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

Vol. 5, No. 3

The Voice of North Grenville

January 18, 2017

Environmental history project for North Grenville W H AT W I L L

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The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

The North Grenville Historical Society [NGHS] is partnering with noted environmental power couple Dr. Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad on a major research project which will trace the environmental history of North Grenville. At a meeting last week, the plans for the project were presented to NGHS members and the public and the main project participants were introKodiak Wood duced byStove NGHS President, Regular $2127, Sale $1827* Ken Mews.

Canadian Museum of History Paper Conservator, Amanda Gould, is the www.kemptvillehearth.ca Director of Archives for the 845 Prescott St, Kemptville, ont 613-258-1262 NGHS and gave a brief presentation on the North Grenville Archives and how the project fits into the Society’s mandate and collections cri-

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teria. Amanda explained that the extensive data collection compiled by Fred and Aleta over many years would find a permanent and safe home in the NG Archives, as part of this project. Dr. Bill Adams, past-President of the NGHS, spoke of the importance, both historically and for today’s society, of knowing our past effects on the environment through our daily socio-economic activities, and how the data gathered in the project can be of use in examining climate change and the factors which influence the natural world, of which we are part.

Fred and Aleta presented an overview of the work they have been doing over the past forty years in recording the natural world of

North Grenville and beyond.

In that time, they have produced an uninterrupted database of tens of thousands of entries, giving an almost unique, unbroken record of change and stability in the ecology of the region. Their study area centres on the dam on the South Branch in Oxford Mills and the area included within a radius of 20 kms around it.

Dr. David Shanahan is the NGHS Historian, with thirty years of experience in Canadian and local history, with a speciality in aboriginal history. In his short talk, he described his role as providing an historical context in which Fred and Aleta’s work can be placed. This may help us to understand the effects our history has

had on the environment, by examining land use and settlement patterns from the time before European arrival in North America, through to the present day.

This Environmental History project is possibly the first time such a crossdiscipline study has been conducted on a local community or municipality. It will provide a record of the changes brought about by various activities of people in the area, including use of the South Branch for mills, the removal of the timber cover over time, the draining of wetlands, the effects of reforestation at Limerick Forest and the Ferguson Forest Centre, and the varying continued on page 2

Special Bridal Section Page 8 & 9

The North Grenville Times continued on page 2 changes brought about by canals, railways, highways and increased residential and commercial development since 1800.

It is hoped to produce at least one publication as a result of the project, and applications for funding from the Trillium Fund are being prepared. Representatives will attend the Municipal Council meeting on January 23, seeking a letter of support for the application from the Municipality. Should all go as planned and hoped, further long-term funding will then be sought in the coming years to complete the work.

The NGHS has had a strong record of research and publications in the past decade, and has been heavily involved in community events and in promoting and publicising our local history by working with schools, the Kemptville BIA, speaking at service groups and other venues, and holding exhibits of local history at local restaurants and the Municipal Centre. The Environmental History project will be the most ambitious and farreaching undertaking yet.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Toastmasters milestones

Jake Wilson, left, received designation of Competent Communicator and Rory Dafoe, right, completed first speech. ing his time as a member approximately one per year.

Each speech is required to be 5 to 7 minutes long. The topics presented are of the member’s own choosing, but each speech does have objectives to meet, such as practising eye contact, using body language, using visual aids effectively, proper word selection, speaking with per-

At the first meeting of the year, the membership of the North Grenville Toastmasters club had the privilege of seeing and hearing two members complete landmark goals in their Toastmaster life.

Jake Wilson reached his designation of "Competent Communicator" by having presented ten speeches dur-

suasion and inspiring others.

Each speech is evaluated by another club member to help the speaker know what they did well, and they also make suggestions on how to improve for the next time.

Jake is a recent high school graduate.

Jake can now refine and enhance his basic speaking skills with more of the

advanced Communication speaker programs available.

He can choose to focus on career-related presentations, such as public relations and technical speeches, or humour, and storytelling.

Rory Dafoe presented his "Ice Breaker" speech the same evening. This was his first speech in front of the club. For many this is the most difficult. Seven out of ten people would rather die than speak in front of an audience. Rory spoke with confidence.

Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills which result in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

It is suitable for people of all ages. Those in the early days of their careers will gain the most, but retirees are also welcome on the first and third Thursday of the month, at 7pm at O'Farrell Financial Services boardroom, located at 292 County Rd 44, Kemptville.

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Donation Acknowledgment

NORTH GRENVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Past, Key to the Future

The North Grenville Historical Society wishes to acknowledge the following people and organizations, whose generous donation of NG material heritage to the Society archives were considered at recent meetings of the Archives Acquisition Committee: Lorna Barnett, Jane vonBoetticher. City of Ottawa Archives, Wilf Goddard, Milfred Harper, Bill Kilfoyle, Jean Kilfoyle, Rob Leverty/Ontario Historical Society, Anne Martin, Sieglinde Matura.

Acquisition meetings are held quarterly in February, May, August and November.

January 18, 2017

During one of the first snows of winter, this robin stopped by in Oxford Mills with several friends to fill up on apples.

Photo by Crystal Walt.

Heart and Stroke fundraiser cessful due in part to the support we received from local businesses. Businesses were approached to donate soup, buns and prizes that in turn were sold for a nominal fee to family, visitors, staff and residents. All the soups were thoroughly enjoyed and so tasty with each

The Residents of Bayfield Manor are doing their part in showing that we live in a caring community. We are busy organizing our Annual "Take the Chill out of Winter" fundraiser with proceeds going to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Last year proved to be suc-

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restaurant's special touch.

In fact, the event was so enjoyed by everyone that we have been asked to organize once again. If you are a local business who would like to participate either by donating soup, buns or prizes, please contact Candace or Kelly at 613-258-7484. Thank you

for your consideration.

February is Heart Month, a time when the Heart and Stroke Foundation raises funds to carry on its work of researching the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Every seven minutes of every day, a Canadian dies from heart-related issues. www.ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Times

The Spirit of Christmas

Submitted by Candace Sceviour-Hay The Spirit of Christmas in abundance was brought to Bayfield Manor in Kemptville by the many community groups and individuals who either visited or donated presents and made cards to ensure no Resident would go without. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to these groups who brought joy and smiles to our Bayfield family. We all know that the Christmas season can be particularly difficult

for some and for you to participate in whatever capacity that you did was appreciated.

To take the time out of your own busy schedules to spend time with our elderly continues to show that we live in an amazing caring community.

December started off with a bang when we hosted our Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, which was a huge success due to those who attended. Then we were entertained

by St. James Anglican Choir, Music for Young Children, Russell Male Choir, Kemp-

tville Community Band and the Singing Swinging Seniors. We had many children's groups visit as well.

Holy Cross and Kemptville Public School as well as South Branch Elementary School’s, Grade 6 class, with teacher Mrs. Kay, who we have partnered with in an ongoing Intergenerational Program. They created Ginger Bread houses with both the Retirement and Long Term Care Residents. We had the Beavers, Scouts, Sparks and the Oxford Mills Sisterhood of Guiding. All these groups brought the spirit of Christmas in their own unique way.

Then there were three students from North Grenville DHS Arts Program who painted murals on the windows for us to enjoy. I am sure by now you can agree that we do live in a caring community and the Spirit of Christmas was in fact shown to our Residents. Not only the community cares: on a daily basis the wonderful staff at Bayfield often go about their day quietly doing acts of kindness above and beyond their job description, especially during the Christmas

The Voice of North Grenville

season. We are so fortunate to have the volunteers that we do. Their commitment to our on- going programs help us all to bring quality to the lives of who we care for.

Marj Casgrain, a volunteer with an endless amount of energy and dedication, ensured that all gifts were wrapped. Not to be forgotten are our families, who also engage themselves in “life” at Bayfield. For instance, Santa arrived Christmas morning (Ralph Lightle) along with two elves (Richard Monnon and Arnold McMartin) to hand out all the gifts. What a beautiful morning that was!

Special thank you to Joy and Bill Curnoe, Pat and Tom Hopkins, and Kemptville Physio for your generous donations of gifts. There is always a risk when we try to mention each group or individual, as there is the possibility that one gets missed.

If this is the case, we apologize and want you to know that your commitment to our aging population did not go unnoticed. Thank you, for all that you do!

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Tony Alblas is new Bingo champ!

