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Why Heritage Matters A Reﬂection on Pride, Place, and Community

"Proudly serving our Community"

Dan Pettigrew Owner & friendly neighbour

T: 613.774.1958

Dan.Pettigrew@sobeys.com foodland.ca 12015 Main Street

by Geraldine Taylor

I recently returned from a visit to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a city whose beauty is not only found in its architecture, colours, and cobblestone streets, but in the deep sense of pride its residents have for their history. Everywhere I looked, I saw evidence of a community that has made a collective decision to protect what came before them.

Buildings centuries old are lovingly maintained. Public spaces tell stories. Traditions are honoured. History is not tucked away, it is lived, celebrated, and shared with both residents and visitors alike.

What struck me most was how heritage there is

not seen as something belonging only to the past. It is clearly understood as a foundation for identity, belonging, and future growth. The people of San Miguel de Allende know who they are because they know where they came from.

While North Grenville may not have centuries of history behind it, we have something equally meaningful - a rich and vibrant story shaped by the people, families, farms, businesses, and community builders who came before us. Our heritage lives in our historic buildings, our archives, our landscapes, and in the stories passed down through generations.

It is something we can

be deeply proud of.

Here at home, the North Grenville Historical Society plays a vital role as the keeper of these stories and artifacts. Through the dedication of volunteers and supporters, they work quietly but tirelessly to preserve our collective memory so that future generations can understand and appreciate the roots of our community.

But preserving history is not something that happens on its own. It requires care, commitment, and community support. There are many ways to help. Volunteering time at the HUB or the archives is a meaningful way to contribute, whether assisting with collections, research, events, or simply

helping keep the doors open to those curious about our past. Becoming a member, whether new or renewing, is another important way to ensure the Society remains strong and able to continue its work.

Supporting heritage is really about supporting community. It strengthens our sense of place, connects generations, and reminds us that we are part of a story much larger than ourselves.

My time in San Miguel de Allende was a powerful reminder that communities thrive when they value their history. We may be younger, but we share the same opportunity and responsibility to protect and celebrate the legacy we are building together here in North Grenville.

Heritage is not just about looking back. It is about understanding who we are today and shaping who we will become.

I encourage everyone to consider how you might support the preservation of our shared history, whether through volunteering, becoming a member, or simply taking the time to learn more about the remarkable stories that make North Grenville the community we are proud to call home.

Prescott Streetscape, c. 1930

51st Snowarama another great success

by Bruce Robinson, Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, Snowarama Coordinator

Once again the generosity of our community has been demonstrated by the outstanding eﬀorts from the combination of the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub, the Oxford Mills Girl Guides, and Easter Seals to raise over $7700 to help the disabled children in our community.

There were about 100 breakfasts served, 74 rally participants and an on-line auction. Lots of fun was had by everyone. A big thank you to all the businesses and individuals that donated items and to everyone who donated funds to the cause. The weather was perfect and everyone got around the rally route safely. We had a great day for a worthy cause. Thank you.

100 Women Who Care North Grenville

100 Women Who Care North Grenville is hosting a fun filled, first quarterly meeting on Thursday, February 19. If you wish to dine arrive by 6pm, or 6:30PM for the social only. Our meeting will start at 7:00PM sharp at Catered Affairs, located on the Kemptville Campus, 820 Heritage Drive, Kemptville.

Go to our website www.100womenwhocareng.com if you wish to place an order for a delicious dinner (look for the order link on our homepage). The cost is $16.95 plus tax for the meal, or for dessert $3.00 and/or a warm beverage only for $2.50, plus tax. Please pre-order your preferences by November 18. The bar will be available for alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, as always.

The 3 nominated charities for this quarter are: Rural FASD; Connect Youth; and House of Lazarus. Please research these charities to become aware of how each supports our community. A representative from the charities will present at the meeting. If you cannot attend, please email your vote to: info@100womenwhocareng.com (one vote per team).

To date, 100 Women Who Care North Grenville has raised $139,059.63 for local charities. We partner with the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF), to streamline the donation process. Members can make their donations through our website: www.100womenwhocareng.com. Look for the donation link on the homepage. The OCF will automatically generate a tax receipt. Please do not tick the “anonymous box”, as we do need to know who has made every donation. Enter your personal details on the OCF website, as requested.

We don’t stop at 100 women. In fact, the more the merrier! We are looking to make the biggest local and immediate charitable impact. 100% of the donations go towards the nominated and winning charities. Join us for the North Grenville Chapter of 100 Women Who Care and help bring positive change to our community.

We’d like to take this opportunity to add a special thank you to our spectacular sponsors. To Natalie Castellas of Catered Aﬀairs for the venue donation, and to Samantha Rivet-Stevenson and Jenn Barrer for covering our administrative costs. More information on 100 Women Who Care North Grenville, can be found at: www.facebook. com/100womenwhocareng, or, www.100womenwhocareng.com.

We look forward to seeing you all for a fun-ﬁlled meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Come and bring a friend. Your ﬁrst meeting holds no commitment. See how a group of women can make such an amazing impact on our community! Call for more information 613-853-8308.

Honouring our past, together

As part of my ongoing commitment to preserving the history and cultural legacy of our community, I am pleased to support the North Grenville Historical Society through a special membership initiative.

From now until February 28, 2026, I will match dollar for dollar all new and renewing memberships paid in full.

All matching contributions will be directed to the North Grenville Historical Society Endowment Fund, helping to ensure that the stories, places, and people that shaped our community are preserved for generations to come.

Your membership is more than support, it is an investment in our shared heritage.

Call to Action:

Join or renew today and help strengthen the future of our history.

With appreciation, Geraldine Taylor, REALTOR® geraldine@geraldinetaylor.com

KDH welcomes 10 new Emergency Department physicians

by Jenn Westendorp

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of 10 new Emergency Department (ED) physicians. KDH launched a recruitment campaign in the late fall of 2025 to grow its roster of ED physicians.

“The addition of ten new emergency physicians is an important step forward for Kemptville District Hospital,” said Dr. Colin Sentongo, KDH Chief of Staﬀ. “It improves stability in our Emergency Department, supports our existing medical staﬀ, and helps ensure that residents of North Grenville and surrounding communities can continue to access high quality emergency care when they need it most.”

Dr. Sentongo noted that KDH’s new CT scanner was a key component in the hospital’s ability to recruit new physicians, referring to the CT as the “gold standard of care.”

“Our Emergency Department team is delighted to welcome new colleagues, who bring invaluable skills and knowledge to the table,” said Dr. Tahereh Hosseini, Chief of KDH’s Emergency Department. “We will continue to recruit emergency physicians because our hos-

pital prioritizes resilience, sustainability, growth, and service excellence.”

Having a full complement of ED physicians will beneﬁt the community by ensuring continuity of emergency care, 24/7.

KDH’s Emergency Department serves approximately 20,000 people per year.

“I want to recognize the leadership and dedication of Dr. Hosseini during this recruitment process,” said the hospital’s President and CEO, Frank Vassallo. “Dr. Hosseini worked tirelessly to recruit new physicians for our Emergency Depart-

ment, which will help stabilize emergency care for our region.”

KDH would also like to recognize the leadership of North Grenville’s Municipal Council for supporting physician recruitment eﬀorts in recent years. The group of new ED physicians bring years of experience and expertise to KDH’s Emergency Department, and they look forward to serving the community.

Pictured are Dr. Colin Sentongo, KDH Chief of Staﬀ (left), and the hospital’s President and CEO, Frank Vassallo (right).

Ontario investing more than $2.5 Million in Merrickville-Wolford

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-GrenvilleThousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, has announced that the Ontario government is investing $2,558,216 to build critical water and wastewater infrastructure in Merrickville-Wolford. Clark made the announcement at the municipal centre and said the municipality will use the funding as part of the Wellington Street West reconstruction project.

“This investment is helping modernize the core water and wastewater infrastructure that residents and businesses in the historic village rely on, while protecting the environment and water quality,” said MPP Clark. “I’ve worked closely with our local municipalities to help secure the funding they need to replace critical infrastructure without putting the full cost on property taxpayers and water system users. To date, our government has invested over $91 million in Leeds and Grenville through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.”

The funding comes from the province’s

Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to MPP Clark and the provincial government for their commitment to our community through an allocation of $2,558,216.

The Health and Safety Water Stream grant will provide essential funding for the Wellington Street West infrastructure replacement project, alleviating ﬁnancial demands on water, wastewater, and storm water ratepayers,” said Merrickville-Wolford Mayor Michael Cameron. “Infrastructure projects present signiﬁcant challenges for all municipalities – particularly within smaller rural communities in Ontario. We are truly grateful for this support from MPP Clark and the province’s continued commitment in helping small rural

communities rebuild safe, resilient and critical infrastructure.”

This funding is part of a historic investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), included in Ontario’s $220 billion capital plan, the most ambitious in the province’s history, to build transit, highways, hospitals, schools, and water infrastructure that enables new housing.

“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariﬀs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.

“Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are giving municipalities and First Nations the tools they need to get shovels in the ground and build stronger communities. Our investments will deliver more homes, modernize aging water systems and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario.”

Left to right: Merrickville-Wolford Deputy Mayor Anne Barr, Mayor Michael Cameron, MPP Steve Clark and Councillor Margaret Gural.

Senior Times

From stiﬀ to ﬂexible: what I know about joint pain

I'm not a doctor. I'm not a physiotherapist. I'm just a dance teacher who's been running a studio here in Kemptville for over ten years. But in that time, I've consistently heard someone tell me they have bad knees and they're not sure they can keep coming to class. Yet they do. They realize that if you don't move your joints, they're going to stop moving forever.

If you've got arthritis, you already know how it goes. Some mornings your knees don't want to bend. Your hands feel stiﬀ. You think, "Maybe I should just take it easy today." But here's what I've learned from watching my students: taking it easy all the time makes things worse.

Your Joints Need to Move

The Arthritis Society of Canada says one of the best things you can do for stiﬀ joints is keep moving. Think of it like a rusty gate hinge. If you never open the gate, that hinge just gets rustier. But if you swing it back and forth, even gently, it starts working again.

Moving gets ﬂuid into your joints and builds up the muscles around them. I've watched it happen: people who used to take the elevator down to my studio are now taking the steps back up without a second thought. That's not magic. That's just consistency.

Good Stretch vs. Bad Pain

Nobody in my studio is doing jumping jacks or running laps. We're talking about gentle movements in a mobility class: reaching your arms up, rolling your shoulders, swaying side to side, moving to music you enjoy.

Here's my rule: if it's a gentle pull, that's okay. If it's a sharp pain, stop. Some days you'll feel great and do more. Some days you'll do less. Both are ﬁne. The important part is that you showed up.

