we want to make sure they’ll think of us being a strong arts community,” he says. Although the virtual Studio Tour is set for October 3 and 4, the videos will stay up online for people to enjoy over the next few months. To build on the Studio Tour, MAG has also created the MAG Marketplace, where people will be able to find examples of the

OCT•3 & 4•2020

ON LINE

artist’s work that is for sale.

The MAG Marketplace will be launched in conjunction with the videos in October.

MAG has been continuing their outreach in the community throughout the pandemic by featuring artist’s work in the window at the Merrickville Food Market. Nick says the initiative has been extremely successful, with many artists selling pieces, and they are very thankful to the Merrickville Food Market for allowing them to use the space. “I often go by the window and see people stopping and looking and really appreciating what’s on display,” he says. “It’s a small thing but it’s a way we are trying to keep the arts alive and relevant to people who come to visit the Village.”

MAG is also committed to giving a few small bursaries out this year to emerging artists at local high schools.

They hope to be able to give out the first two to three $200 bursaries by the end of the calendar year.

With the virtual Studio Tour coming up, and all their other initiatives, it is clear that MAG is refusing to let COVID-19 dampen the spirit of the artist community. “We’re not sitting back on our laurels and letting this thing affect us,” Nick says. “We’re looking at this as an opportunity to renew venues and new ways of expressing and appreciating the arts.”

STUDIO TOUR

Jim Weller MAG Artist

www.mag-artists.ca

www.facebook.com/MerrickvilleArtistsGuild

We go VIRTUAL on October 3rd & 4th 24 artists will be displaying their art through videos of their work in their studios or galleries. Artists will have videos posted on their social media platforms & websites.

Visit "MAG Marketplace” to view examples of Tour artists' work for sale.

Stunning new works of paintings, pottery, glass, sculpture, photography, jewelry and prints will be featured. This year, we are delighted to add the work of author and poet Lesley Strutt to the MAG Virtual Studio Tour.

For information, contact Nick Previsich: nprevisich@bell.net

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TIMES Gord Logan

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

Merrickville’s Jazz Fest returns for its 10th Anniversary Season

by Susan Piercey, Director, MJF Sept. 23, 2020

With the encouragement and support of key partners, and the dedicated efforts of this year’s volunteers, we are hosting a scaled-down but exciting online edition of the Merrickville Jazz Fest from October 15 to 18.

The MJF website has been updated and is ready for your visit! We’re proud to present this year's lineup of artists, featuring some

afternoon, we are pleased to offer a Vocal Masterclass with Laura Anglade before her concert. All the events are very reasonably priced and passes and tickets are now on sale.

Our evening concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. via a special link on the website (available when the concert begins). You will have plenty of time to settle in after the Zoom

of the festival audience’s favourites from the last few years, plus a new group of musicians that we are delighted to introduce.

Some groups are from the Ottawa-Gatineau area, and some are from Montreal or Toronto; all are terrific!

Each evening, we will start the festival off with a free Zoom get-together to chat with old MJF friends and meet new ones. On Sunday 10

hang! The shows will be coming to you thanks to the support of our venue hosts — GigSpace and Audio Valley Recording Studio in Ottawa, and The Rex in Toronto — and the talents of our Audio/Video production teams in both cities and, of course, our wonderful artists.

We are thrilled to celebrate ten years of Merrickville’s Jazz Fest with

performances by some great jazz artists that we can all enjoy from the comfort of our own homes — separately, but together — when it’s time to catch a show. See you at MJF 2020 Virtual Edition coming to you at the usual time in mid-October online right here on the MJF website! www.merrickvillesjazzfest.com.

The North Grenville Times

Council moves ahead with Merrickville Grove Subdivision

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The draft plan of subdivision for the proposed Merrickville Grove development was presented to council last week, causing a lot of discussion around the table. Park View’s proposed plan of subdivision includes fewer bungalow town homes and more multiple-storey town homes than originally planned, as well as a 3-storey, 15-unit apartment building.

The subdivision now has 99 doors in total, compared to the 98 presented in Park View Homes’ original plan. It was suggested at the meeting that Park View Homes removed a few bungalows, because the Municipality would not allow them to build on the unopened road allowances within the property.