By Pat Babin Bingo for Books, held last Thursday at the regular meeting of the Youngsters of Yore, allowed for an hour-plus of nerveracking entertainment.

Approximately ninety books, donated by the bibliophile membership, provided the backdrop for the occasion. Books were either romance novels or bloodcurdling mystery tomes, including a special edition of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.

Pat Babin and Jim Eager were the volunteer Bingo handlers. Players were reminded to be extremely nice to Jim since he was the one handling the numbers cage. Pat enjoyed his secondary role as town crier.

It soon became apparent that a certain individual would monopolize the session. Amazingly, Tony Alblas won four games!

His wife Tina’s inspiration probably ensured his good luck.

Tony was last seen leaving the North Grenville Public Library with two large bags of books. The rumor is that he may open his own bookstore. Another tittle-tattle gathering momentum is that he may not be allowed to participate in the next Bingo. On second thought, perhaps the next Bingo for Books could be held in Tony’s bookstore. Only time will tell.

Youngsters of Yore is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2017!

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January 18, 2017

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www.ngtimes.ca

Editorial

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Celebration Day: A Reply from a Committee Member Celebration Day: A Reply from a Committee Member Dr. Jo-Anne Bell, 2017 Kemptville Rotary Canada Day Parade Chair & Member of the North Grenville Canada Day Committee Shortly after the January 12 meeting of the North Grenville Canada Day committee, I read the editorial “Celebration Day” by David Shanahan in the January 11, 2017 issue. It had been brought to my attention by a couple of people present at the meeting. Unfortunately, it was never mentioned during the meeting. As a member of the committee who has been agitating for a fresh look or a new vision for the Canada Day 2017 celebrations, it was gratifying to see some public interest and comment on preparations for this event, but I question whether it will lead to tangible improvements? It may be convenient to blame the committee members for perceived defects of the Canada Day preparations, but the council, the municipal staff, and the public have a role to play too.

Before I comment further, it needs to be clear that there is no Canada 150 Committee. It is the task of the existing Canada

Day Committee to arrange for celebrations for July 1, 2017. As I have been repeatedly told that July 1 is our exclusive mandate and we do not have the volunteer manpower to do more. I would also note that the NG Times article “Committee of the Whole Highlights” (November 7, 2016) reported comments from Frank Onasanya about the difficulty of recruiting volunteers. A lack of volunteers is only part of our problems. Where is the input from the council members, community leaders, service groups, or ordinary residents on what we want for the 150th birthday celebrations?

The editorial mentions that, currently, the Canada Day schedule is remarkably similar to past events.

It is not just similar, it is identical and there is very little prospect of new events either on the day or during the year. I personally find this very disappointing and frustrating, and my efforts to start an open and honest discussion of the committee’s plans have been met with indifference, or lectures about our mandate or our lack of volunteers. I am tired of hearing the same excuses for why we cannot do more

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor Living the dream in Wynnetari-owe, as we now pay a carbon tax on top of the HST on just about everything we purchase.

A Liberal-appointed panel recommended a 10 cent a litre gas tax to fund infrastructure and we now are starting to feel the pain in Wynnetari-owe. As of January 1, the Liberals started off with a 4.3 cent a litre gas tax which includes home heating oil, plus HST, which means we are now paying 3 provincial sales taxes on our fuel. This will get more people to heat with wood to avoid paying tax on tax on a tax. Then we have our federal tax on fuel.

Premier Wynne is rebating us back the provincial portion of the HST. This was a Liberal tax grab to begin with - also, with Premier

Wynne rebating the provincial portion of the HST and not cancelling it from our hydro bill, she will be adding a billion dollars a year to our provincial debt which is expected to hit 370 billion dollars by 2020, up from roughly 138 billion dollars from when the Liberals took office.

In Wynnetari-owe we export 12% of our power, most of it for free or under 2 cents a kwh, and now Premier Wynne has recently signed a 7-year deal to buy Quebec hydroelectric-power while we are diverting or spilling water at Ontario hydroelectric dams, which is more than we're buying from Quebec.

This just doesn't make any sense.

Ross Ayotte, Smiths Falls

The North Grenville Times is published weekly by North Grenville Times Inc. Marketing Gord J. Logan gord@ngtimes.ca 613-258-6402 January 18, 2017

Dear Editor: With regard to the celebration of Canada's 150th

and time is slipping pass at an alarming rate.

The Canada Day committee held a brainstorming session in August, 2016.

During that meeting, there was a great deal of interest in making events for the coming year bigger and better. It was expressed to those attending that some of us are not content to satisfy ourselves with a one-day, one-off event, but we would prefer several events spread across the entire year to become the basis of events, festivals etc., that continue after 2017. A great number of ideas were put forward that are doable, will not cost huge sums of money, but will require effort, support and some hard work.

Suggestions were floated to improve on the Riverside Park events, but there is already a history in place of ignoring these suggestions. We also emphasized that, but we do not need to rely only on the Canada Day Committee! If we can spread the word and get other service groups, volunteer organizations, community groups, and ordinary citizens of North Grenville to stop talking about it and start doing it, we can make this coming 150th birthday

year of Canada something to remember for many years to follow. But we need volunteers to step up! Are you willing to join us and make this a year-long celebration to remember?!

The editorial suggests that there are potential conflicts in view and a solid and united committee is required to handle them. I do not believe there is discord on the committee. There have been disagreements, or differences of opinion, but a greater problem is a lack of excitement, a lack of a clear direction, and a lack of interest or willingness of the wider community to volunteer. I joined this committee believing that it was going to take a fresh look at Canada Day celebrations in Kemptville and provide a bold vision to that end.

Instead, it seems we are stuck in a rut, the status quo is fine, and there is no will to change anything, because the Canada Day celebrations past are viewed as marginally successful.

This is arguably the most important Canada Day of our lifetimes, and I do not want it to disappoint everyone because the council, the committee and the community couldn’t get their acts

Trustees with the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) met on Wednesday, January 11, to discuss a number of topics including the Financial Forecast for the 2016-2017 Budget. Superintendent of Business Nancy Barkley presented her first financial forecast to the Board for the current fiscal year. It reflects an anticipated in-year surplus of $499,000.

The Superintendent said that higher than anticipated 2016-2017 projected enrolment of an additional 156 students in our district, combined with the board’s original budgeted surplus, enabled it to fund additional educational assistant staffing to support students with special needs.

Superintendent Barkley confirmed that the budget remains Ministry compliant while allowing the board to focus on its key goals of student achievement and student well-being.

The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated

the north grenville

Editor David Shanahan david@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

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

energetic volunteer, or a enthusiastic participant. There is no point in the committee organizing a party or, hopefully, multiple parties for this sesquicentennial year, if the people we are doing it for don’t show up!

School Board looking at a surplus

anniversary, I would like to point out that the North Grenville Concert Choir is already in rehearsal for our spring concert, "Songs of Canada", which will take place on May 26, 27 and 28. Our Director, Phillip Konopka, has chosen a wide and wonderful variety of music for us, which spans the historical and geographical landscapes of our country. There are beloved folk songs, popular contemporary songs, and some surprises, which will be new to almost everyone. Mark the dates on your calendar, and get your tickets early -- the choir had sell-out performances for both its Spring and Fall 2016 concerts. Come and celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday in music with us!

Valerie Kirkwood Chair, North Grenville Concert Choir

ISSN 2291-0301 www.ngtimes.ca

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Marketing Peter Peers peter@ngtimes.ca 613 989-2850

together.

In keeping with the theme of the Canada Day parade this year (Celebrating Canada – Memories are Made of This), I agree we need to “make sure that there will be an even better collection of memories by the end of this year”. To that end, I believe that the council has to communicate their vision for this special year and be prepared to put in the work and/or money to make it happen. The committee needs to expand our efforts to encourage new ideas and new volunteers, and put them into action.

Finally, the community as a whole needs to tell us how you want to celebrate, and to actually be willing to come out and join in those celebrations, either as a

613-215-0735

Production Manager Marguerite Boyer production@ngtimes.ca 613-258-5083

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Mailing Address 10 Water Street Oxford Mills, ON, K0G 1S0 Graphics Accounting Micheal Pacitto cfo@ngtimes.ca mike@ngtimes.ca 613-258-4671 613-710-7104

Staff Reporter Deron Johnston deron@ngtimes.ca Staff Reporter Hilary Thomson hilary@ngtimes.ca

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The North Grenville Times

Municipality Matters

Mayor Gordon looks at North Grenville

by David Shanahan Mayor David Gordon met with the NG Times recently to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing North Grenville in the coming year.