Why Dance Works

Dance works because you're not thinking about exercise. You're listening to music, maybe laughing with the person next to you because neither of you can remember the steps.

The Ottawa Hospital recommends range-of-motion exercises and gentle strengthening for arthritis. That's exactly what we do in class, just with better music and better company than you'd get at home alone.

I've had students tell me their doctor asked what they were doing diﬀerently. I've had people say they can garden again, play with their grandkids, or just get through the day without as much pain.

Just Start Somewhere

Your body was made to move. Ten years of teaching has shown me it's never too late to start.

Don't wait for a day when nothing hurts. That day shows up because you started moving, came to class, and left a little more ﬂexible. That's how it works.

Nancy Morgan is a dance teacher at a small rural dance studio in Kemptville

Lions February draw winner

Winnie Lamrock

Winnifred May Lamrock is almost the personiﬁcation of the pioneer schools. Winnie was born in Oxford-on-Rideau in 1904, daughter of John Lamrock and Maggie Patton, who taught at SS #8 in Oxford Mills (now Maplewood). Winnie went to her mother’s school and then moved on to the Kemptville High School, before going to Ottawa to train as a teacher in the Ottawa Normal School. As a teacher, she taught for a total of more than forty years, the last twenty-ﬁve of which were back in her old school in Oxford Mills. Winnie was always proud of the fact that she taught in the same school as her mother.

Winnie was the unoﬃcial historian of her times. She was member of the Oxford Mills Women’s Institute, and was Curator of their local history books, the Tweedsmuir Books, for many years. In addition to her work for the WI, Winnie kept diaries, family papers, local and history accounts, and a collection of school photographs that together comprise a valuable archival record of her times. On her death, in December, 1991, Winnie arranged for her papers to be gradually moved to the North Grenville Historical Society, and they now form a signiﬁcant part of the North Grenville Archives holdings.

by Willy Heidebrecht

Lions A4 District Governor Jim Devenny was on hand to make the February draw for the February Trip of the Month Club. He pulled out Cathy Gilpin's name to send her and her husband, Dan, on a trip for 2 to Montego Bay, Jamaica, valued at $3,658.00. It includes

· 4-night stay at Catalonia Montego Bay, Garden View

· Round Trip ﬂights with Airport Transfers

· All-Inclusive

This lottery provides $17,690.00 in support to ten charities. The community is the real winner and we thank every ticket holder for your support.

If you are someone that enjoys serving the community and is looking for an opportunity to do that here in Kemptville, please consider the Kemptville Lions Club. For more information email: kemptvillelionsclub@gmail.com, or call Lion Alan at (613) 406-9976

Winnie’s other great love was the Oxford Mills Presbyterian Church, where she served as Elder, Sunday School teacher, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ladies’ Aid Society, and, in her later years, took charge of the Nursery School children in the congregation. Both her grandfathers had been part of the congregation that built the church, and even brought the stone from her grandfather Patton’s farm. And it was her uncle who was the contractor who actually built it. Children were the focus of her life, as she taught, encouraged and inspired generations of young people from Oxford Mills in the two-room school house beside the Oxford-on-Rideau Town Hall.

During the Ontario Bicentennial celebrations in 1984, Winnie was chosen to receive the Ontario Bicentennial Medal in recognition of voluntary service to her community. The award was presented by Premier Bill Davis of Ontario to 1,984 recipients across the province, selected by public nomination in each community. In 1964, she witnessed the closure of SS #8, as the local school were consolidated into the Oxford-on-Rideau Public School, located in Oxford Mills. Two years after moving to the new Public School, Winnie’s health forced her to retire from teaching, but she continued to be involved in education through the Ontario Association of Superannuated Teachers, and, of course, the Sunday School at her church. Her good friend, Jean Newans, remarked at Winnie’s funeral on December 16, 1991: “We can truthfully say she lived for her community, for the children and for her church. Gone, but certainly not forgotten”.

T:7"

With Jim are L to R, Lions David Doyle, Rafa Sanchez and Secretary Mike Amirault reading the script for the Facebook post. Assisting Lion Governor Jim is Lion Gail Osborne.

Bucket List Travel Adventures Await!

As we step into 2025, the world continues to oﬀer breathtaking destinations for every type of traveler. From serene landscapes to bustling urban centers, here are some of the best places to explore this year.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto remains a perennial favourite for travelers seeking a mix of tradition and modernity. Famous for its ancient temples, tranquil gardens, and iconic geisha districts, Kyoto oﬀers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates. Visit in spring to witness the city’s cherry blossoms in full bloom or in autumn for vibrant foliage.

Bhutan

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a haven for those seeking peace and spirituality. Known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, the country oﬀers pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a deep connection to Buddhist traditions. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a highlight for any visitor. Patagonia, Chile and Argentina

For adventure enthusiasts, Patagonia is an unparalleled destination. Spanning the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, this remote wilderness boasts towering peaks, expansive glaciers, and stunning lakes. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are must-see spots for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech enchants visitors with its vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and rich cultural tapestry. The city’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow alleyways ﬁlled with bustling souks, oﬀering everything from spices to handcrafted goods. Be sure to visit the Jardin Majorelle and the opulent Bahia Palace.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s capital is a gateway to otherworldly landscapes, from volcanic ﬁelds to cascading waterfalls and geothermal lagoons. In Reykjavik, enjoy a thriving art scene and cozy café culture. A short drive from the city, you can witness the Northern Lights or relax in the Blue Lagoon’s warm, mineral-rich waters.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is a seaside gem. Its wellpreserved medieval walls, stunning architecture, and azure waters make it a mustvisit. Stroll along the Stradun, the city’s main street, and explore the historic Old Town. Summer visitors can enjoy island-hopping adventures to nearby Elaphiti Islands.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town oﬀers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Table Mountain provides panoramic views of the city, while the Cape Winelands feature some of the world’s ﬁnest vineyards. Don’t miss a trip to Robben Island to learn about South Africa’s history.

In 2025, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the world is yours to explore.

Ready to ﬁll up your travel bucket list this year?

Visit www.gravitate.travel and click on the “Let’s Talk” icon to schedule a time to talk or drop by our oﬃces to chat about your 2025 travel plans.

TICO # 50026003 215 SANDERS STREET, UNIT 201A / KEMPTVILLE, ON K0G 1J0

NG Photography Club

Through the Lens of Preservation: As silent sentinels of a disappearing rural Eastern Ontario landscape, these abandoned barns oﬀer a haunting intersection of history and decay. For photographers, capturing these structures is an act of heritage preservation, whether intentional or not. [photo by NGPC member, Robert J Young]

VOLUNTEERING IS THE

by Kathy Tang

Everyday people

by David Shanahan

I was asked a question for this Heritage Week 2026: “Why Heritage?”, and I thought that was a good and challenging question to consider. Why heritage? What is heritage? Is it just another one of those events that come around every year that has as much signiﬁcance as Flirting Day (April 18), or National Chopstick Day (April 6)? Seriously, those are genuine Celebration Days in Canada.

Heritage is often considered something elitist, for lovers of architecture, high culture, or famous battles and people in history. And I suppose heritage does cover those aspects too; but it is far closer to home, to each one of us, and to our community than might, perhaps, be realised. Certainly, it’s a good time to visit museums and art galleries, and similar cultural venues. But our heritage is everything we’ve inherited from our ancestors, those who helped build the world we live in, who laid the foundations and settled the traditions and values

OpEd

which we share together.

Of course, there is also a sense that we no longer have the same shared values as was true of past generations. Time moves on, societies change and adapt to new circumstances, new technologies, and new standards of behaviour. One of my favourite sayings about history is ‘The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.’ (LP Hartley: The Go-Between). True enough, but not the whole story, I think. I do firmly believe that ignorance of our shared story, our history, is a real barrier to understanding where we are today. We didn’t just spring out of nowhere. The land that is now the Municipality of North Grenville existed long before 1998, long before the first survey of Oxford-onRideau or South Gower in the 1790's.

Not knowing our heritage means we can’t know when we’re losing something valuable when we build over it, or when we try and repeat things that were tried before, and failed. I’ve said this many times, but when I ﬁrst started researching and writing articles on local

history over twenty years ago, ﬁrst for the Newsletter and then for the Times, I wondered how long I could keep them going. I mean, how much history could a place like North Grenville possibly have? Perhaps it was my Irish bias. There is another saying: “Ireland has too little geography and too much history. Canada is the opposite.”

But here I am, hundreds of articles later, and there are still new things to write about. And that is because our heritage, our shared story, is much more than “important” events or individuals. Our heritage was shaped by everyday people as well, men and women who farmed the land, opened a business, taught in a school, ran a hospital, joined a church or club, volunteered in so many capacities. Yes, it is usually the more visible people who get mentioned in heritage issues, such as this one; but that is because the majority are the unsung heroes, the ones who left no obvious record of what they did to build our community.

These were not the keyboard warriors of today, who love to snipe and

criticise from the safety of their computers, but who rarely, if ever, actually get involved in anything worthwhile to help and support their community (other than during municipal election campaigns). They were, and are, men and women who leave their warm homes on a winter’s evening to support events, meetings, and community events. They quietly give of their time and energy and money to work on making their friends and neighbours have a more enjoyable and full life.

And that is what our heritage is built upon: everyday people, sometimes with more than everyday talent and abilities, who provided us with the place we call home. And that’s another aspect of heritage: it continues. Those who come after us will look back and enjoy the heritage we bequeath them too. We add our contribution to those who came before us. It makes you wonder: what will be our contribution to their heritage? Will we leave anything worth having to them? Will you leave them green ﬁelds and clean air? Will they thank

Stalled Tractors: LEAR, the Kemptville Campus mandate, and the Sportsdome

by Chris Turnbull

Re: the LEAR process: it is well documented on the County website, both via County Council and the Planning and Advisory Committee meetings (PAC). An online map and legend helps you navigate LEAR land changes in NG. To my point in a previous article, the Municipality is willing to use $5 million from the Reserve Fund toward the Sportsdome, plus pitch in technical survey costs and other expenses. An NG LEAR would cost around $50,000.00.

Mayor Peckford and Council didn’t advocate for the Campus lands, despite knowing that the LEAR would remove them from Agricultural Area designation. We can talk Class levels of soil, and we can talk about how the Campus “didn’t appear to ﬁt with the objectives of LEAR”, but the fact is that the MPAC

codes aﬀected the LEAR, and Mayor Peckford and Council knew the LEAR was being conducted…for four years. Letters went out to property owners, but was the NG community alerted about the Campus? No.

There are Provincial Policy Statements relating to Agricultural Area land, such as PPS 4.3.4, which applies despite LEAR. The Campus lands are prime; they are still the same ﬁelds as they always have been.