Planner Brian Whitehead of Jp2g presented the draft plan of subdivision to council with suggested conditions for them to approve. He also addressed several resident concerns that were brought up throughout the public consultation process. These included the placement of the parkland in the subdivision, the use of the Herbert St. road allowance for a walking path, lack of affordable housing, and concerns about the efficacy of the traffic impact study.

Some of the concerns raised by the public were echoed by council members, including the lack of affordable housing in the subdivision, the possible impact of traffic in the Village, and the overall look and feel of the proposed development. When it comes to affordable housing, Park View said that they are implementing measures to make the homes as affordable as possible, and that town homes are inherently cheaper than single detached dwellings. In the Municipality’s new Official Plan, which is under review, it states that the Municipality is looking for at least 25% affordable housing in new residential developments. However, since it has not yet been finalized, Park View’s plan adheres to the current Official Plan’s stipulations. “This subdivision has been reviewed in accordance with the plan that existed at the time that it was filed,” Brian said.

Deputy Mayor Michael Cameron was particularly concerned about the fact that the subdivision seems to have evolved into a high-density development, when it was Sept.23, 2020

suggested that it be a mediumdensity build at the outset, to align with the look and feel of the historic Village. “I don’t know how we migrated from a medium-density to a highdensity and all townhomes,” he said.

He is also concerned about the traffic being funneled out to St. Lawrence Street from the subdivision, and doesn’t believe that the traffic study, which was done on a Monday from 7:30am-8:30am and 4:30pm-5:30pm, truly reflects the number of cars that are present regularly along the Village’s main thoroughfare.

“Ninety-five per cent of businesses are closed on a Monday,” he said. “Most of the commuter traffic is out earlier and comes back a little later.”

Deputy Mayor Cameron would like to see the traffic from Merrickville Grove be directed out on to Read St. through Alice St. or Wallace St., which sees less traffic, rather than St. Lawrence. The problem with this is that it would mean Park View would have to build another road, on top of what they have already committed to developing, which includes the parkland, roads, water and sewer for the subdivision. Councillor Bob Foster also pointed out that those who live on Alice or Wallace probably wouldn’t be happy with having a new main road along their property. “I don’t think it’s the responsibility of the builder to build roads for us,” Councillor Foster said.

“I think once we have our tax base expanded, we will play catch up as we usually do.”

Councillor Timothy Molloy echoed some of Deputy Mayor Cameron’s concerns, stating that the original plan for the subdivision was much more spacious than the one they were looking at last week.

He doesn’t think that Park View should have the right to increase the density of the subdivision just to increase their profit. “My only point is that I don’t think we have to sacrifice our standards for

The Voice of North Grenville

Municipal Centre to remain closed

them to make money,” he said.

“They don’t have to maximize their profits on our backs, and I do think they have condensed the density to a point where it’s not amiable to the rest of the Village.”

Mayor Doug Struthers reminded council that this site plan, and the conditions laid out by Jp2g, are the culmination of many months of negotiations, and that council was made aware of all the changes along the way. “I just remind you of the process we collectively went through, and the decisions and directions we gave through our consultant planner to Park View,” he said. “It’s all what we agreed we wanted to see brought forward.”

Deputy Mayor Cameron still does not believe that the site plan reflects the wishes of council or the public. “I completely understand Park View’s want to maximize the build and maximize the profit, but I’m not here fighting for Park View, I’m here fighting for the constituent,” he said.

“We should be trying to do due diligence to see a picture on that easel that is more reflective to what council had asked for in the beginning, and what the public has asked for all along.”

Councillor Don Halpenny said he believes they should be moving forward with the project, despite the objection from other council members. “People are going to have to pay a heck of a lot more taxes if we don’t go ahead with something like this,” he said. “There may be some problems, but it’s still going to be good for the whole municipality.”

When it came down to a vote, the motion was passed to approve the draft site plan with the outlined conditions prepared by Jp2g. Deputy Mayor Cameron was the only member of council to vote against the motion. The draft site plan will now be sent to the County for their review and approval.

by Hilary Thomson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Merrickville-Wolford Municipal Centre will remain closed for the time being. Back in March, the Village responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic and was one of the first municipalities in Eastern Ontario to activate their Emergency Operations Centre.