This is the second part of that conversation.

Times: After serving as Warden, how do you see North Grenville in the context of the United Counties?

Mayor Gordon: North Grenville is considered the administrative capital of Leeds & Grenville: people look for our advice and they contact our Planning Department because Phil Gerrard is a walking encyclopaedia of the Planning Act and everyone respects his knowledge.

So we have something to be proud of: we are the administrative hub. We may not be the industrial hub, because, unfortunately, major industrial corporations are looking for quick transportation access, which is the 401.

But I think we will become the academic hub, we’ve got three new schools on the go now. The two French schools are growing, which I think is great. And we have a new Public School going up. This creates a lot of jobs, so it’s very good for the municipality. Another

thing going in is the seniors’ residence, which will be, I think, another 85 jobs. This is a very labour-intensive place.

We are in a more enviable position that other municipalities because we are getting these institutions.

Times: How does that work in terms of getting infrastructure in place to deal with the increased populations and business?

Mayor Gordon: It’s the issue of doing business. When it comes to infrastructure, people think it is all on the taxpayers, but it isn’t. The way we have it set up in North Grenville, the developers supply the infrastructure. A new development in the Northwest Quadrant supplies the roads going in, and the pumping station. That is something taxpayers don’t have to pay for.

So the initial infrastructure that goes in, the developers pay for it, the school boards pay for it. Needless to say, when we take over, when they sign off to the Municipality, then we maintain the roads.

But until then, they pay for maintaining the roads. Our Development Charges keep the taxes down for ratepayers, and that’s the important thing for us.

Times: Speaking to some builders, they say it’s not the DCs, it’s the price of land that is the problem.

Mayor Gordon: Yes, but we don’t own the land. The developers own the land. And I agree that the price of land is high, but the developers are buying from other developers.

This is where the high prices come from, and when I see the cost of land here, I think it is amazing, because you go down to Rideau Lakes and

you might get land for a third of the price. But I guess that’s the nature of success too. If you go to Rideau Lakes, they might get ten new houses built in a year, if they’re lucky, where we would be in a panic if we only get ten houses in a year.

Times: There’s also been a development within the municipality itself with the CAO, new Director of Finance, and a new Director of Planning.

Mayor Gordon: The one thing Council said to the CAO when he was hired was that we wanted him to bring the municipality into the 21st century, and he’s doing that.

You can’t wave a wand and suddenly it’s done: it’s a slow process. People don’t always like change, but with the funding as it is with the Province and the Federal Government now, you have to keep on running the developers, or the taxpayers will sooner or later have to pay higher taxes. There’s no way around it. Things have to change.

Development means a higher tax base for commercial operations, which means a lower tax rate for residential.

Times: Looking to the next two years, what do you see are the other challenges we’re facing?

Mayor Gordon: At this point in time, it’s funding, funding, funding. It’s plain and simple. And when governments come out with funding, I defy you to find a way to get at that funding. It is amazing the games they play.

I predict that in five years, maybe ten years, if things keep going the way they are now, municipalities will have very little provincial funding. The Province is going

bankrupt.

Times: Where will they get alternative funding then?

Mayor Gordon: Development. If you don’t develop, you die. There’s one municipality in Leeds & Grenville where, either this year or next, their entire budget will be taken up by policing costs.

They won’t even be able to afford to plough their streets.

And I know that some mayors think I’m crazy to talk about amalgamation, but that’s what they’re going to have to do.

You have to do more with less these days , because the Province is not flush with money and the money is not coming. And I don’t think it will be coming for the next fifty years, because we’re in such a mess. But most people can’t relate to that. There’s new regulations every year which changes the landscape of how you do business. Are we in the loop? Do they ask us our opinion? No. I mean the provincial meal allotment for seniors in a seniors residence is less than that in the Regional detention centres, which I think is a travesty. I was on the bandwagon about that for the last two years, but nobody picked up on it. That’s all I could do.

Times: So, basically, the future of NG depends on the community?

Mayor Gordon: Definitely. We look after ourselves.

You can phone someone up and say a senior needs a new roof and, next thing, you’ve got ten guys. And all they ask is: “is there muffins, sandwiches?” That’s the way it’s done here. We operate with less employees than other municipalities, and we do a good job.

EOWC elects new Chair and sets 2017 priorities The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), at its annual inaugural meeting held in Kingston on January 5 and 6, elected Mayor Robert Quaiff of Prince Edward County as the EOWC 2017 Chair.

Lanark County Warden Bill Dobson, also Reeve of the Township of Montague, was elected by the membership as the 2017 EOWC Vice-Chair. The role of the Chair and ViceChair, elected on an annual basis, is to provide the main point of focus and contact for the Caucus and ensure that the estabJanuary 18, 2017

lished key priorities move forward.

Three sets of key priorities were established for the Caucus in the coming year: 1. Improving our Infrastructure & Connectivity: The EOWC will continue to work with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network on the improvement of cellular networks in order to ensure mobile broadband services and increased public safety across rural Eastern Ontario’s many communities, and work with the Province of Ontario to advocate for the $3.7 billion in new provincial investments for municipal infrastructure.

2. Growing our Regional Economy: The EOWC

will continue to push for the expansion of natural gas to rural businesses, farms and communities as per its partnership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA); additional distribution capacity for hydroelectricity and a solution to increasing hydro costs; the continued implementation of the region’s economic development strategy, through the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council; and key projects such as the Picton Terminals expansion and the Marmora Pump Storage project.

3. Reducing Operational Costs: The EOWC will continue to advocate for a solution to policing costs and a modernization

of the current policing system, as well as provincial solutions to the legislative issues of joint and several liability and the interest arbitration system.

“Like my colleagues and the many Wardens before me, I am honoured to chair the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus in 2017 and to advocate for this year’s priorities in support of the 750,000 property taxpayers across rural Eastern Ontario,” stated EOWC Chair Robert Quaiff, who has served as a member of the EOWC since 2015. “The EOWC remains concerned about the increasing costs of certain services in the region, particularly when we think about our resi-

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The Voice of North Grenville the north grenville

TIMES Peter Peers

Marketing Consultant Phone 613 989 2850 Email: peter@ngtimes.ca

UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, January 23 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please visit the Municipal website at www.northgrenville.ca/document-library.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday, February 6 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre.

BUDGET MEETINGS

Jan 23 – 6:30 pm – Presentation of 1st draft to Council Jan 25 – 6:30 pm – Public consultation/deliberations Feb 1 – 3:30 pm – Public consultation/deliberations Feb 2 – (if required) Feb 21 – 6:30 pm – Presentation of final draft to Council Mar 13 – 6:30 pm – Budget adoption by Council

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – PLANNER I

The Municipality of North Grenville is accepting resumes from interested and qualified individuals for the position of Planner I. For more details and a full job description, please visit www. northgrenville.ca/careers.

2017 BURN PERMITS AVAILABLE ONLINE

In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. New in 2017, the entire application and renewal process is available online at www.northgrenville.ca. The online process also allows you to receive direct notification of special conditions such as fire bans and fire risk level. Burn permits are also still available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 and the fee is still $15. Please check conditions prior to burning by calling 613-706-1770.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS

Winter parking restrictions came into effect on November 15 and last through April 15. While restrictions are in effect, parking on Municipal roads is not allowed between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing or removal operations may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.

The Municipality of North Grenville 285 County Road 44 PO Box 130 Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0 Tel: 613-258-9569 Fax: 613-258-9620 general@northgrenville.on.ca Building: 613-258-4424 Fax: 613-258-1441 Fire Services Info: 613-258-2438 Fax: 613-258-1031 By-Law Services: 613-258-2438 ext. 6 Police Administration: 613-258-3441 Animal Control: 613-862-9002 www.NorthGrenville.ca

dents and businesses and their ability to pay. This includes everything from infrastructure to hydroelectricity and cellular network improvements to natural gas expansion, and the EOWC will continue to work with its partners at the provincial and federal government levels for regulatory changes and cost relief across all sectors – as it has done successfully in the past.”