“4.3.4 Removal of Land from Prime Agricultural Areas: 1. Planning authorities may only exclude land from prime agricultural areas for expansions of or identiﬁcation of settlement areas in accordance with policy 2.3.2.”

One of the elements of the Provincial Policy statement is to maintain/support agricultural systems, which considers integrations of agriculture with natural features (forest, wetlands, waterways) and other ecologi-

cal components (in brief). The Campus lands are an Agricultural Area: it is over 250 hectares and comprises an agricultural “system”. Provincial wetlands are east of the campus lands. The FFC, by the way, is also Agricultural Area (and the soils similar to the Campus lands). Severing bits and pieces of either will eventually remove them from AAR.

In Campus Board Chair Brian McKee’s Letter to the Editor, he seems to have forgotten to list “agriculture” in the stewardship responsibilities. “…The Board’s role is to preserve and activate the historic, social, economic, and environmental value of the Campus”. The mandate of the Board includes very obvious agricultural uses. Its Master Plan identiﬁes phased programming that is intended to further develop community agriculture and promote community based agricultural learning, prac-

us for how we build, literally build, the towns and hamlets of the future North Grenville? Or will they forget their past, because we haven’t valued it enough to know what it is for ourselves. If we don’t appreciate our past, our heritage of people, buildings, land, society, how will we pass it on to others?

Does any of this matter? Or is it enough to get through our lives without enjoying more than whatever we stream, or post, or where we go on vacation?

I genuinely believe that North Grenville is in danger of forgetting our past, of failing to appreciate where we came from and what we have gained from those who went before us. It wasn’t all lovely and warm, it wasn’t always positive or praiseworthy. But it was real and surely that is worth remembering, learning from, and building upon? Enjoy this heritage issue of the Times, and see something of the people and built heritage that made North Grenville what it is today. Everyday people can be extraordinary too.

tices, and businesses.

What Mr. McKee’s article does do, however, is confirm that, to the Chair and Board, the Campus does constitute an agricultural system: the Board includes as stewardship: “enhancing and protecting forest and wetlands”, “FSC-certified forest and a professional forester (4000 trees planted), the International Model Forest Network’s Global Forum (2025) with 180 delegates over 40 countries (and 178,000 viewers on livestream), and Ducks Unlimited re: wetland restoration (and identification)”.

The Board and Chair (and ED) have governance and ﬁnancial oversight. They guide the Campus. It seems that the Sportsdome was “announced” by the Mayor, and the Board afterward decided to “endorse” the idea (persuaded of increased public exposure to the Campus). An active and celebrated agricultural ethic would also increase public

exposure. Remember the thousands of folks who attended the International Ploughing Match? How many, again?

My questions for Mayor Peckford and Council, and the Campus Board:

1) Has there been a needs analysis or feasability study?

2) What are the plans re: servicing? What are the costs?

3) Have any potential locations been identiﬁed (e.g South Gower Park, perhaps) in line with current development practices along the 43 corridor?

4) Will there be a community consultation for the Campus Master Plan (it’s at its 5 year point).

The Sportsdome is not a priority in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (up for review). If, say, 600 people supported the proposed Sportsdome, that’s 3% of our population (assuming 20,000). Who bears the cost, especially when

we have more than ample recreational space here? Is the cost of a Sportsdome worth the loss of agricultural land at the Kemptville Campus?

Let’s not devalue farmable land. Farming and/ or developing viable agribusiness in the Campus ﬁelds contributes to community education, community food production, and continues community agricultural values. Good environmental practices, alongside the Campus’ agricultural mandate, supports already existing and future ecological relations, as well as helps mitigate climate change eﬀects.

Good land use and good decisions make a diﬀerence. This all has critical in an election year that also includes an Oﬃcial Plan Review (2051) and multiple Master Plan reviews.

Letters to the editor

Dear Editor,

In his letter of February 12 (“The country seems to be at a crossroads…”), W. Scott Paterson raises several valid concerns. He is right to note that the “Team Canada” approach to the Trump administration may prove ineﬀective, that federal expenditures are substantial, and that household debt remains alarmingly high - among the highest in the developed world.

However, he also advances two claims that do not withstand scrutiny. Chief among them is the assertion that “Alberta… subsidizes the rest of the country.” Alberta accounts for approximately 15 per cent of Canada’s GDP, a signiﬁcant contribution, but one that is far outstripped by Ontario (approximately 39 per cent) and Quebec (about 20 per cent). To suggest that Alberta underwrites the remainder of the country is a considerable overstatement; if anything, the ﬁscal balance points in the opposite direction.

Likewise, the claim that “many citizens want to leave Canada” misrepresents the scale and location of separatist sentiment. Support for secession is concentrated almost entirely in Alberta, where the most recent Angus Reid poll on February 9 indicates that, at most, 29 per cent of respondents would vote to leave Canada were a referendum held today. That represents roughly 866,300 people, or about 2.1 per cent of the national population. This hardly amounts to a nationwide movement. (This is to say nothing of the documented inﬂuence of MAGAaligned groups that have taken an active interest in promoting Alberta separatism.)

Mr. Paterson is certainly correct that we must acknowledge the ﬂaws and shortcomings of this great country if we hope to improve it. But in doing so, we should be careful not to mistake misinformation, disinformation, or outright fabrication for earnest critique. Sincerely, Alistair McCleery

Dear Editor,

I'd like to respond to W. Scott Paterson's letter and clarify a few points. First of all, Alberta does not subsidize the rest of the country, it just seems that way. Ontario and Quebec have large populations, so they should transfer the most money. However, Alberta has a lower population, but the income of the population and the businesses is much higher than elsewhere, so they transfer more. The big companies that make their money from the natural resources of Alberta make a huge amount of money, as do the employees of the said companies. These companies are also given billions of dollars every year for research and development by the Federal Government.

Alberta also receives ample money for infrastructure and industrial projects, and does not have to pay for the building of pipelines. The Federal Government does that. In years of bust, as always happens with natural resource oriented incomes, the Federal Government steps forward and helps the Provinces who require this kind of help. Alberta is never let down by the Federal Government. An agreement has just been signed by the Alberta Premier and the Federal Government for the Feds to build another pipeline, even though the TransMountain Pipeline is not being used to full capacity. Those huge Oil Companies do not want to pay the fees to use it. In the letter, where it is mentioned "that many citizens of Canada want to leave confederation", is this applying to Alberta? Right now, the population of Alberta is about 4 million people. A petition went around and was signed by 456,000 people of Alberta saying they don't want to separate from Canada and to scrap the referendum idea. That is 11.4% of Alberta's population, total population, not voting population. The petition for a referendum to separate needed 276,000 signatures for it to take place, 6.9% of the population; but the Premier of Alberta dropped the required amount to

176,000 signatures, 4.4% of the population. The petition still does not have the required signatures.

It is obvious that more Albertans want to stay in Confederation. The Stay in Canada petition was given the approval by Elections Alberta to be presented to the Alberta Legislation, but the Premier said that it had been withdrawn, which it hadn't. I expect there to be more ﬁreworks happening in that province. How sad.

I have family who live in Alberta, so I am kept up to date with what is actually happening there.

Lynn Paibomesai

Dear Editor,

Once again, the back to work issue is back in the news and commuting is a concern But who are we to believe? Google Maps show distance Kemptville to Ottawa is 40 min, or 58.9 km to the corner of Albert and Bank. To ride a bicycle the same distance is 2 hrs and 50 min. North Grenville realtors in their listings promote 30 min to Ottawa and all its amenities. This past week, Mayor Peckford put her 2 cents in with CTV News (Feb 10 2026) stating Kemptville commuters sat in a grind of traﬃc up to 3 hours, which is an increase in time since the last time she spoke about this a year ago. So, which is it?

Are we to believe that Kemptville commuters get up at 3 or 4am to leave Kemptville at 5 am to get to work for 8 am, or they leave at 7am and get to the oﬃce for 10am?

Mayor Peckford should pivot and stop worrying about how long it takes workers to get to work and worry about how many of the Kemptville commuters lose their job in the government job cuts. They are the ones that will leave Kemptville to ﬁnd a job.

D Lewis

Dear Editor,

As I see that the renovations on highway 43 got rid of all traﬃc lights and makes driving smoother….. But what about the ONLY remaining traﬃc light in Downtown Kemptville at the corner of Prescott and Reuben Cr.?

You can idle on Reuben for a long time before the lights turns green for you. In France they have mini roundabouts for that kind of intersection too, making traﬃc go smoother. But I think the best would be to have a three way stop at that crossing.

Your thoughts?

Erick Le Pors

Specializing in Residential House Beautification Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or One-time Cleans Servicing North Grenville and surrounding areas.

Jennie Childs Owner, CEO

613.314.6866

brightshinyspaces@gmail.com

@BrightShinySpaces

Be your own local foodie: Supporting downtown, one bite at a time

Walking through our downtown core feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way. It’s where people still know your name, say hello as you pass, and take pride in the community they call home. It’s a place where

kids can be kids, families can make memories, and neighbours can slow down, relax, and reconnect. Downtown is a place to unwind, to have fun, and to truly feel part of something special, rooted in our small town heritage.

by Talia.Hreljac25

This is an apology letter to all the parents who were dropping oﬀ their kids on Friday morning and heard me yell a word that started with F –, and no, it wasn’t the word fudge. The morning had been a little chaotic. Between getting ready for work, managing the kids’ usual routine, adding in Valentine’s Day fun with new shirts, and making sure all their valentines

made it to their classmates, it was a lot.

When I got to the school, I realized I had forgotten my son’s Valentine’s Day treats at home. Cue the little mom tantrum. (Also, FYI, I might rock red lipstick, but it’s on a mouth that swears enough to make a sailor blush – much to my mother’s extreme disappointment.) Afterwards, I looked at my older two and grumbled “why didn’t you remind me to grab his val-

One of the easiest and tastiest ways to experience downtown is through its food scene. You don’t need to travel far or follow the latest food trends to be a foodie. You can be your very own local foodie, right here in the downtown core. From early-morning coffee stops and freshly baked treats to casual lunches, takeout favourites, and sitdown dinners, downtown oﬀers a wide variety of food options to explore.

And it’s not just about restaurants. Our downtown is home to a diverse mix of eateries, bakeries, cafés, quick bites, and specialty food spots that each add their own ﬂavour to the community. Every stop tells a story, often run by local owners who know their customers and care deeply about the neighbourhood they serve.

To celebrate these local businesses, the Downtown BIA is launching Restaurant Passports, available starting February 20. This fun and interactive initiative encourages residents and visitors to get out, explore, and support downtown eateries

of all kinds.