On March 13, the Municipal Emergency Control Group was called to meet by the Chair, and they determined on March 16 that all municipal facilities needed to be closed to maintain the safety of both staff and residents of Merrickville-Wolford.

CAO Doug Robertson says it was a bit of a scramble at first to get everything in order for staff to start working remotely, but, in the end, they were able to set things up so that they were able to continue to serve the community from the safety of their own homes. As time went on and the province started to open again, more staff have migrated back to the office, mostly because they find working from the Municipal Centre more efficient. “I feel very blessed with the team that we have,” CAO Robertson told council. “The dedication level we have is just outstanding.”

Although he says staff are as eager as the public to get back to some kind of normality in the Village, they are keeping the Municipal Centre closed for the time being to continue to ensure the safety of staff,

council, and the public.

With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the reopening of schools, and the second wave predicted by health officials, he recommends that staff continue to monitor the situation into the Fall.

Councillor Bob Foster said that he thinks staff has done a great job in continuing to serve the community while dealing with the significant challenges of COVID-19. “Every single one of our employees is an essential worker, in that we can’t lose anybody,” he said. “ Whenever members of the public press for normalization, I really think, as a council, we should be prepared to tell them that when the world goes back to normal, we’ll go back to normal; but we’re not pushing the envelope.”

While Deputy Mayor Cameron agrees with the importance of the safety of staff, he believes that they should at least be looking at opening the front door to the Municipal Centre so the public can interact with staff through the glass

barrier which is already installed. “I think opening that door and allowing the public to transact with the staff and the municipality is something that we should be trying to expedite,” he said.

Councillor Foster disagreed with the Deputy Mayor, saying that he doesn’t believe it is worth the risk. He thinks this is the perfect time for them to educate residents about paying their bills online.

“We’ve also entered a time where businesses who aren’t prepared to go online are dying - the municipality is no different than a business in many ways,” he said. [We should] encourage people to pay more electronically.”

CAO Robertson also said that, with COVID-19, their front desk staff member is taking on more responsibility, and having to respond to people walking into the Municipal Centre would not necessarily improve service at this point.

He said they are also being extra cautious, as they do have some staff who are medically compromised.

“Staff will continue to evaluate the potential to reopen the municipal offices, at least partially or for limited services, and hope to be able to recommend a staged approach, with clear criteria, to reopen based on advice from the Medical Officer of Health as the pandemic and Provincial restrictions evolve,” CAO Robertson said in his report.

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

Food Bank The Knights of Columbus in Kemptville offers a food bank service to those in need in the community of North Grenville We provide a selection of canned, packaged and dry goods For more information please call Dave at 613 258 3683 Pick up at Holy Cross Church hall preferred – delivery can be arranged if required

This service is supported by the community of North Grenville 11

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life, liberty, and security of the person.

Most existing income security programs (e.g., welfare) impose sanctions upon income recipients or applicants including paternalistic and stigmatizing conditions not applicable to others in society who receive income via other means.

And because basic income is a form of income security by which people are ensured access to an income sufficient to help meet their basic needs and to help live with dignity, regardless of work status, it is essential that governments meet peoples’ needs by implementing this program.

In April, 2020, there were 50 Canadian Senators calling on governments to implement a Basic Income program in an open letter. They have written to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister commending them for the government’s actions to date and calling for further evolution of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to implement a minimum basic income.

Evidence from a past pilot project in Manitoba in 1974 suggests that a basic liveable income is known to yield a range of societal benefits. This initiative will be an investment in Canadians that will benefit the economy. The Canadian

tradition of social well being is already evidenced through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement; and as Citizens of Ontario and of Canada we affirm that basic income policies and programs must be progressive in their nature and thus reflect the following principles: 1. Basic income must be promoted as a means for economic and social equity and justice, not for charity; and must be aimed at preventing poverty, reducing inequality, promoting health, supporting human resilience, enhancing freedom, and enabling human potential.

2. Given the wealth of Ontario and of Canada, basic income must be promoted from a perspective of fiscal abundance, not scarcity or austerity.