Robin Jones, newly installed Warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, commented that: “The EOWC will also continue working with its partners in the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

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Food Trends in 2017 Submitted By: Dana Hawthorne, MScFN, RD Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit With the start of the New Year, we can expect to see new trends in food and nutrition throughout 2017.

Trend 1: Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins are foods that are rich in protein and come from a plant source. These foods are also called “meat alternatives” and include soy and soy products, nuts, seeds and legumes.

Grains, like quinoa, are also a plant protein. Proteins are part of every cell in our bodies, and we need protein to build and repair

our muscles and tissues, and to build hormones and enzymes. People following a vegetarian diet avoid most animal products, while people who are vegan avoid all animal products. This means a vegan does not eat any meat, poultry, fish, dairy or eggs.

Vegetarian and vegan styles of eating have become more common in the last few years. This may be due to concerns for animal welfare and more awareness about nutrition and health. As well, omnivores, or people who eat both meat-based and plantbased foods, are including more meat alternatives in their diets on a regular basis. When it comes to

meat and meat alternatives, choose the eating pattern that’s right for you and your family. If you do eat meats, choose lean options and include meat alternatives often. Look for meats with little or no thick white fat or marbling, take the skin off poultry, and limit deli meats, hot dogs and sausages. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian eating pattern, make sure to include a variety of meat alternatives every day.

Trend 2: Reducing Food Waste Food waste occurs when food that is safe and nutritious for us to eat is thrown out. Food can be wasted at any point in the supply chain, from producers to consumers. World-

wide, it’s estimated that 1/3 of all food produced is wasted. With increasing concerns over the environment and the planet’s ability to feed growing populations, reducing food waste will be a priority for many. Some examples of how the food industry, grocery stores and restaurants across Ontario are cutting down on food waste are: donating extra and leftover food to food charities, composting the food waste that is unavoidable, like trimmings and peels, and by figuring out ways to be more efficient in food production so that fewer ingredients are lost.

To cut down food waste at home, try to plan your meals ahead of time and

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then buy only what you need for those meals.

Check the “best before” and expiry dates when you’re grocery shopping, and avoid buying foods that will expire soon. As soon as you get home, put perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer.

Stock all unopened and non-perishable products in a clean, dry spot at room temperature and rotate products by using the “first in first out rule”. Also, get creative with leftovers to help reduce food waste. A tip for vegetables that are “on their last legs” is to store them in a container in the freezer and then use them to make a homemade

Time to get Ready for the Sesquicentennial Rotary Canada Day Parade!

Dr. Jo-Anne Bell, 2017 Kemptville Rotary Club Canada Day Parade Chair & Member of the North Grenville Canada Day Committee Greetings and Happy New Year Everyone! After a wonderful Canada Day celebration on July 1, 2016, the Rotary Club of Kemptville has once again joined forces with the North Grenville Canada Day committee to make the upcoming Sesquicentennial Year our community’s biggest and best party yet!

As chair of the Kemptville Rotary Club’s Canada Day Parade, I am pleased to announce the parade theme for the upcoming year: “Celebrating Canada – Memories are Made of This”. 2017 promises to be a full year of events honouring our country’s 150th birthday, and both the Kemptville Rotary Club and the North Grenville Canada Day committee hope everyone will join us in celebrating this great milestone. We want to get started planning and we hope that the theme for the 2017 Rotary Canada Day parade will inspire you to come up with great floats or other inventive entries.

We know that North Grenville is a wonderful place January 18, 2017

to live and, hopefully, this theme will recall memories of past Canada Day fun.

With your participation, this year’s parade will create some awesome new memories too. Don’t rain on our parade – join us!

We guarantee you will have lots of FUN! The Rotary Canada Day parade will begin at 4 pm from Campus Drive at the Kemptville College Campus and will make its way through town along Prescott Street and end at Holy Cross Church.

Parade forms are available online on the North Grenville municipal website. Registration is free!

YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION I N N O RT H G R E N VILLE. As plans for the parade evolve, I will keep you informed. We are hoping that parade entries will come from the various service groups, volunteer organizations, youth clubs, farms, businesses, hamlets, and interested individuals; the more the merrier! We are arranging for judges and prizes this year, so get creative and participate in the celebrations for the 150th birthday of our country.

In addition to the parade, there will be food, entertainment and lots of family activities throughout the day at Riverside Park, beginning with breakfast at the Royal Ca-

nadian Legion at 8 am, and wrapping up with spectacular fireworks at dusk. There are multiple opportunities to get involved and we are always looking for energetic and dedicated volunteers.

On behalf of the Kemptville Rotary Club and the North Grenville Canada Day committee, I would also like to send a huge thank you to everyone who joined the parade last year. The entries were terrific and your efforts were greatly appreciat-

ed. Even the downpour minutes before the start didn’t dampen our spirits and, thankfully, the rain stopped just in time! Well done everyone and I look forward to seeing you all turn out again this year.

More details are coming soon and your job now is to think about how you want to celebrate Canada and make some fabulous new memories for July 1, 2017.

broth later.

For more information, visit our website at www. healthunit.org, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, or call the Health Action Lines at 1-800660-5853.

More on food trends in 2017 next week.

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Saturday, January 21, 2017 eQuinelle Golf Club

Engaged couples, their wedding parties, family and friends are invited to attend the Bride and Groom Show, being held Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 9 am to 3pm at 140 eQuinelle Drive in Kemptville. This amazing event, offers food samples

by Weddings on the Rideau, and jewelry ideas from Sue Gold, or flower creations from Dill Flower Studio. You will discover what almost 50 businesses offer, to assist with wedding planning. Admission is FREE and engaged couples have the opportunity to enter a draw for a $2,500 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE

BY MIKE & NESS PHOTOGRAPHY. The Bride and Groom Show is showcasing photographers, bridal dresses, tuxedos, wedding planning, florists, wedding decorators, wine, beer and appetizer sampling, wedding caterers, cake and cupcake decorators, wedding favours, hair, makeup and esthetic services, travel assistance, jewellers, financial planning, interior designers and much, much more!

Follow the show activities on Facebook under the ALK Event Management page and please rsvp to the Facebook event “Bride and Groom Show”. However, preregistration is not required. Come and enjoy a fun day with your partner, friends and family!

Show host Anne Kotlarchuk can be reached by email at anne@alkeventmanagement.ca www.alkeventmanagement.ca 613-8538308 Mark January 21, 2017 from 9 am to 3 pm on your calendar and plan to attend this amazing show. Don't forget that it's FREE ADMISSION and you will have a chance to win a $2,500 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE FROM MIKE AND NESS PHOTO. January 18, 2017

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Local Agri-Food Tourism - Part Two

by Deron Johnston In the previous local food article, a recent food tour in the Bay of Quinté area was highlighted.

The impact on the writer was significant, because of the obvious potential that this type of tourism could represent, and how under the right conditions it could be duplicated in the North Grenville area.

There are plenty of great agri-food businesses in this area which could fit nicely into this sector of economic development.

With all of this in mind, the following is an example of one possible local agrifood tour that would not only be an excellent value for the participants, but also a great showcase for just a fraction of the great local food businesses in the area.

A bus from Kemptville Transportation Service picks up all of the participants at the south side parking lot of the North

Grenville Municipal Centre. Armed with a desire to have a great local food experience, the enthusiastic group departs at 9:00 am for a full day of learning, food and fun.

The first stop is the Rideau Roastery on Whitney Road in Kemptville for a much needed cup of coffee made from coffee beans that are roasted on site. This small-scale coffee bean roasting business currently sells their coffee online and supplies several local restaurants and retail businesses with both bulk orders and their own label of packaged coffees.

Stop two is Mountain Orchard, for a warm sample of their apple crisp to accompany the fresh coffee. Less than fifteen minutes southwest of Kemptville on Clark Road, it has been a popular spot with Eastern Ontario apple lovers for years. With nearly 10,000 trees and eleven different varieties of apples on twenty five acres, it is

an ideal spot for people who enjoy picking their own, or for picking up some fresh apple baking products or cider.

Stop three is Beking Poultry Farm in Oxford Station on Jochem Road, for a sample of their delicious pickled eggs. Due to bio security concerns because of the approximately 23,000 free range laying hens on site, they don’t promote tours, but are happy to sell eggs to the public at the farm. This family business has been going strong for over 40 years, and their eggs can be found at seven different farmers markets and at selected food retailers in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.