Here’s how it works: pick up a Restaurant Passport from any participating downtown eatery. Visit at least four downtown eateries within the core by April 1, collect a sticker at each stop, and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card to a downtown business of your choice.

It’s a great excuse to try something new or revisit a favourite. Sample everything from fresh baked goods and comforting café classics to bold Cajun ﬂavours, smoky BBQ, and traditional Italian dishes. With so many delicious options, there truly is something for everyone.

Supporting local goes beyond a single purchase. It’s about investing in the people, places, and experiences that make our downtown feel like home. This season, take a stroll, taste your way through downtown, and be proud to support local. When we choose downtown, we’re helping our community thrive, one bite at a time.

entines… or just grab them for Mom?”

This is where the mom guilt, and lesson, kicks in. They were so excited for Valentine’s Day, and when I lost my temper, I could see that I had really hurt them and negatively impacted their morning. I felt horrible. I stopped what I was doing, got down to their level (which isn’t hard since my oldest is almost as tall as me now), and apologized from the bottom of

my heart. I said, “Mama should never have exploded like that, and I shouldn’t expect you to think of all the things I have to. I’m very sorry, and I hope you have a wonderful day.”

It literally took one minute to take some deep breaths, apologize, and reset. But you know what? It set the vibe for the rest of the day. We didn’t all leave ﬂustered and angry. We were able to enjoy the Valentine’s Day festivities and

have a great day. Parents, you don’t have to be perfect. And your kids should see that. They should see you’re human, that you make mistakes, and that you learn from them and grow. They need to hear you say sorry and mean it. They need to know they’re a tiny, important human who deserves respect.

Afterwards, I drove home, grabbed the valentines that were waiting by the door, and dropped them

oﬀ again. The kids ran to hug me, and in that moment, all the stress melted away. I realized something important: being a mom isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about showing up, making mistakes, apologizing, and trying again. My kids don’t need a perfect mama; they need a real one. And some days, a little reset and a lot of love is exactly what that looks like.

Talia’s Take Mama messed up - A Valentine’s Day confession

Gold medals are not the goal in health

by Diana Giﬀord-Jones

The Olympics showcase people pushing to their limits. Athletes soar, leap, slide and score! Watching from the couch, feet up, drink in hand, we marvel at these feats. In the natural world, certain animals push their limits too. Some migratory birds can ﬂy for days, sometimes weeks, without landing. The bar-tailed godwit, for example, travels more than 11,000 kilometres nonstop across the Paciﬁc Ocean, fueled only by stored fat and instinct. No cheering crowds. No gold medals. Just a destination and the will to reach it.

Such accomplishments are for the gifted. But what are the rest of us capable of doing? I attended an event last week designed to inspire university leaders to be more innovative. There, one of the speakers talked about the “magic 10%”. Wholesale change is rarely successful, but changing 10% of something is a good strategy for getting results over time. Many people fail to learn this lesson, even as history repeatedly teaches it. Lasting accomplishments, especially those related to health, tend to come not from heroic bursts of eﬀort, but from setting a clear, achievable goal and working at it in increments.

It used to be true in sport too. Take the ﬁrst marathon runners in the late 19th century. They were not elite athletes by modern standards. Many were ordinary people with day jobs, inspired by the idea of testing their endurance over a long distance. Training methods were basic, nutrition was poorly understood, and injuries were common. Some failed spectacularly. Others quit. A few persevered. What separated them was not brilliance, but persistence.

Change has come the same way in most medical advances, even when heroes should have won gold medals. When Edward Jenner proposed vaccination in the 1790s, he was ridiculed. When Ignaz Semmelweis insisted that handwashing could prevent deadly infections, his colleagues rejected him. Ultimately, it was the long accumulation of evidence that drove progress. When it comes to our own health, we err in strategies that are entirely self-driven; overhauling our diet overnight, acquiring a treadmill, cutting out alcohol, and so on. But all-or-nothing thinking is an obstacle to better health.

The body responds best to steady and enduring signals, not sudden shocks. Lowering blood pressure by ten points, improving balance by daily practice, and enjoying one drink slowly, instead of several in succession: these are not Olympic feats. But when adopted bit by bit and maintained, the beneﬁts are cumulative.

There is a famous line often attributed to Goethe: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” The key word is begin. Not ﬁnish. Not perfect. Just begin. Most people who successfully improve their health do so with help. A walking partner. A spouse who changes grocery habits. A health advocate who listens.

Failures along the way are not signs to stop. They are part of the process. Athletes fall. Birds are blown oﬀ course. History’s innovators were dismissed before being vindicated. The goal matters, but the best achievements to celebrate are day-by-day good choices.

We may never leap like Olympians, or cross oceans on wings, but we can set goals that stretch us just enough to matter. Better sleep. Stronger muscles. More energy. Fewer pills. These are reasonable feats, and they are within reach. Extraordinary health does not arrive suddenly. It is built methodically, one decision at a time, by ordinary people who decide that the eﬀort is worth it.

Send me your examples of success with taking small, incremental steps to better health and I’ll post them at the end of the column at www.docgiﬀ.com for your reference and inspiration.

This column offers opinions on health and wellness, not personal medical advice. Visit www.docgiff.com to learn more. For comments, diana@docgiff.com. Follow on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones

Oh to be warm

Yet another freezing, but bright, cold day emphasizes the hardships that our feathered friends continue to endure and indeed, they do. My feeders continue to attract some birds and are gradually emptied during each day, by them, or with a bit of assistance by the squirrels! Small flocks of the various bird varieties that visit are still evident, such as the Slate Grey Juncos, who are always busy on their ground seeking ventures, for whatever food comes from the feeders above them. At times they will fly up and try the Niger seed feeder and a couple of my other ones hanging in front of our living room window. They don’t seem very comfortable when they do this, not being overly used to the small perches that the feeders offer for them to perch on. They do manage eventually though, and will, once settled, feed quite happily, like the Goldfinches who have no trouble at all!

There are other flocking birds that visit us, but more on an individual basis or in pairs, the Crows being such a group. Our main flock are the Rock Pigeons, who are familiar to many of you as they fly around the neighborhoods and perch on the overhead hydro wires in a long row. One of their feeding, but gentle, non aggressive feeding rivals, with a much more graceful streamlined look, are the Mourning Doves. What a lovely bird they are too, who grace our gardens with their beautiful presence all the year round.

Mourning Doves are generally monogamous and often mate for life, typically staying with the same partner for the entire breeding season and frequently returning to them in subsequent years. While some may re-pair if one partner dies, these birds are known for strong pair bonds and, consequently, are usually seen going around in pairs. During the summer we get at least one pair of them trying to keep cool by squatting down on our tarmac driveway. That is a great sight to see, but in the cold weather they gather in a group to combat and endure the cold.

They don’t actually huddle in a group side by side, but will perch in rows and hunker down in whatever sunlight there is!

I have seen five of them strung out along a wispy looking branch together; but a couple of days ago, I had five of them immediately outside my downstairs’ office basement window. The afternoon sun was beaming down and there they all were all hunkered down on a wooden framework at eye ball height! Being so close to the house, it provided a bit of respite for them from the wind too, which was swirling some of the light snow from our roof above. They must have spent a couple of hours enjoying (?) the bright interlude in their lives and silently wishing, “Oh To Be Warm”, as I expect most of you are doing the same! Stay safe and well, and I hope that you, too, are able to enjoy the bright crisp cold days.

Cheers, John Baldwin

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon

Women of all ages and from all walks of life are warmly invited to join us for our yearly International Women’s Day Luncheon. This informal gathering is held annually at Catered Aﬀairs and is always a wonderful afternoon of friendship and celebration. Come enjoy a fun afternoon where you can reconnect with old friends and make new ones. We are pleased to announce that Mayor Nancy Peckford will be joining us and sharing a short address.

To Attend:

Please visit the Catered Aﬀairs website, click on “Order Online,” and follow the link to the International Women’s Luncheon.

Or call 613-324-3136 to reserve your spot.

Location: Catered Aﬀairs

Saturday, March 7, 11:30 a.m. – approximately 3:00 p.m

We look forward to celebrating with you!

How about some Mexican fare for a change?

Today’s recipe is a Mexican Corn Cake, in Spanish Torta de Elote. It comes out as a bit of a pudding and is very tasty. It is said that corn was the single most important ingredient in the pre-Spanish diet of the Mexican people. It’s a lot diﬀerent than what we are used to, very simple to make and worth a try either as a vegetarian dish or to accompany a meat protein. This recipe is for feeding 6 folks.

Mexican Corn Cake

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of frozen corn kernels

• ¾ cup of butter, melted + 2 additional tablespoons

• 2 teaspoons of baking powder

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper (if desired)

Preparation:

• Pre-heat your oven to 375F and grease a 9” round or square baking dish

• Purée the corn in a blender with the melted butter

• Place in a bowl and mix in the baking powder and salt

• Pour into your baking dish and dot the surface with the additional butter

• Bake for a half hour or so until the top is browned and a probe comes out clean

That’s it, that’s all. Now, if you wanted to add some cheese like Queso Chihuahua or simply Monterey Jack, you could, by grating it and adding it to your mixture before baking. The same applies to making this into a sweet dish by adding ¾ cups of white granulated sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon, also before baking. Being creative with this dish is very easy.

This recipe is adapted from México, The Beautiful Cookbook by Harper Collins (1990).

All the best for your culinary eﬀorts from Paul at pcormier@ranaprocess.com.

by Paul Cormier, Salamanders of Kemptville

The Food Corner

Coopers Hawk

Celebrating Heritage Week in N th Grenville

The Bell Telephone exchange, Kemptville, 1939 Burritts Rapids

This picture of the Bell telephone staﬀ was taken in the summer of 1939. Reading left to right is Mrs. Doug Sommerville (Bowen), Miss Urla Patterson, Mrs. Myrtel Cottage (Leeson) and Mrs. Lyall Milne (Gwen Hagan). The ﬁrst telephone line arrived in Kemptville in 1894, connecting the village with Winchester. In 1896, the connection was extended to Ottawa, which opened up long distance lines to Kemptville. Before 1900, a telephone exchange opened in Anderson’s store on Prescott Street. For a period, the exchange shared premises with an undertaker.

The North American Telegraph Company opened telephone oﬃces in this section of the country, and by 1895, reports of the company gave the long distance charge for a call from Kemptville to Cobourg as 85 cents, while a call to Ottawa was 35 cents and one to Pembroke, 55 cents for a ﬁve-minute conversation. Early in 1910, the North American Telegraph Company leased its telephone exchanges, lines and other telephone property to the Bell Telephone Company of Canada. Then, on February 14, 1911, this same telephone property and business were sold to the Bell Company. At this time there were about 100 local customers and, by the end of 1912, the number had increased to well over the 300 mark.