3. Basic income must be a regular (e.g., monthly), reliable (non-withdrawable), non-taxable, and non-stigmatizing (confidential) payment.

4. Basic income must be accessible to all eligible persons and receipt of basic income must not be conditional upon work or any other participation or behavioural requirements.

5. In its maximum available amount, basic income must be sufficient to allow

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Guaranteed basic income for all The Leeds Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Green Party Electoral District Association (Leeds Grenville TIRL Greens) has resolved to stand in solidarity with other Ontarians and Canadians calling on governments to implement a Guaranteed Basic Income for all.

Whereas the economic and health crisis in Ontario has been compounded by the recent Covid 19 pandemic, the time to act on this important policy initiative is now.

“There is no time in the history of Ontario where economic evidence suggests so strongly that we must act to correct economic disparities, as it does today in the midst of this pandemic and economic downturn,” said Heather Kinsley, Interim CEO of the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Island-Rideau Lakes Greens.

Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international human rights law, everyone has the right to food, housing, social security, a standard of living adequate for the health of oneself and one’s family, and non-discrimination including on the basis of economic status. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that everyone has the right to

commission basis, Andy 613-215-0665

people to meet their basic needs and to help them live a healthy and dignified life.

6. Regional costs of living must be factored into calculation of the maximum available basic income amount, and the amount must be adjusted over time in relation to changes in costs of living.

7. Basic income must be legislatively protected from garnishment by creditors and debt collectors.

8. Basic income must represent a pillar of a comprehensive social security system, other pillars of which must include, but not be limited to, health and disability supports; affordable and accessible housing supports; child care supports; education and training supports, and employment supports including minimum/ living wage and pay equity legislation.

9. Basic income must align with the goal of fairer (more progressive) personal and corporate taxation, and must be funded, at least in part, with revenue derived from such taxation.

For more information, please contact Heather Kinsley, Interim CEO Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Island-Rideau Lakes Green Pary of Canada Electoral District Association: Heather.Kinsley @greenparty.ca.

12

The Irish and the Rideau Canal

Online Presentation to the Leeds & Grenville Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, on Friday, October 23 at 7:00 pm.

Please note that this presentation will take place on a Friday rather than a Monday, our traditional meeting day.

Join the Leeds & Grenville Branch as they hear from Susan Warren about “The Irish and the Rideau Canal”. The Irish not only helped build the Rideau Canal but contributed significantly to the development of Leeds and Grenville. Using original paintings and original documents this presentation will explore those themes.

To register for this free online presentation, click on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwscOqqzMqG9KwWGY1fa8EFsUajZHaUWPF You will find this registration link on our branch website - https://leedsandgrenville.ogs.on.ca Susan is a board member and past chair of the Chaffey's Lock and Area Heritage Society, and a former Parks Canada historical interpreter. After teaching for a number of years, Susan retired in 2016 as CEO of the Rideau Lakes Public Library system.

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

CROSSWORD

FOOD CORNER

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville Back to school usually means quicker cooking at dinner time. At our house, mein frau Beth just puts a Crack Slaw together when we just want to have something to eat without spending a lot of time in front of the stove. This is particularly true when she has been on her feet at the restaurant all day. This dish can be served warm or cold, and while it sounds like a side, it’s a meal in itself. It has just enough spice to make it interesting, and you can add or subtract pretty well anything you want (except the meat and the cabbage). Have fun with it!

Crack Slaw

Ingredients: 1 pound of lean ground meat (any kind that is lean; ground turkey is interesting) 4 cloves of minced garlic 2 tablespoons of sesame oil 7 cups of Cole Slaw mix (or shredded cabbage, if you wish to take the time) 2 tablespoons of Siracha 1 tablespoon of soya sauce 3 tablespoons of white vinegar ½ teaspoon of white sugar ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 3 tablespoons of green onions

ACROSS 1. Openings 5. Snip 9. Sought damages 13. Two-toed sloth 14. Exploded stars 16. Church alcove 17. Not highs 18. Corrupt 19. Solitary 20. Undergarment 22. Taught new skills 24. Decoy 26. Stone fruit 27. Like a zebra 30. Requital 33. Relating to speech sounds 35. Horse 37. Arctic bird