Stop four is Day Brighteners Farm, for a fresh salad of greens that are grown in one of their two 48’ X 16’ greenhouses which operate year round.

This non-certified organic farm is contained on two acres and located on Slater

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Road in Heckston. This enterprising farm has worked with a local nutritionist to host events where a meal is served, after which guests learn about making healthy food choices in a comfortable, informal setting.

Stop five is Blue Gypsy wines on Lindsay Road in Oxford Mills, for a tasting of their fruit wines and meads on their brand new patio. This former apple orchard has been operating since 2011 and recently began to sell their cranberry wine in several Eastern Ontario LCBO stores, prompting a significant increase in production.

They have recently added solar panels, making it a good example of a small business reducing its carbon footprint while also reducing energy costs.

Stop six is the Two Rivers Food Hub in Smiths Falls, allowing tourists to see the type of facilities and equipment used by lo-

cal food producers to make their food products. The Hub is a non-profit facility that was created to allow local food producers to not only process, but also store and sell their products through the Hub’s facilities and distribution network.

The Hub also has an online ordering program through their website allowing people to buy their favourite local foods online.

Final stop on the tour is the South Branch Bistro on Clothier Street in Kemptville, for a fine meal made from local ingredients supplied to them by the Two Rivers Food Hub and the other businesses from the tour. The meal allows tourists to witness the culmination of all of the aspects of the local food system that they’ve seen throughout the day.

This local food restaurant already regularly uses Two Rivers and other local food suppliers to support

a menu filled with local flavours.

The genius of a local agri-food tour like this would be that any number of other local food businesses could step into any one of these stops, without any loss of value, or without changing the experience for the participant.

The table seems to have been set quite nicely for an individual, organization, or private company to step forward and work with local agri-food businesses on developing a tour.

For Advertising rates please contact Peter at peter@ngtimes.ca or call 613 989 2850

SETTING THETHE NEW BENCHMARK SETTING NEW BENCHMARK Dévoilement du nom de l’école FOR HEATING & COOLING FOR HEATING & COOLING

Le jeudi 12 janvier, le nom de l’école a été officiellement dévoilé. Dorénavant, vous nous trouverez sous le nom École élémentaire publique Rivière Rideau. Ce nom a été choisi par la communauté de l’école et c’est un nom qui nous unit à la communauté puisque la rivière Rideau est un élément important dans la région, un point de repère. C’est un nom qui parle à la communauté et qui suscite un lien d’appartenance. Bravo et merci à tous ceux qui se sont déplacés pour venir célébrer avec nous.

Kemptville Public School now has an official name: Public Elementary School Rideau River! We did the unveiling on January 12. Thank you to all those who moved to come celebrate with us!

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TIMES The Voice of Merrickville/Wolford

Open House for the Merrickville District Municipality presents 4.7 per Trails Society and the Merrickville cent tax increase The Municipal Council of Merrickville-Wolford presented their draft budget to the comCross-Country Ski Club munity in two public meetings at the end of last week and early this week. submitted by Tim Allen On Saturday January 21, 2017, we are having an open house at the Merrickville District Community Health Centre from 9 am to 12 noon - all are invited to attend. Come and exchange new year's greetings and find out about planned activities on the trails through the winter. At 10 am. we will start a pleasant hour with John Mundy, who

will talk on “Walking the French Camino”. Last March and April, John walked over 500km in the south of France.

His journey along the GR 65 long distance footpath followed a medieval pilgrimage route from Le Puy en Velay to the French-Spanish border at St. Jean Pied de Port. His talk and slide show will make you want to brush up on your French and put on your hiking boots.

Refreshments will be served throughout the morning. After the open house, for those who are interested, we plan for two separate outings along the trails, a walk and a ski, according to the weather.

Once again, all are invited, so come and share a winter weekend with old friends or new acquaintances.

The overall proposal is to have a 4.7% tax increase with 2.7% going towards operational and capital costs, and 2% to go into an infrastructure reserve fund.

Announcing a tax increase is not something the Municipality takes lightly. At the last council meeting Councillor Kim Weedmark expressed his concern about the increase, especially in the case of some farmers who have seen their MPAC assessments increase by 100%. “We are looking at a tax increase on all levels,” he said.

However, as Deputy Mayor Ann Barr noted at the meeting, council needs to look ahead to ensure that the Municipality remains sustainable. “What other mechanism could you see to pay for the future?” she asked.

Roads and infrastructure are an issue for all municipalities, says Mayor David Nash. Many municipalities have to scramble to pay for the high costs of fixing crumbling infrastructure.

“Increasing reserves is very important,” says CAO John Regan. “It’s a good year to start.”

The 2% increase will ensure that $54,000 is put into the reserves for future infrastructure projects.

Merrickville Fire Department to hire Municipality welcomes deputy clerk deputy fire chief while. She is currently living

Council amended a bylaw last Monday to allow the Merrickville Fire Department to hire a Deputy Fire Chief. CAO John Regan says this is not a new position, as a deputy chief has historically been a position within the department. “I’m not sure why the position was dissolved,” he says.

Having a deputy chief will allow for smoother operations and will ensure there is always a second in command, which is important if the fire chief is unavailable. Fire Chief Bob Foster will be charged with choosing the deputy fire chief and John believes it will probably be an appointment from within.

Although there will be some financial costs to the position, John said it shouldn’t have any impact on the budget. “It’s a small cost to pay to continue to have a top notch fire department.”

Gord Brown posts new Tax Guide on web site Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville – Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, has posted the 2016 version of his popular Tax Guide on his web site.

“It outlines tax breaks available to people and also points out where we are paying higher taxes under the current government,” he says.

“Since day one of forming Canada’s Official Opposition, Conservatives have been the voice of the taxpayer.

This builds on our strong record of keeping taxes low for families during our years in government. For example, our low-tax measures helped the average Canadian family save over $6,600 per year,” he notes.

The current government has made changes. For example in 2016, the current government made significant changes to income tax brackets and child benefits which greatly affect the savings to which all Canadians have become accustomed. Combined with the loss of tax credits, many families will find themselves paying more and getting less, he explains.

The tax guide also outlines where the current government is looking at raising taxes next year so that people can plan ahead.

The Guide is a 16-page brochure which is divided into sections dealing with tax-related information for families, seniors, home buyers,

working Canadians and job creators. Aside from practical tips for taxpayers, it points out the different tax policies of the Conservatives and Liberals, and contains a short survey page at the end. This looks for input on some obvious questions, such as: “Should the government work on keeping taxes low for families, seniors, small businesses and all Canadians?”

Whatever about the party political motivation of the Guide, it is a service which will be a great value to residents as they prepare to file their Tax Returns over the coming months.

The annual guide is available at Brown’s web site at www.gordbrownmp.ca. It is a pdf that can be downloaded or printed.

by Hilary Thomson There was a new face around the table at the council meeting last Monday. Christina Conklin has officially joined the Municipality as their new Deputy Clerk.

CAO John Regan says he is thrilled to have Christina join their team. “She is so energetic and ready to learn,” he says. Christina has a diploma from St. Lawrence College in Business Administration and Management. She has

worked as a receptionist and assistant in a law firm, an office manager at Sunbelt Business Brokers Inc., and then at Pacific Business Brokerage out in Vancouver. When she moved back home to be closer to her family, she got a job as the office clerk at the township of Augusta.

A country girl at heart, Christina grew up on a dairy farm in Roebuck, close to Spencerville. Her parents still own the farm and she goes out there to help out once in a

in Brockville, but is hoping to move to Merrickville to be more a part of the community.

“When this job came up, I knew I needed to apply,” Christina says. “I love the area.” Christina is very excited about her future in Merrickville-Wolford. “This is not your status quo Municipality,” she says. “Council is very progressive and forward thinking. There is also a lot of public involvement which is great to see.”

In her position, Christina will be taking over many administrative tasks from John Regan, which includes updating their filing which is a year behind. This will help free up time for John to focus on his duties as CAO and allow him to ensure they are moving forward in terms of the Strategic Plan and economic development.

Christina would like to thank everyone who has made her feel so welcome. “It’s such an inviting place and I already feel at home,” she says smiling. “I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting with residents personally.”