Telephone expansion continued steadily in the years that followed until the 5OOth set was installed by 1920. During the depression years there was a decline in the number of instruments. However, once the economy began its upwards trend, the number of telephone customers began increasing once again, until the year 1950 witnessed a milestone - the 1,000th telephone went into use.

An important event in Kemptville telephone history took place on March 5, 1961 when telephones here were changed over to dial operation. Coincident with the change over all Kemptville subscribers were assigned new numbers consisting of the exchange designation 258 and four other digits, to conform to the All Number Calling (ANC) telephone numbering plan.

Dial equipment to initially serve 1,600 telephones was installed in a new one-storey building on West Thomas Street. The 2,000th telephone was installed in Kemptville in 1966 and the 3,OOOth in 1972.Technology has outstripped all of the old exchange operations, and today we don’t even think about using cell phones and internet, and I often think smart phones are smarter than the people who use them! A very long way from that ﬁrst phone call between Kemptville and Winchester.

The photograph dates from around 1905 and shows the rapids which gave the village its name, along with the mills which gave it its foundation. The village on the island was literally made by the Rideau Canal. When the canal works went through the land where the Burritt family had been settled since the 1790's, a channel was cut to allow the canal to divert around the rapids, forming an island between the river and canal upon which the main section of Burritt’s Rapids developed. In addition to the new island, a high-level bridge was built very close to where the present bridge crosses the Canal to the island. Twenty-eight feet high, it was designed to allow large vessels to pass underneath as they plied the waters of the new Canal. One of the earliest settlements on the Rideau, Burritts Rapids grew around the canal, the mills situated on the river, and a divided identity - part in Oxford-on-Rideau and part in Marlborough Township. For decades, it was a thriving, prosperous place, a busy stop on the Rideau with stores, schools, churches, and hotels: a bustling and lively place. The famous Rideau steamers plied between Montreal and Kingston, collecting freight and passengers in Burritts Rapids as they went. Bypassed by the railway, with the decline of traﬃc on the Rideau Canal, the village gradually diminished in size and importance and when the mills, stores and cheese factory burned, they were not rebuilt. Today, Burritts Rapids is a quiet, but lovely, heritage jewel, a living and active community still preserving the character and the memories of its rich past.

Downtown Kemptville postcard, 1912

Kemptville’s Only Truly Independent Grocery Store, since 1963

Love

From the day our doors opened in 1963, we have worked tirelessly to become North Grenville area’s premiere source for local grocery products all year round. As a truly independent retailer, we have unmatched opportunities to grow our selection of fresh local produce, bakery and meat items. We have also tasked ourselves with creating fresh grocery items in store daily. Hand made from scratch with fresh ingredients, we have pre-made meals, baked goods and meats items ready to go.

It doesn’t get m e local than that!

Kemptville Public School, 1873-1936

B&H Your Community Grocer in Kemptville stands today on what was once the site of this really lovely school. The Kemptville Public School served the children of Kemptville for sixty years, before being destroyed in a suspicious ﬁre in March, 1936. Before it was built, there were two School Boards in the Village of Kemptville: one for the Grammar School which was in the building still standing at 205 Clothier Street west; and a Board for the two Common Schools, also still standing. One was at 402 Oxford Street, on the north side of the village, and the other was at 12 Elizabeth Street on the south side. But, in 1873, the Boards merged and a new combination Public and High School was built on the site between Rideau and West (now Sanders) Street. The two-storey brick building had four classrooms, and employed three teachers for the Public School, and one for the High School. Supply teachers were paid the generous sum of $1.50 per day in the Public School.

In March, 1936, the school burned down. This was just three months after an equally suspicious ﬁre had destroyed the High School on Prescott Street, and there seemed little doubt in the minds of residents at the time that both ﬁres were the result of arson, possibly by students. The Kemptville Fire Department turned out to try and save the building, but without success. It was estimated that the loss of the building cost around $35,000, but insurance on it and its contents was just $20,000, a serious loss to the Board. But, by the end of the year, a new school had been erected on the site of the old High School, repeating the original function of the Public School in catering to both Public and High School classes.

The old Public School was replaced by a garage, and, in 1963, by the new B&H Foodliner Store. As a side note: the area that is now the parking lot for the B&H, as well as that covered by the Salvation Army church and thrift store, was once occupied by a few homes and stores, also long gone.

local food? So do we!

Here’s a list of some of our current local suppliers

Suntech Greenhouses

Manotick, Ontario

Henderson's Meats

Chesterville, Ontario

Bekings Poultry Farm

Oxford Station, Ontario

Ben's BS BBQ Sauce

Mountain, Ontario

Betty Bread

Alexandria, Ontario

Burnbrae Farms Limited

Lyn, Ontario

Carleton Mushrooms

Osgoode, Ontario

Crerar's Honey Ltd.

Metcalfe, Ontario

Empire Cheese Co-op

Campbellford, Ontario

Grateful Bees

Kemptville, Ontario

Foster Family Farm

North Gower, Ontario

Jambel Cuisine

Nepean, Ontario

Jessie's Homemade Jams

Stirling, Ontario

Kasraee Family Farm (KFarm)

Oxford Mills, Ontario

Brokor Greenhouses

Cardinal, Ontario

Kricklewood Farm

Smiths Falls, Ontario

Lavergne Meats

Navan, Ontario

Lazy Dog Coffee

Kemptville, Ontario

Little Stream Bakery

Perth, Ontario

Maple Dale Plainﬁeld, ontario

Slow Roots Farm

Kemptville, Ontario

Merrickville Cookies Inc

Merrickville, Ontario

Merriﬁeld Farms

Jasper, Ontario

Los Cantores Tortilla Chips

Vars, Ontario

Mom's Homemade Salsa

Nepean, Ontario

Moose Munchies Candy Co

Smiths Falls, Ontario

Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food

Merrickville, Ontario

Coutts Maple Products

Port Elmsley

No Go Coffee

Osgoode, Ontario

Poppa Bean Coffee

Roastery

Vars, Ontario

Perth Soup Company

Perth, Ontario

Vichos Honey

Kemptville, Ontario

Rochef Chocolatier Inc

Gatineau, Ontario

Snell House Foods

Orleans, Ontario

Sparrow Grass Farm

Kemptville, Ontario

The Barking Bee Company

Kemptville, Ontario

Upper Canada Creamery

Iroquois, Ontario

Wallace Beef Inc

Glenburnie, Ontario

Wallace Farms Soap

South Mountain, Ontario

Willards Bakery Products

Athens, Ontario

The old Kemptville Public School, lost to ﬁre in 1936

COMMUNITY EVENTS events@ngtimes.ca

SILENT AUCTION - ST ANN RECTORY

The contents of the Rectory of St. Ann Church, Merrickville will be sold through a silent auction on Saturday February 28 from 10am to 4pm. items include furniture, china and linen. A feature are prints by Robert Bateman, Brenda Carter and Nell Lamarsh as well as original oils by local artists. Items for sale will be tagged and purchasers are invited to write down their bid and contact information. Usual auction terms and conditions apply,

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONTHLY SUPPER at Holy Cross Church Hall 503 Clothier Street West. Suppers are held at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month, September to November and January to May. Cost $10 per person, $5 for a child under 12 and $25 for a family.

Kemptville Legion: Fridays 3-9. Free Pool and Darts. Everyone Welcome LEGION EUCHRE will be held at 100 Reuben St., the 3rd Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 12:30, with Euchre starting at 1:00. Cost is $5 to play - cash prizes.

NG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Masonic Lodge 311 Van Buren Kemptivlle, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 12:15.

All Levels of bridge players are welcome. Info call 613-795-7155

YOUNGSTERS OF YORE

Held at the Tallman Room of Kemptville Library on Water street. Starts at 2 pm every Thursday, so arrive before to get a chair. Mingle with us having a cup of tea and snack after Ashley speaks and answers your questions.

March 5th, 2026 - Meredith Luce, Local Author

March 12th, 2026 - David Shanahan - songs and stories

March 19th, 2026 - Victor Desroches- EV Cars

March 26th, 2026 - Liz Angus, Local Author, Her Book " The Other Family" We welcome All Ages!

FRIENDSHIP LUNCHES are oﬀered to everyone every Friday. Please join us in our lower hall by 11:30 for a free meal, companionship and fellowship at St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. and begin at 11:30. There is no charge. A free will oﬀering is appreciated. Everyone is welcome. NG COMMUNITY MEALS ASSOCIATION

Every Tuesday, 4-7 PM Free or by Donation Dinner ( serving dinner until 6:30 pm)

Where: Pvt. Blake Williamson Memorial Hall, (Old Fire Hall) 25 Reuben Cres.Everyone is welcome, young and not so young\ Bring clean indoor shoes

FRIENDSHIP CAFÉ is open to the community Tuesday's from 10 to noon. All are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hot beverage, a sweet treat and some friendly conversation all at no cost. At St. John's United Church hall at 400 Prescott St. TUESDAY COMMUNITY HUB hosted by the House of Lazarus All are welcome to drop in. Advocacy, “make a meal, take a meal” cooking opportunities, community services assistance are just a few of the weekly programs. Stop by and visit or contact House of Lazarus directly at 613-989-3830 for more details. “Building Community, Sharing Hope”. Upstairs at St. John's United Church at 400 Prescott St. MODERN SQUARE DANCING in Kemptville with the Grenville Gremlins Square Dance Club. Monday Evenings 7:30 - 9:30pm. North Grenville Municipal Center County Road 44 For more info call Debbie at 613-795-3032 or Google "Kemptville Square Dancing"

KLUB 67 invites all euchre players to join us every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a fun social game of euchre. Location: Kemptville Legion, 100 Reuben St. Registration starts at 12.30, play starts at 1pm. Cost is $5 to play – cash prizes given. No membership required.

NORTH GRENVILLE MEN’S SHED

The NGMS provides a safe and friendly environment for men to enjoy coﬀee and conversation, and do projects that beneﬁt the community. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning, 8:30 to 10:30, at 2 Oxford St. West (the former Salvation Army church and Thrift Store location). Contact Peter Ivay (343-598-1174) : northgrenvillemensshed@gmail.com for more information.

KEMPTVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - meetings are held monthly, except July, August & December. The are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church.

NG PRIDE: 2SLGBTQAI+ Seniors and allies meet 2 - 4pm the ﬁrst and third Sunday of each month at the NG Library. Join us for coﬀee, chat, cards and shenanigans.

Looking to stay connected, informed, and inspired in retirement?

JOIN THE PROBUS CLUB OF NORTH GRENVILLE — a friendly group of retirees who meet monthly for conversation, laughter, and thought-provoking presentations. Gatherings take place the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church Hall. For details, email n.g.probus97@gmail.com

CAREGIVER COFFEE is a welcoming monthly drop-in for caregivers to pause, connect, and feel supported. Join us the last Tuesday of each month from 1–3 PM at Beth Donovan Hospice. Free, casual, and open to all caregivers.