Preparation: Fry the meat and break it up so it is granular Fry the garlic in sesame oil and add the meat 5 minutes later, add all remaining ingredients and cook at medium heat till the cabbage is soft and the odour heavenly Top with the green onions and sesame seeds Thanks again for all your feedback and recipe hints. I’m still at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

38. Swelling under the skin 41. To and ___ 42. Aroma 45. Famous genius 48. Contusion 51. Tartarus 52. Trench 54. Unit of language 55. Pugilist 59. Outline 62. Hubs 63. Errata 65. Competent 66. Assist in crime 67. Expels 68. Holly 69. An amount of medicine 70. Anagram of "Sees" 71. Following

DOWN 1. Mouthful 2. Dwarf buffalo 3. A type of lender 4. Maintain 5. Explosive 6. Lion sound 7. Overgrown with ivy 8. Slogan 9. Prominent 10. Atop 11. Feudal worker 12. Accomplishment 15. Play a guitar 21. Cry of pain 23. Mimics 25. French for "Head" 27. Resorts 28. One on each hand 29. Accomplished 31. Defensible 32. Small finch 34. C 36. Spanish lady 39. Russian fighter 40. Once more 43. Opponent of technological progress 44. 53 in Roman numerals 46. Not barefoot 47. A piece of ground 49. Statistics 50. A copy from an original 53. Aspirations 55. Happy 56. Gray wolf 57. Cards with 1 symbol 58. Seating sections 60. Bend 61. Words 64. South southeast

The Brockville Rifles welcome Allan Bird as new Honorary Colonel

Mr. Bird brings a lifetime of public service experience to the unit, including as an Executive in the Public Service, an Officer in the RCMP and as a serving Officer in The Brockville Rifles. He has received a number of honours and awards including as Honorary Fellow of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, Commander of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John, and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

In his new role as the Allan Bird CSTJ, CD, FRHSC, Honorary Colonel, The Brockambassador for the unit ville Rifles throughout the commuorary Colonel is the sym- nity, Mr. Bird will focus on from National Defence / bolic head and mentor augmenting unit recruitCanadian Armed Forces of the regimental family. ment efforts, a key focus of The Brockville Rifles It is also a key position the Brockville Rifles over formally welcomed Allan for engagement with lo- the next year.

Bird CSTJ CD FRHSC as cal communities, a vital the new Honorary Colo- connection for a unit of nel during a physically- Canadian Army Reservdistanced ceremony at ists – soldiers who serve The Brockville Rifles, their communities on a held on September 10. part-time and, when called The position of Hon- to do so, a full-time basis.

Sept.23, 2020

SUDOKU EASY

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13

MEDIUM

Answer to last weeks crossword

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The North Grenville Photography Club Stand By Me

CARP marks National Seniors Day Help Support This National Seniors care homes in Canada. at 1:00pm ET on Thursday, Your Local Day, on October 1, CARP The event features a wel- October 1.

(Canadian Association of come from Prime Minister CARP (formerly the CaBusinesses Retired Persons) is host- Trudeau, an interview with nadian Association for Reing Canada’s largest-ever virtual meeting of seniors in honour of older people in our communities. A national Minute of Silence will also be observed to remember those who have died due to COVID-19 in long-term

the federal Minister of Seniors, and special messages from some celebrity guests.

Older people and their advocates are invited to register for this free online event at www.carp.ca/NationalSeniorsDay. The event starts

613-258-7800 www.kvrl.ca

On July 15th, Martin and I celebrated our one year anniversary at KVRL and are so thankful we decided to make this place our home. The Managers and Staff have worked diligently as a team to make KVRL a safe haven.

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tired Persons) is Canada’s largest advocacy association for older Canadians. Its mission is to advocate for better healthcare, financial security, and freedom from ageism.

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History: Burritts Rapids history: A question of sources records that show he bought lot 1 on the east side of Grenville Street in 1841, where he built his home and the saw mill. But it refers to him as a Miller and Manufacturer, not as a Merchant, until 1857, when his property increases in value by $500 over the previous year, and he is listed as owning a store for the first and only time. He died the following year, without making a will, and in a great deal of debt. He had mortgaged his property for more than $3,200, and his entire estate seems to have been lost by 1861, when his widow, Mary Ann, signed a release claiming any interest in the estate of her late husband.