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Well Grounded Foot Care Advanced/ Diabetic Mobile Clinic. Anita Plunkett R.P.N. 613294-2122 wellgrounded2016@ gmail.com HANDY MAN specializing in renovations & house staging. We do it Bartlett Built Welding & Fabrica- all CALL 613.294.2416 tionSteel, Aluminum, Stainless Call Kevin 705-933-2517 You Name It, I Can Sew It. Call Rhonda at 258-5248 Mr & Mrs Clean residential/ commercial cleaning. For Heartland Fence & Deck. Renovaquote mrandmrsclean613@gmail. tion specialist. Brian 613-796com or 613-867-2184 9790

Winter rental, cosy 2 bedroom furnished house near Merrickville. Jan-Mar. no pets/smokers. References, $1500/mo all incl. 258 4207

FIREWOOD (Merrickville)DRY& READY to Burn SOFTWOOD(PINE) $49.00/ CHORD HARDWOOD(ASH) $95.00/ CHORD PICKUP 613 269 3836

WANTED

Variety of lumber, pine, hemlock, maple, spruce, 1” and 2”. For details call 314-9327.

Looking to rent Farmland for crops in the North Grenville LARGE COLLECTION of ANTIQUE SNOW BIRDS-PLAN NOW. Quali- Property clean-up, trees/brush/ area. Call or text 613-262- DINING ROOM TABLES & CHAIRS fied professional house sitter, yard waste, scrap metal, dump 1204 $119.00-$195.00 VG CONDITION now booking assingments-short runs, anything removed. Call 613 269 3836 or long term - 613.258.5284 Wayne Scott at 613 286 9072 WANTED 2 OR 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT ON ONE FLOOR, KEMPTVILLE Men’s skates, size 12. “DR XLR8, Post-Concussion Tutoring Sup- Rock My House music lessons in 613.258.0964 Senior”. $25. Call 613-821-3664. port OCT certified. Ashley: 613- fiddle, piano, drums and more.

898-8676 or ashley@magma.ca 613 258 5656 Senior needs old car batteries 3 b e d / 2 b a t h H i g h R a n c h for making weights. Call 613 in Osgoode only $358,000 MATH TUTORING, qualified Handyman/Contractor with years 258 6254. w w w.330 0annet te.com teacher. Grades 7-11, 8-9pm in of experience. No job too big or 1d:1002232 old town 613.863.5639 small. Unlimited references, call Merrickville:Casual Relief Cook Weekends. Contact: peter@new- Nexus Walker: $200 (Retail $417) for free estimate 613.791.8597 gate180.com CFSC $ CRFSC Courses and Adjustable height, basket, hand exams Steve Hoy 613.258.6162 brakes, folds. 613 258-6732 January 18, 2017

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Special Rates

Wedding & Engagement Announcements

1 col. x 4" B&W $36, Colour $42 2 col. x 3 1/2" B&W $55, Colour $65 Photo may be included.

Baby bassinet, Navy/white $40. oo Merrickville 613.803.7274

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Mixed hardwood firewood. $100 per cord delivered. Two cord minimum.Charlie 989-2768.

Mixed hardwood firewood, $100 a cord delivered. jon 227-3650 DIGITAL ASTHMA monitor never used $40. Call 613-215-0669 4 Snow tires on alloy rims for G.M. 225x60x16. Call 613 258 2604 HELP WANTED Shinglers and labourers required immediately. Please call 613599-0010

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TIMES Gord Logan

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

275 County Rd. 44, Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0 A leading producer of tree and woody shrub seedlings for South Central Ontario. Our operations are primarily field agriculture and greenhouse production. We are looking to fill the following positions:

Field Operations Foreman Greenhouse Grower Nursery Operations Lead Hand – Field Operations Nursery Operations Lead Hand – Greenhouse Operations Full descriptions of the positions can be found on our website www.fergusontreenursery.ca. Please send your resumes and a covering letter describing which position you are interested in and how you feel you meet the position requirements to penny@fergusontreenursery.ca or they can be mailed or dropped off at the address above.

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Leaf opening 6. Sneaker or pump 10. Powdery dirt 14. Cassettes 15. Klutz's cry 16. Ancient Peruvian 17. Ecstasy 19. Glance over 20. Mold 21. South southeast 22. Cushions or mats 23. Relaxes 25. Itinerant 26. Historical periods 30. Loan shark 32. Give in 35. Xylophone 39. Mountain range

40. Food allowance for a day 41. Resulting 43. Tartarus 44. Vital spirit or soul 46. Found on rotary phones 47. Worth 50. Wanderer 53. By mouth 54. Hole-making tool 55. Fail to fulfill a promise 60. Drunkard 61. Doorman 63. Brother of Jacob 64. Beers 65. Less damp 66. Wreaths 67. Lease 68. Hosiery

DOWN 1. Flower stalk 2. Cab 3. Iridescent gem 4. Blend 5. Daisylike bloom 6. Drunkard 7. Lifting devices 8. Nocturnal arboreal marsupial 9. Feudal worker 10. Demoralized 11. Open, as a bottle 12. Oodles 13. A Eurasian aromatic herb 18. Reverence 24. A type of large sandwich 25. Hebrew unit of weight 26. Being 27. Wreckage 28. Air force heroes 29. Conscientious 31. Unusual 33. Pee 34. Head of hair 36. Short skirt 37. ___ fide 38. A Freudian stage 42. Topmost planking of a boat 43. A leg (slang) 45. Unfrozen 47. Not a consonant 48. Mount 49. Hawaiian veranda 51. Biblical boat 52. Accomplishments 54. Food thickener 56. Roman emperor 57. Sweeping story 58. Eccentric person 59. Makes a mistake 62. Eastern Standard Time

COMMUNITY EVENTS Jan 19 Jan 18 Jan 21

Jan 21 Jan 22

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Mon

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Fri Fri Sat

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Solution to last week’s Crossword Sun M,W,F

January 18, 2017

Youngsters of Yore, 1:30 pm, Library Program Room. Guest speaker:

Megan Wright, Youth Addiction, Brain development and the implications of marijuana use.

Kemptville Horticultural Society January meeting, 7:30 pm, Kemptville Pentecostal Church - 1964 County Rd # 43. Guest Speaker: Laura Moses (a Master Gardener) on Flower Pots that Wow!!

Open House for the Merrickville District Trails Society and the Merrickville Cross-Country Ski Club at the Merrickville District Community Health Centre, from 9 am to 12 noon - all are invited to attend and find out about planned activities on the trails through the winter. At 10 a.m John Mundy will give an illustrated talk on “Walking the French Camino”. Refreshments served.

Legion Euchre Tournament, 100 Reuben Crescent. Registration is from 12 pm-12:30 pm. Tournament starts at 12:30. Registration cost is $10.

Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be available.

Annual Snowmobile Klub Supper at Heckston United Church 4:30 to 7 pm. Free will donation.

Weekly and recurring events

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

SUDOKU

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Kemptville Quilters Guild, every 2nd Mon. at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Road 43, 7 pm. New members welcome.

Modern square dance club, Grenville Gremlins,7:30-10 pm, Leslie Hall on Clothier St. BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Dr, 7- 8:30 am. Info: 613-918-0430.

Bridge- St. John’s United Church, 12:15 pm. Cost $4. All levels of bridge players welcome. Info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

The Branch Artisans Guild, North Grenville Community Church, 2659 Concession Street every 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm. New members welcomed!

NG Photography Club - first Wednesday of every month from 7-9 pm at the Grenville Mutual Building, 380 Colonnade Drive. For more info, see ngphotoclub.ca Klub 67 Euchre every 2nd & 4th Wed. beginning Sept. 14, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church. Everyone welcome $5.00.

Bingo- 1st & 3rd Wed., Kemptville Legion, 1 pm. All welcome.

Refreshments available.

Kemptville Legion cribbage night, 2nd and 4th Wed. Start time 7 pm. All welcome. Come and play for fun.

New Horizon Club, 2nd & 4th Wed. at the Burritt`s Rapids Community Hall. Meetings at 2 pm. Special events with meals at noon. All adults 55 plus welcome to join. For info re programs and membership call Janet 613-269-2737.

Probus Club of North Grenville meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the Month. Everyone is welcome to join us at 9:30 am at St Paul's Presbyterian Church Hall for fellowship.

Holy Cross Church monthly suppers, 1st Wed of the month, starting October 5. Adults $8, Children $5. All are welcomed.

Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5. All levels of bridge players welcome. For more info, contact Sandra at 613-258-2691.