DANNY MICHEL AT THE PEWS

Canadian musician "one of the most engaging storytellers you'll ever see" 100 St Lawrence Street, Merrickville Friday, February 20th at 7:30 p.m.

ACROSS

1. Young woman

5. Baby cow

9. Wacky

13. Module

14. French for "Airplane"

16. Sponsorship 17. Nil

18. Christian holy book 19. Indonesian island

20. Ready for anything

22. Redeemer

24. Cease

26. Rationale

27. Mixture

30. Bleach

33. Become weaker

35. Put out

37. Additionally

38. Spectacles

41. Weep

42. Become calm

45. Exhibit

48. One thing after another

51. Breathed in

52. Golden king (mythology)

54. Fizzy drink

55. Causes to feel sorrow

59. Nickel or steel

62. Lacquered metalware

63. A tree, leaf or syrup

65. Pleasant

66. Burden

67. Once more

68. Metal money

69. Encounter

70. Shade trees

71. Stops DOWN

1. Moon goddess

2. Nitpicky to a fault

3. Style of horse riding

4. A sudden involuntary

movement

5. Taxi 6. Ardent

7. Besmirch

8. Pursue

9. Demoralizes

10. Food thickener

11. Three plus two

12. Russian emperor

15. Horse sound

21. Roman robe

23. Eight in Roman numerals

25. Bears' hands

27. At a distance

28. Flowing tresses

29. A diagram of the Earth's surface

31. Increase

32. Care for

34. Not no

36. Got a good look at

39. Fraternity letter

40. Male oﬀspring

43. Part of a chair

44. 13 in Roman numerals

46. Which person?

47. Rhythmic pattern

49. Swelling

50. Brute

53. Floral leaf

55. "Smallest" particle

56. Departed

57. Adhesive

58. Slight

60. Caustic

61. Focusing glass

64. N N N

by David Shanahan

In this Heritage Week, it is interesting to note the absence of any reference to a “Christian” heritage in this country. I, for one, welcome that. There has never been a “Christian” nation, only political entities accepting general Christian principles (the Golden Rule, etc.). Even where the majority of the population are termed “Christian”, that was often more of a cultural identiﬁcation than an accurate description of peoples’ spiritual commitment or reality: a nominal attachment to a socially-acceptable identity.

While I am glad that this misleading term, “Christian nation”, has been discarded, it is also true that another, equally inaccurate label has become increasingly common: Christian Nationalism, a concept that is as far removed from a Biblical construct as it can be. But it has certainly muddied the waters when it comes to how people see New Testament Christianity within the general population. Christian Nationalism would encourage

racism, bigotry, intolerance and oppression, a new form of a Taliban state, where women, minorities, and anyone other than white socalled evangelicals would be placed under the rule of extreme right-wing judges and legislators.

This is not the New Testament view of what Christians are to be. Jesus repeatedly pointed out that “my Kingdom is no of this world”, that there is a clear distinction between what is Caesar’s and what is God’s. His followers have no authority to impose any set of rules or viewpoints on nonChristians: they live in a diﬀerent kingdom and have no right to discriminate or force their views and beliefs on others. Of course, they are free to share their beliefs, that is one of our basic rights as Canadians in society. And we should be ready and eager to tell people what we have found, but in a respectful way. As Peter says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” [1 Peter 3.15].

It is never easy for peo-

ple to separate the words and attitudes of some Christians from the actual teaching of Jesus. Too often, Christians have come across as judgmental, divisive, condemning, or arrogant. That is not how we should be. Yes, the Scriptures talk of judging, but that means evaluating, not passing judgement. That is God’s prerogative, not ours. Paul told the Corinthians: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” [1 Corinthians 5.12]. I can decide how I believe Christians are failing to live up to the Gospel, just as I am. But the idea that Christians should put themselves in a position of ruling over others, passing legislation to force non-Christians to obey things they cannot themselves obey without the grace of God, is simply not the way of Jesus. Yes, the world is a mess, and the Gospel is clear that it is under the rule of evil, as is only too obvious when you see how we treat each other and the planet itself. Christians, says Jesus, are to be a light in a dark place, salt to bring ﬂavour, not a severe judge to condemn

and despise. Again, yes, we do see the wrongs, we do see the ways in which the world is in darkness. We don’t pretend that we agree with everyone and support whatever people decide to do; but we also recognise, as forgiven people, that no-one is righteous, no, not one. Whatever we see in truth, whatever insight or understanding we have about life, comes from the Spirit who teaches us and sometimes convicts us too.

In an insight from the prophet Isaiah, repeated a few times in the New Testament, people are “ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.” [Isaiah 6.9; Mark 4.12] I think it’s a pity that Christians can make it even more difﬁcult for non-Christians to perceive because of what they actually see in the church. People will hate the Gospel whatever we do: Jesus said that clearly. But let’s not make it harder for the Spirit to get through and allow people to see the difference between the Gospel and deformed and malignant version of it they are too often confronted by in the world.

Ingram, Shirley Barbara (nee Stewart)

Shirley passed away peacefully and surrounded by love at Fairview Manor in Almonte, Ontario on Wednesday January 28, 2026 at the age of 89.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (2015). Loving mother to Wayne (Carole) Ingram, Deborah (Philippe) St Germain and Brian (Joanne) Ingram. Devoted grandmother to Amanda, Holly (Oliver), Meaghan (Ray), Ryan (Annie), Shannon, Brandon (Brandi), Logan. Cherished great-grandmother to Max, Hayden, Cole.

Survived by her brothers Ralph (Judy) Stewart of Kemptville, Gordon (MaryAnn) of Winchester, and Joyce of Conistan. Shirley is predeceased by her parents Arrington and Lena Stewart of Winchester, Ontario. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews as well as many friends.

Shirley will be remembered for her dedication to her career at DND that spanned 25 years. Her love of travel, playing tennis, pool, golf, gardening, square dancing, kind generous heart, love of her family and friends.

A heartfelt thanks to the caring staﬀ at Fairview Manor in Almonte for the love, joy, kindness and compassion they brought to her life.

Friends and family may pay their respects at the Blair & Son Funeral Home,15 Gore St W, Perth on Saturday March 7, 2026 from 1:00pm until the service in the Chapel at 2:00pm Followed by a reception in the Blair & Son Family Centre. Private family interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery, Perth. In remembrance, donations to Fairview Manor in Almonte are appreciated. For condolences or further information visit our website at www.blairandson.com

United Counties and the Municipality announce Aﬀordable Housing Development Event

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in partnership with the Municipality of North Grenville, are proud to announce an event that promotes the development of aﬀordable housing using the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Design Catalogue’s readymade, publicly available designs.

The upcoming event is taking place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 8am to noon at the Urbandale Arts Centre, which is located at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required.

Join experts from government and members of the traditional and modern methods of construction industry, to hear how fast and aﬀordably housing can be built using the CMHC Housing Design Catalogue. The Design Catalogue was created by the government

of Canada to be an innovative resource to help communities build more homes, faster. The designs, which are available on CMHC’s website and are free for anyone to use, account for regional climate, building code requirements and construction methods. There are seven different models of technical packages available for building homes in Ontario, which include accessory dwelling units, fourplexes, a sixplex, and two different designs of stacked townhomes. Design packages include accessible-ready designs that can easily be converted to accessible units, as well as enhanced accessible layouts. The designs are considered “near permit ready”, which require review by a qualified professional to fit the site and meet local rules.

Speakers at the event will include representatives from Canada Mortgage and Housing Cor-

poration (CMHC), local home builders including CABN, Wellings Modular, Lockwood Brothers Construction, Cahdco, IN Engineering, as well as County and Municipality of North Grengville staﬀ who are dedicated to the development of aﬀordable housing. St. Lawence College will be in attendance with interactive displays, including their mobile training lab, that promotes handson learning and working in the carpentry, welding, and electrical trades.

Presentations will provide an overview on the use of the design catalogue, key beneﬁts of municipal partnerships on the usage of pre-approved designs, the cost and time savings, local implementation of the designs, and an opportunity to view some of the designs from local homebuilders.

To register, visit the Leeds and Grenville website at www.leedsgrenville.

com.

“Supporting the development of aﬀordable housing remains a top priority across the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. Events like this are so important because they spark innovation and raise awareness about the many tools and resources available to the public, to builders, and to all levels of government”, said Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “The CMHC Housing Design Catalogue is a strong example of how government and the private sector can work together to accelerate housing development and better meet the needs of our communities.”

Mayor Nancy Peckford stated: “We are pleased to support this event which highlights how the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program has enabled our community to develop an additional residential units

(or ARUs) program using pre-approved designs. These designs will enable more innovative and inclusive small homes to be built within North Grenville to respond to the needs of seniors and young people starting out. CMHC's Housing Design Catalogue brings this work together with other similar projects across the country into one easy-to-use, publicly available document that is tailored to each province. In so doing, it will reduce time and cost barriers to development just as our own homegrown ARU Initiative has done.”

For further information contact the Counties Affordable Housing Coordinator, Caroline Rigutto at (613) 342-3840 ext. 2327 or Caroline.Rigutto@uclg. on.ca.

Kemptville College

The photograph shows two buildings that formed the core of Kemptville College in its early years. In the background of the ﬁrst is the renovated farmhouse of the Murphy farm, and the original Gym and Judging Pavilion is in the front. Kemptville College was established as Kemptville Agricultural School in 1917, with an investment by the Ontario Government of $50,000. The School’s existence in Kemptville owed much to the inﬂuence of a local resident with a position within that government.

Kemptville District Hospital

On September 21, 1916, the Kemptville Agricultural Society were holding their Annual Fair. The guest of honour was the Honourable G. Howard Ferguson, Ontario’s Minister of Lands, Forest and Mines and local boy made good. The country was in the middle of World War 1, and the area needed some good news, which Ferguson was happy to provide. Stealing the thunder of the Minister for Agriculture, whose announcement it should have been, Ferguson revealed that the Ontario Government would be establishing “a two-year course in Agriculture and Domestic Science in the Village of Kemptville”. As an ex-Reeve of the Village, and coming from a family with deep roots in the community, it is, perhaps, only fair that Ferguson got to break the good news.