This estate, as it is called on some historical maps dating from 1861, included the home and saw mill, as well as any interest in the store, and a tannery and land on East Street. It was a remarkably quick fall from the 1851 Census report that shows the value of his mills at £1,500 [$6,000].

Which record are we to believe? The land title records, showing ownership of the lands, do not support the claim that French owned

The two mills owned by French on the south side of the river, c. 1905

by David Shanahan Last week, we looked at the story of John Strachan French, mill owner and merchant in Burritts Rapids between 1841 and 1858. The problem is that various official records and the accepted history of the man and his activities seem to contradict each other, a real problem for the historian.

The story goes that French bought a grist mill from Thomas Smyth in 1840, and “ran a store out of what is now the Community Hall, but Sept. 23, 2020

owned a saw and shingle mill as well”. These accounts say that French bought the Mill Lot, between Grenville and East Street from Smyth, and sold his interest in the mill to Tom Black “about the time of Confederation”, which was in 1867.

Now here’s the problem.

The official land title records for Burritt’s Rapids have no mention of Thomas Smyth owning any property in the hamlet. It shows that French bought part of the Mill Lot from Henry Burritt in 1850, and it was just a small part on the east side of the lot for

which he paid £6.5/- [about $25]. The mill and store were on the west part of the Mill Lot, and were owned by Justus Merwin in 1848, who had paid £1,250 [about $5,000] for the property. That seems clear, except that the 1851 Census says that J. S. French did own “1 Grist Mill & Oat Mill...1 Shingle factory..1 Saw Mill”.

Even more confusion arises when other records are consulted. The annual Tax Assessment Rolls for Burritts Rapids show that French owned a mill in 1847, which does fit with the land title 14

the Mill Lot until after 1850.

He may not have owned the store, now the Community Hall, until 1857, which means he did not build it in the first place. The land titles show that the Mill Lot was owned until 1847 by Henry Burritt, who sold it to William Patrick, who passed it on in 1848 to Justus Merwin. In 1860, Merwin sold it to John Greenshields. But, (here we go again), Merwin lived in Prescott and was an absentee owner of the Burritts Rapids lands. Perhaps Justus Merwin leased the Mill Lot to French before he became owner in 1857? If so, why is listed in other sources as the owner?

French is also shown on a 1861 map as having owned lots on the west side of East Street, where a tannery was located. The Land Title records are once again raise some questions. His name does not appear in the Land Titles records for these lots, but an interesting notation may shed some light on things. They show that lot 1 passed from Frederick Moore to John Greenshields, who took possession of the Mill Lot in 1847. Greenshields took possession through a

Deed Poll, but perhaps not from Moore. The notation reads that the transfer “is an assignment by Moore, but likely he sold to French with no deed does not appear to be reg’d”. It could be that the Land Title records did not record French as owner of property because the sales to him were never registered.

There’s one other interesting discrepancy in the records concerning John Strachan French. In 1847, the Tax Rolls show him owning 160 acres on lot 4, concession 1 in Oxford-on-Rideau, just west of Burritts Rapids. But the land title records have no record of him owning that land at any time.

Much more can be written about the family and its affairs, but the fact that even as prominent a figure as J. S. French could leave behind such a confusing and complex set of records indicates how difficult it can be to get at what really happened in the past. An historian’s life can be quite a busy one!

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Open For Business Support Local, now more than ever!

Geronimo Coffee House CLOSED MONDAYS

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

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

46 Prescott St, Kemptville

Meals are now offered Tuesday through Friday.

The delivery time in the Ottawa will be early afternoon, in the Kemptville area, mid afternoon.

The cost of a meal is $23.50, the delivery is $5.00 per drop. HST extra

Tuesday September 29

1- Roast beef, mash potatoes, root vegetables.

2- Polenta skewers, tomato and roasted pepper coulis, Boston & Radicchio salad.

Wednesday September 30

1- Chicken and vegetable tajine, couscous.