North Grenville Toastmasters - Meeting 1st & 3rd Thurs., 7 pm at O’Farrell’s Financial Services, Cty Rd 44. Info, call 258-7665.

Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) is your host for Game Night, 2nd and 4th Fri., 6-10 pm. Bring your favourite game or borrow one from their library. All ages welcome.

Friendship Lunch, Leslie Hall, hosted by St. James, Holy Cross, Salvation Army, St. John and Kemptville Pentecostal Churches, 11:30 am.

Donations accepted but not expected, everyone welcome.

Kemptville Legion breakfast, 8 - 10 am 3rd Sat. of every month., 100 Reuben Crescent. Adults $5. Children under 12 $3. All welcome.

Kerith Debt Freedom Centre – Provides free and confidential coaching to help you get and stay out of debt, 2nd & 4th Sat.of each month. Call 613-258-4815 x 103 or www.kdfc.ca to request an appointment.

Twice The Fun Games (200 Sanders St. Unit 103) selects a game for their “Organized Play” and "Learn to Play" events, 1-4 pm . No experience needed. See what games are coming up, sign up for their newsletter.

Kemptville and Area Walking Group meet at Municipal Centre at 8 am.

Call Gail 258-1148.

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Rotary supporting community youth

An alternative pipeline

Local resident Harold Hellam is well known as a singer and composer, but his creativity does not end there. As he considered the lively debate about the Energy East pipeline and plans to run the project under the Rideau River

as the pipes cross into North Grenville, Harold wondered if there might not be an alternative way of protecting the river from accidental spills. What he has come up with, as can be seen in the accompanying sketch, is a plan to run

The Voice of North Grenville

the pipeline over the river, instead of underneath it.

His vision would have large storage tanks in a concrete catch basin, so that, should a break occur in the pipeline, instead of having the heavy oil pollute the water and aquifer, it would be caught in the storage tanks. The pipeline itself would run over a concrete bridge, with a pedestrian walkway allowing for people to cross the river. Harold also believes the entire structure could become a magnet for visitors to the area, and add to the economic prosperity, as well as the environmental integrity of North Grenville.

The Kemptville Branch of the Navy League of Canada, which is responsible for oversight and support to the local Sea Cadet (boys and girls 12-18) and Navy Cadet (boys and girls 8-12) Corps, recently provided Rotarians with an orientation to the organization. The cadets shared their personal thoughts on the benefits of membership. All referenced developing life, leadership and communications skills, learning how to be part of a team and, most importantly, having lots of fun!

Rotarians were impressed that the programs do so much to build good community

citizens.

Following the presentation, the Navy League was presented with a donation of $1,000, which will be used to support the many activities of the Corps. Pictured are Sea Cadet Officer Chris Churchill, Petty Officer Carter Churchill, Leading Seaman Hunter Churchill, Rotary President Cora Beking, Rotarian Donovan Arnaud, Navy Cadet Sub-Lieutenant /Commanding Officer Susie McIntosh, Navy Cadets Hailey & Gracey Panciuk and Navy League President Mike McIntosh.

About Rotary: Rotary members, as volunteers, conduct projects and donate time and energy to address today’s humanitarian challenges, including illiteracy, disease, hunger, poverty, lack of clean water, and environmental concerns, while encouraging high standards in all vocations. Rotary members strive to build goodwill and peace, and provide humanitarian service in the communities and throughout the world. For more information, visit www.kemptvillerotary.ca or call President Cora @ 613-258-5396.

Oxford Thrift Shoppe supports KYC

L-R: Connor Dixon, John Gagne, Breanna Luther, KYC Program Coordinator Bridget Manahan, Debbie Presutti, Piero Presutti, Riley Robertson.

L-R: John Gagne, Breanna Luther and Connor Dixon of the Kemptville Youth Centre Youth Council at their accessory sale on Friday. The sale raised $700 for KYC programming.

by Hilary Thomson Piero and Debbie Presutti of the Oxford Thrift Shoppe stopped by the Kemptville Youth Centre on Friday to give them their last donation for 2016.

The thrift store, which is located at 2075 Highway 43 in Kemptville, celebrated its first year in business in December and has donated a total of $1,050 to the Youth Centre throughout the year. This amounts to 20% of their gross sales.

On Friday, Debbie added their name to the tree of donors on the wall at KYC and handed over a cheque for $450 – the last installment for 2016.

The Oxford Thrift Shoppe operates on a part time basis: Wednesday from 12-5 and Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. Donations can be made both at the shop and at the back of the Kemptville Youth Centre.

January 18, 2017

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The North Grenville Times

73's manage one and one to keep them in the hunt

The Voice of North Grenville

the north grenville

TIMES Gord Logan

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

Introducing Phil Burger Our ice, our game....Captain Bobby Dow and team mates making a statement during Sunday's contest. by the sportsguy With roster change of Derek Osik, Vincent Roy, to shore up their front snipers, and defensive Brandon Bastasin, and Liam Hunter to support the back end, the 73's are prepared to mount a playoff attack. Smiths Falls Bears were hungry for a win in the 73's barn on Sunday afternoon, but were caged with a 6 - 3 loss.

Within five minutes of the first, after Row to Tugnutt to split the "D", Derek Osik banged in the rebound at 19:03 to give him his first CCHL goal.

Kemptville closed out the period being out shot by 15-10 with 1 to zip lead.

The Bears clawed back to tie it up at 19:16 when Ryan Gibson, with helpers from Folkes and Busschaert, to spoil Brooks SO. The 73's owned the second at 11:46: McGrath with Beauparlant pass and go up the right wing over to trailer Jack A. York to slam it home for go ahead. McGrath ahead

to Osik to toe drag, and Alex Row drove home the garbage at 10:33 for PPG. At 2:10, Bissonette, after receiving from draw, over to J.R.York and Dobson failed to squeeze as Tyson Kirkby pumped in refuge to make it 4-1. Then Matt Tugnutt launches his 23rd goal as Osik combines with Row at 1:23 to put 73's up 5-1. Kemptville buried Dobson with 25 SOG to Brooks 7 and controlled the draws by 80 % to end second.

Taylor made an appearance in the final twenty for Bears after chasing Dobson to the showers.

With the Bears on man advantage from late penalty in second, Colt Busschaert, assisted by Franche and Garvey, beat Brooks at 19:37. Elder head mans to Kirkby to spring Joe McGrath for a break away behind the "D" for his eighth of the season to make it 6-2 Kemptville at 9:53. 73's defensive break down as McKenney, with Lalonde, to find Brent Garvey to wrap up the contest at 4:27 to give Kemptville

the victory. Kemptville hammered Smiths Falls 49 SOG to 29.

Kemptville on Brockville home ice Friday night came out with a vengeance, but couldn't keep the throttle open, as they were defeated in the second and third 5-2.

73's opened up when Bissonette to Tracy on the half boards to Tyler Beauparlant to launch a missile from point at 18:54.

Wichers cycled down get tripped up to Beauparlant and Jake Gaudet on the doorstep for two- goal lead at 6:26. Unfortunately, that is all she wrote, as the Braves controlled the rest of the evening.

Second stanza: Rinaldo found Mack Hancock to shut down Brook's SO attempt at 18:17. Then Blake Coffey, from Murphy with Varney at 5:02, to give the Braves a tie. Final twenty: the Braves continued to tally the goals without

response from 73's. Logan Blaser from Caruso and Moore at 18:36; Noah Jordan, with helper from Murphy, at 8:53. Bureau and Caruso would continue the damage at 2:50, as Devin Moore beat Hodgins to give Brockville a needed win. Brockville out shot Kemptville 36 to 33, with no slab time for the last two frames.

Come on out and experience "Hockey with Edge".....support your 73's.

Barrister and Solicitor

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

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Join us for a focus group session about a new initiative: Transitions in Care Kemptville District Hospital needs your help as we develop this new initiative.

‘Transitions in Care’ means your healthcare journey as you move from one health provider to another – for example, from hospital to your family doctor to home or to another service agency. It is about ensuring patients have the best possible outcomes from their care.

Kemptville District Hospital would like to offer a truly patient-centred solution. To do this well we need to hear from patients, their families/caregivers, and other health or service providers about their experience with the healthcare system. This is especially important for patients with chronic or complex illnesses who require services to stay well at home.