But it would take some time to get the courses operating. First of all, land had to be found, and two farms were bought in 1916 from Thomas Murphy and Alex Armstrong, one on either side of the Ottawa-Prescott Highway (now CR 44) in Concession 4 of Oxford-on-Rideau Township. Over the years, the College would purchase other parcels of land. It was not until 1919 that classes officially began at the College, then known as the Kemptville Agricultural School, when short courses were offered in Farm Power, Agriculture and Domestic Science. The old barns on the Murphy farm were torn down and a new Judging Pavilion and Gymnasium were built in their place. This building is today known as Purvis Hall, and later contained the Library for the College on the upper floor. This space was used as a Hall and Gym, where sports like indoor softball and basketball were played. Regular dances were held there over the years, as well as dancing classes.

KDH has been a valued and vital part of North Grenville since 1960, when it was oﬃcially opened on June 29 of that year. It had been quite a campaign for the community to reach that point, and some small, private hospitals had been operating for many years before that. The ﬁrst moves to provide a facility with full hospital services was launched right after World War I, when Dr. David Wallace opened a hospital Victoria Avenue, later moving to the corner of Asa and Joseph. More attempts were made in 1939 and 1946, but these came to nothing.

In 1955, a provisional charter for a hospital was granted by the Department of Health, and an organising committee was formed, but lack of ﬁnancial support meant that eﬀort, too, failed to go forward.

Finally, in 1958, when the Winchester Hospital could no longer cope with the numbers using that facility, a public meeting was called in Kemptville, attended by more than 400 residents from around the region. It was decided to raise funds for a 32-bed hospital, and the immense sum of almost $200,000 had to be raised, in addition to the funds donated by government and charitable institutions. In September, 1958, six acres of land were bought on Concession Road in Kemptville, and construction work began in April, 1959. But costs were rising, as well as the walls. An extra $150,000 was needed, so fund raising continued; but by February, 1960, all the money raised had been spent, and the campaign was actually in debt by $25,000! But the building continued, along with the fund raising, and the doors were oﬃcially opened on June 29, 1960 by the Ontario Minister of Health and by Marjorie Hawkins, Administrator of the new hospital.

The downstairs space has seen many events over the years, but was originally used for livestock demonstrations and classes. In 1919, there were 444 students using the building. From 1927, when the ﬁrst College “Royal” was held, students showing their cattle would walk them across the highway from the farm buildings and into the Judging Pavilion. The building was used for the Royal down to very recent times. It has a new lease of life these days with the development of the Kemptville Campus.

Since then, KDH has expended both in size and in the range of services it provides, and has become a tremendous asset to North Grenville and the surrounding area. It has continued to receive ﬁnancial and volunteer support from the people it serves, people who appreciate what having a local community hospital means to a rural community like ours.

Rotary, late 1940's

When this photograph of Kemptville Rotary members was taken in the late 1940's, Rotary had been active in Kemptville for over a decade. Chartered in 1934, it grew out of an earlier group, the 100 Club, which had been active since 1924. It continues to be part of North Grenville’s heritage to this day

Celebrating Heritage 2026

Holy Cross parish 1846

An important event took place in Kemptville in February, 1846. The local Roman Catholics of the surrounding townships had their own church building, opened and blessed by Bishop Patrick Phelan, titular Bishop of Carrhae and coadjutor of Kingston. It was only an extended building that had been in use since around 1834. The older church building has been added to, with 70 feet being added to its length. The rectory in the photograph here was built in 1860, and the current church building was erected between 1887 and 1889.

The 1846 visit must have been one of the first visits by the Bishop in quite some time, as it is recorded that: “On the above day and date the Right Rev’d Patrick Phelan, Bishop of Carrhae & Coadjutor of the Diocese of Kingston has visited the Mission of Kemptville and given the Sacrament of Confirmation to the following persons”. The list of names shows that 89 people were confirmed that day, all from the Kemptville and surrounding area, while another 88 individuals from Merrickville were also involved in the ceremony. The register goes on to note that they were “all teetotallers”.

The parish covered a wide area, and, in June of 1848, another new church was blessed by the same Bishop Patrick Phelan, this time in Merrickville. Back in Kemptville, Bishop Phelan

Maplewood Hall

blessed the burial ground of the Mission of Kemptville on October 24, 1853, assisted by the parish priest, Daniel Farrelly, and Peter O’Connell, the Bishop’s Secretary. The previous day, he had blessed the crosses and pictures of the Stations of the Cross “and erected the same in the aforesaid Church with all the privileges, Indulgences and spiritual blessings and favours usually granted by the Sovereign Pontiﬀ to the faithful who piously and devoutly perform the exercises of the Stations of the Cross”.

The Registers are an historical record of the life of the Holy Cross parishioners. Most of the entries provide us with the names of parents, children, sponsors of baptisms, etc., even the text of agreements by Protestants wishing to marry Catholics, in which they promise to raise the children as Catholic without hindrance.

Many of the names are Irish or French, and many are still familiar to residents of North Grenville, such as Arcand, Bishop, Brennan, Clothier, Tobin, Dolan, Flannigan and McGahey.

This building housed S.S. No. 8, Oxford Mills School, where generations of children from Oxford Mills and the surrounding area were taught their three R’s and a host of other things besides. It was actually the third school to be opened in the village, the other two gradually becoming too small for the number of children. In 1875, the land was bought from John Lindsay for $150, and the contract to build a two-room schoolhouse was given to A. Willoughby. This was the only two-roomed school in all of North Grenville, all the rest having just one room, and it cost the magniﬁcent sum of almost $2,000. The stone came from a local quarry on Bedell Road and the design was quite ambitious, compared to other schools, with a very decorative bell tower over the front door.

The school opened in August, 1875, with an enrollment of sixty in each of the senior and junior rooms, quite a large collection of students. But the population of Oxford Mills changed with the years, and it was not always possible to find qualified teachers. In 1929 the junior room was closed and all the students were housed in the senior room until a second teacher was hired in 1931 and the school returned to its full use again. Just three years later, it shrank back to the senior room again, this time for almost twenty years. In 1955, it was back at full strength again and continued in use until June, 1964, when it closed. It was bought by the Township of Oxford-on-Rideau and became a school for the mentally challenged in 1968, a role it continued to play until 1983, when it finally closed. In that year, the local Library moved into the north end of the building, while the south end was used for local meetings. The building was completely renovated in 2001 and has served as the community hall ever since. This building has seen so many of the great and small events of Oxford Mills since 1875, and remains an important part of the village’s life and history.

The ﬁrst Holy Cross Church and Rectory, 1860's

Banks Livery on Asa and Thomas street. Now a parking lot.

Our plan to protect Ontario is diversifying our trade

That’s

73’s clinched playoﬀ spot

by G.J. the sportsguy

Kemptville represented the Robinson Division with four Prospects and seven All Stars: Cade Campbell with Case Hennesy in a defensive role and Will Mullins with Jay Zeus Mbarushimana in an oﬀensive mode. All Stars consisted of Eric Sweetapple, William St. James with Morgan Henderson on defense, and Travis Ouellette, Zachary Venance, Gavin McDougall with Lucas Achim on the front line for RAS. Rylan Donovan with Keegan Carswell were the RAS stoppers.

Both games had to be stretched into OT to determine a ﬁnal conclusion with YP and YAS taking both with 6 to 5 victory. Nathan Landriault solo SHG put it past Luka Gelinas at 3:30 to open the ﬁrst frame for RP. Will Mullins for marker at 4:50 for 2 zip lead. Jack Yates combined

with D'Urso, riﬂing it by Logan Heideman at 13:39. Jack Ferguson started the second salvo for the RP and Brandon Rockwell into the cage at 5:38 as an introduction to the contest. Case Hennessy cycling with Owen Devlin for RP tie breaker at 6:36: Gabriel Poitras replaced YP stopper at 10:00 and McCuaig with Graham to Braydon Lindsay in the slot for YP PPG to even it up at 19:45. Mears with Kingston Harris for RP tie breaker at 1:45 to start the ﬁnal twenty and Yates partnered with D’Urso for YP Braydon Lindsay second to move ahead. RP Landriault with Sled for Cade Campbell to break the tie at 13:02. McCuaig with Rockwell to Jack Johnson to force OT at 19:33. OT lasted less than two minutes at 1:55 when Jack Yates turned on the lamp for his second and YP 6-5 win. RP outshot YP

43 to 33. Zachary Venance top shelf from Eccleston in the ﬁrst at 5:22 and Kimani Eccleston at 8:05 for RAS. YAS countered at 13:21 with Alex Kelloway at 18:30 to level it oﬀ at two. YAS took the lead in the second from Brunet with Dinis to Mathieu Paris at 16:54.

Carter Williamson with Tellier extended the lead in the third for YAS and RAS made a comeback with Parker to Travis Ouellette at 10:33. Edward Downey from Turnbull on the attack for YAS at 11:01 and then RAS made a ﬁnal push with Travis Ouellette from Parker with St. James at 15:10 to put them within one. Travis Ouellette snips a hattie to knot it up and launch OT at 18:56. Alex Kelloway with his second just before the buzzer at 4:57 wrapped up a OT 6 to 5 win for YAS. YAS outgunned RAS 46 to 35 with 0/1 PP to 0/0 PP.

by Bob Stewart

On Saturday, February 7, 2026 the North Grenville Curling Club hosted its ﬁrst-ever U15 Kemptville Challenge Bonspiel. The event welcomed 10 teams from Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, competing in a two-game total points format.

Team Berube, repre-

senting the North Grenville Curling Club, captured ﬁrst place and earned the championship medals. The winning team included Gwenyth Berube (lead), Mirabella Infelice (second), Evangeline Infelice (vice), and Emmalyn Berube (skip). The club congratulates Team Berube on an excellent performance and a

well-earned victory. Youth curling is a great way to exercise and make new friends. It is an affordable sport too! Those interested in learning more about youth curling can visit ngcurling.org or contact Bob Stewart, NGCC Bantam Coordinator, at ngcurlingclub@gmail.com

Cornwall Colts hosted Kemptville 73’s for a Thursday evening confrontation posting a 5 to 3 win to clinch a playoff spot. Kemptville struck in the first an extra attacker from Lucas Achim dropping to Nicholas Voicey to Jacob Kulas PPG in the slot to beat Gabriel Poitras at 4:41. The 73's went on a mission as Travis Ouellette cycling with Lucas Achim to find Gavin McDougall to snipe it in at 2:50 in the second frame. Power play defensive combination from Nicholas Voisey to Case Hennesy PPG on the flank at 5:17. Kemptville riding the slab gave Lampert with Colby Lauzon PPG an opportunity to capitalize at 9:15 to spoil Rylan Donovan SO. Morgan Henderson’s smooth transition to Lucas Achim on the wall to Gavin McDougall for his second for the game winner at 15:17.