2- Moroccan lentils and chick peas stew, Couscous.

Thursday October 1

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

Saturday

1- Lasagna with ham, béchamel and cheese sauce, mix green, Italian dressing.

2- Buckwheat crêpe lasagna with spinach and tomato sauce, mix green with vegetables, Italian dressing.

Friday October 2

1- Sesame crusted salmon fillet, teriyaki sauce, rice, oriental vegetables.

2- One pot tandoori quinoa, Indian style cucumber salad All meals will come with the appropriate side (potatoes, rice, couscous, vegetables, side salad,etc…)

8:00am to 6:00pm

Sunday

9:00am to 6:00pm

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

613.258.3014

Sept.23, 2020

Curbside Family Meals Menu #29 Tues Sept 29 - Fri Oct 2nd Choose a Family Meal for 2- $37.50 or 4- $70.00 + HST. Order and pay online www.cateredaffairs.ca Family meals include: Market veggies, Salad & Chef’s choice of dessert

Chicken Cacciatore

Braised Savory Chicken( white & dark meat), Roasted Rosemary Potatoes & Caesar Salad

Shanghai Noodle Stir Fry

with Hoisin Glazed Pork Loin Sesame vegetables, Eggrolls (1per person), plum sauce

Pulled Beef Enchiladas

8 Enchiladas filled with cheese, beans & House made sauce, Salsa, Sourcream, Pico de Gallo.

Nacho chips

Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinated tender chicken & potatoes in mildly spiced onion,tomato & cream sauce, Basmati rice with flatbread

Oven Ready Casseroles 9”x13” pan.

Feeds 4-6 $40 + HST Beef & Cheese lasagna *** 3 Cheese Mac n Cheese Bacon Mac n Cheese *** Cabbage Rolls

THANKSGIVING TAKEOUT MEAL

Book your Thanksgiving Dinner NOW (October 11 and 12)

Butternut Squash soup, Turkey and all the trimmings, Pumpkin pie $30.00 per person plus delivery HST extra

613.860.2539

IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY

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Feeds 4-6 $100+HST Preorder by OCTOBER 5TH PICK UP ON FRIDAY OCT 9 & 10TH!

Berube Turkey (Brined, sliced white & dark meat).

Sage,Onion & Local Orchard Apple dressing, 1 Lt. of gravy, market veggies, whipped mashed potatoes, orange cranberry sauce, Green house salad & vinaigrette with Pumpkin dessert.

Reserve Oct 8th 2020 5-7pm MyLocalMarkets 3 Course Table D’Hote $55 + HST menu TBA Need room to socially distance this Christmas?

Book your Christmas Party at Catered Affairs (up to 50 guests depending on your bubble)

info@cateredaffairs.ca 613-324-3136

www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

United Way Leeds & Grenville’s 2020 Campaign goal

Support Small Support L cal United Way Leeds & Grenville announced today that their annual campaign goal for 2020 will be $738,000. The 2020 goal reflects the growing need in the community. It is also an ambitious goal, as United Way has limited opportunity to raise funds through community events this year. Funds from workplace campaigns, where a lot of their target is raised, may also be limited. Many businesses and workplaces have been affected by the ongoing pandemic and will modify their campaigns.

United Way is however, excited to announce the Leadership Challenge Grant.

Sept. 23, 2020

Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, new Leadership donors can increase the impact of their gift. Donors who increase their donations to $1,200 will see their donation matched and donors who are already Leaders of the Way (donations of $1,200 or more), and add at least 10% to their gift will also see their increase matched. This is one way to help fill the gap.

“I am willing to step up and do extra because I believe in the United Way and our Community” said Campaign Chair Terry O’Reilly. “The needs are even greater due to the pandemic. Please step up

with me, try to reach a little deeper and give from your heart to help the United Way meet those extra needs.”

Trish Buote, Executive Director United Way Leeds & Grenville, echoed Terry’s comments. “The needs are great in 2020 as our agencies work hard to meet the complex issues faced by their clients. In times of crisis, we need to come together and work to make sure immediate needs are met and the most vulnerable members of our community are taken care of. We are asking people to continue to show their local love, continue investing in our community if they can

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