We invite you to provide feedback on your experience with ‘Transitions in Care’ at our Focus Group Session: When: Tuesday, January 24, 2017, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Dr., Kemptville Refreshments will be served RSVP to Catherine Van Vliet at cvanvliet@kdh.on.ca or 613-258-6133, ex. 181

2675 Concession Rd. Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 www.kdlh.on.ca

January 18, 2017

THOMAS BYRNE

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The North Grenville Times

The Story of Confederation 2

by David Shanahan A divided United Province In 1862, the United Province of Canada was a deeply divided and unstable place.

Since it had been put together

by British Imperial orders in 1841, the two sections that had once been Upper and Lower Canada, and today known as Ontario and Quebec, had careened from one crisis to another. For just fifty years, between 1791 and 1841, the two colonies had enjoyed a separate existence, each with its own administration, but the competition between them had become an obstacle to economic growth. Lower Canadian control of the St. Lawrence had interfered with Upper Canada’s economic development. The many issues that divided them included French versus English, and majority Catholic versus

majority Protestant.

It was hoped that, by joining them together into one Province of Canada, some of this antagonism would be dealt with, but it was clear to the majority in Lower Canada that the Union had been designed to “swamp the French”, as even officials described it. Although the population of Lower Canada was greater than the Upper half, it had the same number of seats in the Assembly, and it seemed destined to be kept out of the more influential offices of the Crown. But those interested in reform of the system of government in the colony joined with the French representatives to form a powerful party which eventually brought about the changes they sought and Lower Canada maintained a major influence on the formation of governments for most of the Union period.

The combined population

of the province in 1861 was 2,507,677, of which Lower Canada had 1,111,586 and Upper Canada slightly more at 1,396,091. The major cities were comparatively small by today’s standards. Montreal had a population of 90,323 and was the largest urban area in the Province. Toronto had 44,821 residents, Ottawa just 14,669. The Irish outnumbered the English, Scots and Welsh combined ( 241,423 Irish to 127,429 English and Welsh and 111,952 Scots).

It soon became a grievance of Upper Canada that, when its population overtook that of Lower Canada, they now became the side restricted in the number of seats available to them in the Assembly. The new cry of the Reformers was “Representation by Population”, or Rep by Pop, and they rallied around the cry of “Justice for Upper Canada!”. More and more, as the 1850's wore on,

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it became difficult to form a stable government for the province, with the result that economic stagnation and sectional disputes became ever more bitter. “British” Upper Canadians resented French Lower Canada using their taxes for Lower Canadian infrastructure projects. Lower Canadians resented Upper Canadian Protestants making laws concerning schools which seemed to impinge upon Catholic educational priorities. There seemed to be no end of conflicts and potential sources of conflict.

Even within Upper Canada, the Reformers and those now known as Conservatives were deeply divided. By the early 1860's, the two most important leaders of these two camps, George Brown for the Reformers and John A. Macdonald for the Conservatives, had a very strong and open personal hatred for one another. Both sides seemed trapped in a system that prevented each from achieving

Christmas heroes carry on after the holidays

by David Shanahan Christmas is fast disappearing into the rear view mirror as we set our faces towards 2017 and the remaining months of winter before our next opportunity to celebrate a holiday. There’s often an emotional droop in January and February, and that is most especially true of the growing number of people in our community who face the future in fear and want. The Christmas season brings new supplies of food, funds, clothing and cheer to the food banks and thrift stores upon which so many depend. The sad fact is that more and more people are looking to these sources for daily needs and organisations trying to meet those needs are finding it harder to do so.

One of those organisations is the Knights of Columbus, who operate out of Holy Cross parish in Kemptville.

Christmas in our Community has also been a big part of the work done by the KoC, who have a program in place open to all residents, regardless of class or creed, who request January 18, 2017

Christmas Hampers and gifts for children. The Knights provide thousands of dollars to purchase food needed to fill these hampers.

This year 113 requests came in to the Knights, 49 of them involved 115 children, and this does not include special needs kids. They are “adopted out” to local businesses and individuals, who volunteer to take care of a family over Christmas. Again, this year, many of these called in to the Knights and offered to take care of a special needs family. Canadian Tire, Staff from Rona, O'Farrell Financial, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Service Ontario, TD , Hulse Playfair & McGarry and so many more call and sign on year after year.

OPSU provided $200.

The KoC are part of the North Grenville Community Service Council [NGCSC], which for over forty years, has been part of this community, helping families in crisis.

NGCSC consists of members from each service group in North Grenville Kemptville: the Lions, Kinsmen, Legion

NGCSC members do what they can to help the Knights of Columbus, who want every family to have the best holiday possible. Each year referrals are sent in to the Executive Director by health care workers, teachers, doctors, neighbours and groups. Special needs have issues in the home, perhaps a parent or child is ill, or requires special care.

According to NGCSC Executive Director, Claire Larabie: “We make sure each request is matched with a member of our community who is on our list. They are given generic details, such as Cancer, CF, etc. A child or teen with mobility issues has no use for a skate board. They may like to draw, or play games, or to

212, Knights of Columbus and Kemptville Rotary Club.

Each group assigns a member to sit on the board where the Executive Director presents request that have been sent to the groups. These are evaluated, and the board then decides if they can provide help.

Each year the Knights request help to oversee the gift side of the Hampers and the NGCSC Director speaks to each person requesting help. 2016 team leader Monique Larabie, working with Adonica Brown, teens Bella Brown and Ceiledh Brown, as well as Judy Littau, Mary Ellen, and Sugold, spent over 140 hours making sure every child was given what the parish member chose for them on the angel tree. But not all are picked, as many apply late in the campaign. The group spent many hours making lists of items that had not been picked up. They went shopping, with volunteers Bella and Ceiledh providing input into the things a teen would like or wear. They worked for over 30 hours, packing and shopping.

their political goals, and social and cultural development.

Politicians were confined within a structure that gave no room for ambition, vision, or anything beyond petty and repetitious sparring and mutual loathing. It was not a pretty picture, but where was the way out?

There had been talk, off and on, about the idea of separating the two old colonies and making them into a federation instead, each with its own assembly. Others had even dreamed of uniting all the British North American colonies into a single country, but there had been no interest shown by the four Maritime colonies in that idea. They had their own visionaries who were advocating a union of just the four lower colonies, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward island and Newfoundland, into a new Acadia.

Many in those colonies were highly skeptical about having any dealings with

the untrustworthy Canadians. There had been talks in 1862 between the five governments about funding a railway line that would run from Sarnia in Upper Canada to Halifax, Nova Scotia. At first, all seemed to have gone well and an agreement had been reached. At least, so the Maritimers thought, until the Canadians reneged on the scheme, leaving their Atlantic cousins angry and deeply suspicious of any further entanglements with the Canadians.

By 1864, there seemed no hope of escape from the straightjacket of the United Province, and no interest among the maritime colonies in any future arrangements with them. Yet, three years later, the Dominion of Canada came into being. The way in which this astonishing achievement came about is a story that sometimes seems something that belongs in a book of fiction. Yet, that story is now our history.

read. A child with autism or Downs Syndrome needs that special gift, so we match these to families or businesses who have signed on”.

Many others help in other ways, by providing shortfall items for the Hampers. Kemptville Animal Hospital held a trim nail campaign again this year, in exchange for food donations and cash. $168 and 900 lbs of food was collected.

CIBC collected food items and they held dress- down Fridays for the NGCSC. All the food and funds will be given to the Knights of Columbus.

Claire speaks on behalf of all the NGSCS members: “I send a big thank you to every member who came out that Sunday in freezing rain and snow. It did not stop the Knights of Columbus from delivering their Christmas

Hampers. I also thank those who sent thank you cards, telling us how happy we made the children”.

This kind of care and generosity is needed as much in the new year as it was at Christmas. It is a sad fact of life today that the need for food, proper clothing, toys, and whatever is so often taken for granted by others, are more and more being supplied by service agencies like the Knights fo Columbus.

As hydro rates rise, added taxes reduce our disposable incomes, and the price of food continues to increase, we need to stand with these volunteers and support one another as much as we can, to ensure that even these basic needs are met.

Supporting Your Well-Being

With Genuine Sleep Solutions 15 Precision Drive, Unit 3 Kemptville, Ontario K0J 1J0

613-258-2902 www.goodnightbedcompany.com 16

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