Last twenty miler Cornwall failed to take advantage of a Camden McCuaig PS as Rylan Donovan flashed the leather at 9:41. The 73’s took their foot off the pedal and were punished while in the box for Lyndon Lamb PPG at 16:36. Colby Lauzon rifled in his second with helpers from Walker and McCuaig at 18:27 after the Colts pulled their stopper at 17:36. Cornwall removed Poitras for a final push at 18:54 and 19:15 when Anthony D’Arienzo with Gavin McDougall hovered the zone to Owen Redmond for insurance ENG at 19:55.

The coach thought they had a solid effort with the power play connecting and the group marking one thing off the list by clinching a playoff spot. Kemptville outshot their opponents 41 to 30 2/7 PP to 2/6 PP. Nine more scheduled games in season play before playoffs. Hockey with EDGE… see you around the wall.

The Kemptville Lions Club was established in 1958 at a meeting at the United Church in Kemptville with 310 in attendance. In its fiftieth anniversary year, its purpose and mandate was expressed well: “The original purpose for forming a club was for more community involvement, and the first project that the club undertook was to install house numbers in the town. ...Whether it's swinging a hammer to build bleachers at the Riverside Park, or making a significant donation to the Municipal Centre; whether it's starting minor sports leagues, or donating to help defray the expenses of youth; whether its buying a pair of glasses for a local child, or organizing and running a clinic in another part of the world, the Kemptville Lions Club has worked hard to maintain the vision that those men had, and are working hard to live up to the Lions motto: WE SERVE.”

A proud moment...Kemptville stood proud to be on the CCHL roster for the Robinson All Stars.

Celebrating Heritage Week in N th Grenville

A Burritt’s Rapids pioneer: John Mills

John Mills lived in Burritt’s Rapids more than a century and a half ago, one of those men and women who were the foundation of the community in which we live today. John was born in Scotland, in Focharbers, in 1815 and emigrated to British North America sometime in the 1830’s. In 1842, he moved to Burritt’s Rapids where he built himself a house on the corner of Oxford and South Streets in 1848, and started a career as a tailor. John’s wife, Jane, died right after giving birth to a son, in August, 1853, aged only 32.

Imagine his situation after Jane’s death: a single father trying to run a business and take care of a large and growing family. In a letter home to his sister, he told her: “I am left with six children which is a very heavy charge upon me. The oldest girl is 12 going on 13, and the youngest is 2½ years old. ..it has left me in a lonesome condition, but we must bear it patiently….The people here have showed themselves very friendly during my trouble.”

John’s business was doing well too: “I am still getting plenty of work, I have got a machine for sowing which is a great help to me and I think that I will make better wages…I have got a comfortable place to live, and out of debt.” Life was improving, but still not without diﬃculty. He explained to his sister in 1855 that ” the times are very hard here, and all over the country there has been a great scarcity of provisions. The ﬂour that was sold for £1 was sold for £3 and £3 15sh and everything else in proportion but thanks be to God there has been an excellent crop and the potatoes is coming on well and I don’t hear of any rot”.

Robert Bell: Politics, Railways and Newspapers

along with the rest of his survey team. The line ran from the Madawaska River to near Bracebridge, and took from August, 1847 to March of 1848 to complete.

By 1861, the news occupying the minds of the villagers was the Civil War to the south.

“June 17, 1861. “I was sory for the berevement you had in your Family of the Death of 3 of your Children it was a heavey triel on you I am shure in shuch a short speace of time I simpethise with you and your truble I was sory to hear that your Houseband had be been aﬂicted with his leg but I hop that it is Better by this time....I will be glad to hear from you when you write me again say something about the conections. I have nothing more particular only in the neighbouring United States there is great warlike preparations amongst them betwixt the North and the Southern States. My wife and Family join in sending their kind Respects to you and Family and Father and Mother. No more at present. But remaining your Loving Brother

John Mills, Burritts Rapids, British North America”.

Considered by the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors as “one of the most remarkable in the history of land surveying in Ontario”, Bell began the work in August, 1847, at Bark Lake on the Madawaska River. Heading west on the 130km trek, he had surveyed 52 kms by October. Then the weather changed, with heavy rain turning to snow. Bell became ill and the canoes bringing him supplies failed to get through. All but one of the workers had to leave Bell to try and bring in more food. Supplies remained scarce for the rest of project, although more workers were found after the lumber camps closed. The survey line was completed ﬁnally near Bracebridge on February 15, 1848. It is still known to this day as Bell’s Line.

When he died, in February, 1897, at the age of 82. When he died, the local newspaper summed up his life simply: “Deceased was a real old Scotchman, a zealous member of the Presbyterian church, and highly respected by those who knew him best”.

Robert Bell had a huge influence on the development of North Grenville in the nineteenth century. Born in Strabane, Ireland, in 1821, his family emigrated when he was very young, settling in 1832 in Oxford-on-Rideau Township. His father, also called Robert, farmed 100 acres on lot 22, concession 6, off what is now Beach Road. He attended local schools and then apprenticed with Francis Jones, a Provincial Land Surveyor who had been a school teacher in Oxford for many years. On 16 June 1843, Robert himself qualified as a Provincial Land Surveyor, and moved to Ottawa (then Bytown) to pursue a career in surveying. After making surveys in Nepean Township, and along the Chalk River, Robert undertook a mammoth project that proved difficult and dangerous, and almost led to his death,

In 1849 he purchased the Bytown Packet, a popular local newspaper. In February, 1851 he changed its name and the newspaper became known as the Ottawa Citizen. Around this time, Robert became involved in railway construction projects, promoting the building of a railway from Bytown to Prescott,

where it would connect with the railway at Ogdensburg, New York. It is said that Robert Bell, more than anyone else, was responsible for overseeing the completion of the line and he was president of the company for many years. The railway reached Bedell Station (for Kemptville) from Prescott in August, 1854, bringing with it the ﬁrst printing press to be established in North Grenville. The Progressionist newspaper began in 1854 and last until 1860. Robert ran for an Assembly seat for Ottawa and supported the choice of Ottawa as the new capital of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. He was defeated in an attempt to win a seat in Parliament in 1867. He had sold the Ottawa Citizen in 1865, and the Bytown and Prescott Railway Company went into receivership that same year. In 1868, his wife died, and he withdrew completely from public life, going to live with his daughter in Hull, where he died in 1873 at the early age of 52.

Photo: Courtesy of The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors Archives

The future of farming is already here

by Brianna Miller, Director, Waterloo Federation of Agriculture and Dean Orr, Vice President, York Federation of Agriculture

The two of us are young farmers in Ontario: a goat producer who is also a director with the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture, and a chicken and grain farmer who is the Vice

President of the York Federation of Agriculture. As young farmers, we’re often described as “the future of farming.” While that’s true, that’s not the whole story. We’re not just preparing for what comes next, we’re already here. We’re working on farms, caring for livestock, growing crops, running businesses, raising families and stepping into

leadership roles in our communities and farm organizations. From nearly 50,000 farms across the province, Ontario farmers grow and raise more than 200 different food and farm products, from fruits, vegetables, honey and flowers to meat, dairy, eggs, fish and grains, fresh, frozen, processed, pickled or canned.

Agriculture isn’t just

Notice of the 134th Annual and Special General Meeting

TAKE NOTICE that the 2026 Annual and Special General Meeting of the Members of Grenville Mutual Insurance Company will be held at the office of Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville, Ontario on March 16th, 2026, at 1:00pm, for the purposes of:

1. Receiving and approving the Minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

2. Receiving the 2025 Annual Reports.

3. Considering and if thought fit, adopting amendments to the Company’s General By-laws, as passed by the Board of Directors November 19th, 2025, to reduce the Company’s board size from nine to eight Directors. Under Article 3.0, Section 3.01 Board of Directors Item 2. to be amended to read as follows:

“The Board of Directors shall consist of eight Directors, all of whom meet the criteria outlined in Item 4 of this section. Directors are elected for a term of three years and shall retire annually in rotation. At every annual meeting, an equivalent number of Directors shall be elected for a term of three years to fill the vacancies created by retiring Directors who are, subject to this By-law and the Corporations Act, eligible for re-election.”

4. Re-electing eligible Directors for a three-year term. The Directors whose terms will expire are Dawn Rodger and Stephen Wilson, both of whom are eligible to be re-elected and have been duly nominated for re-election in accordance with the company’s By-laws.

5. Appointing auditors for the year 2026.

The meeting will be held in person with a virtual option. Members wishing to attend are asked to contact the office by March 6th, 2026, to pre-register with a valid policy number and to indicate whether they will be attending in person or virtually. Please email agm@grenvillemutual.com or call 613-258-9988 during office hours to provide the required registration information.

The company’s 2025 Annual Statement will be made available on the company’s website, and a copy may be obtained by sending a written request to the company’s head office at least 14 days before the meeting.

Pam Marson President/CEO

about food on the table. Ontario’s agri-food sector employs 10% of the province’s workforce and contributes more than $51 billion to the provincial economy every year. That economic impact supports rural communities, local businesses and families across Ontario. That’s why Canada’s Agriculture Day is also a moment to reﬂect on what agriculture looks like today, and where it’s headed next. Farming is a profession where hard work produces something real. Every day brings tangible results, whether that’s healthy animals, growing crops or decisions that shape the future of a farm business. It’s challenging, demanding and deeply rewarding work that keeps you focused on what truly matters.

Working so closely with the land is humbling. No other job oﬀers the same appreciation for the bigger picture. You’re constantly reminded that agriculture depends on forces bigger than any one personweather, soil, seasons and ecosystems - and that con-

nection is quite literally grounding. We are incredibly lucky to be home to some of the world’s best farmland right here in Ontario. The richness of the soil, the diversity of the landscapes and the abundance of clean, fresh water are the foundation of our food production system and it’s important that we take steps necessary to protect it, both for ourselves and for future generations.

Farmland is a ﬁnite and irreplaceable resource; once it’s lost, it’s lost forever. That’s why we feel strongly that preserving farmland for agricultural uses needs to be a priority at the local, provincial and federal levels, and this needs all of us, urban and rural voices, working together. Buying local is a way all of us can make a diﬀerence in our food system. Supporting Ontario farmers strengthens entire communities, keeps food dollars circulating close to home and helps us protect and expand our ability to grow and raise as much of our own food as we can, especially in times

of a changing climate and shifting global political structures.

When we look into the future as young farmers, what excites most of us about our sector is the opportunity it provides. This is an industry built on tradition, but driven by progress. Innovation is happening every day, in production practices, sustainability, technology and business models. Change is constant and no two days are ever the same. There are always problems to solve, improvements to be made and new opportunities to build on the strengths of our food and farming system, and it’s that shared passion for this industry and this way of life that drives us.

The future of farming isn’t a distant idea; it’s happening now, led by farmers who care deeply about their land, their animals, their communities and the food Canadians depend on every day.

Brianna Miller and Dean Orr