March 18, 2015 issue 11

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The Voice of North Grenville

Vol. 3, No. 11

March 18, 2015

Green and Growing Local Food

Special Spring Bridal Showcase

Check out our web site for St. Patrick’s Irish Videos Luke Swale, Matt Brearly and Jim Beveridge

by John Barclay Last week I attended two interesting presentations regarding Lanark, Leeds and Grenville counties; the first on Monday evening dealt with the local food movement and the second on Tuesday morning concerned community economic development.

On March 9, Sustainable North Grenville welcomed Matt Brearley, General Manager of the Two Rivers Food Hub, who spoke to a full house at The Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill. Jim Beveridge, his son Andrew and I were also there to talk

and answer questions about Markets on Rideau, a redevelopment project in the Rideau-Sanders Triangle in Old Town Kemptville.

Matt explained that the goal of the Food Hub, located at The Gallipeau Centre in Smiths Falls, is to help local farmers and local food entrepreneurs increase their production by acting as an aggregation and distribution point for both produce and protein. The aim is to make local food costs affordable for consumers, while helping local small-scale farmers to become sustainable. Two Rivers is gearing

photo by John Barclay up slowly, as funds become available; its commercial kitchen space opened for business just last week. Matt also told the attentive crowd of 30 to 40 that the Hub can also provide food packaging and labelling services, and will help get products to market.

The demand for locally grown and locally processed food, free of the “ingredients” that agri-business chooses to use in maximizing yields and shelf-life, far outstrips supply.

Farm gate sales and farmers’ markets have reached the limit of their capacity to satisfy the growing market. This

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The Markets on Rideau project involves the redevelopment of 13,000 square feet of vacant commercial building space and an adjoining asphalt parking lot at 200 Sanders Street in Old Town Kemptville. It aims to become a centre for local foodrelated businesses in which to establish themselves and, through branding the area as a destination, reach a larger trading area. In addition to the

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continued from front page renovations and landscaping, a comprehensive marketing strategy will be put in place to provide marketing support for the participating businesses.

In response to a question about the relationship between the two projects, I said: “Think of Markets on Rideau as the retail expression of what the Two Rivers Food Hub is trying to accomplish”.

On the morning of March 10, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs conducted a highly

informative Community Economic Development 101 workshop at the Municipal Centre. In attendance were numerous elected officials, public servants, people working in the non-profit sector and members of the general public, all interested in discussing the challenges that rural communities face in fostering economic growth.

You would think that developing the agricultural sector in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville would be a high

might give new meaning to the phrase and it might even be a more sustainable activity in the long run.

As their name suggests, Sustainable North Grenville is concerned with issues that threaten the viability of our community. Their Sustainability Fair happens on Sunday, April 26. For details email: info@sustainablenorthgrenville.ca. For more information on the Two Rivers Food Hub, head to: www. tworiversfoodhub.com.

priority with this group, as was rising Hydro rates and the prospect of further amalgamation in the area. In fact, according to my notes, it was over two hours before the word “agriculture” was mentioned. This is a shame.

We often hear the phrase “growth pays for growth” bandied about, but usually it’s in the context of housing developments. What if we could grow good and meaningful jobs by developing the local food sector? It

Coins for cures LCBO stores raise funds for Canadian Liver Foundation Faith was only 10 weeks old when she was diagnosed with liver disease. To save her daughter’s life, Faith’s mother donated part of her liver and now Faith is a happy, thriving grade one student. Sadly, not all stories have such happy endings, which is why the Canadian

Liver Foundation is partnering with the LCBO during March to help raise funds for research into children’s liver disease.

Throughout the month of March, the public can help support the Canadian Liver Foundation by making a donation at any of the

more than 645 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes featuring a photo of Faith will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until March 31.

“Many people are shocked to learn that children can get liver disease,” says Gary Fagan, President

of the Canadian Liver Foundation. “Research has helped doctors better understand and diagnose liver diseases in children but unfortunately, they still do not know what causes certain types and often these children will need liver transplants because there are no effective treatments or cures.”

Faith was born with biliary atresia, a condition in which the bile ducts do not form properly leading to a build up of bile that damages the liver. Doctors do not yet know what causes biliary atresia. “Research is our best hope for finding ways to prevent or treat all liver diseases that affect children in order to give them a fighting chance for a long life. We are grateful to the LCBO, its employees and especially its customers for their support of the Canadian Liver Foundation and children’s liver diseases research,” says

Fagan.

“LCBO is pleased to partner with the Canadian Liver Foundation and support a variety of worthy causes through the Giving Back In Our Community fundraising program,” says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. “The generosity of LCBO customers and staff enable these charitable organizations to make a significant impact in helping individuals and communities across Ontario.”

The Canadian Liver Foundation is one of 28 provincial and numerous local charities that will benefit from LCBO’s province-wide donation box program in 2015. In 2013, LCBO raised a total of more than $8.2

million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $7.7 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO’s annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.74 billion in fiscal 2013-14, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

The Canadian Liver Foundation thanks the public for its support when shopping at their local LCBO store from March 1 – 31, 2015.

To learn more about liver disease, liver transplants or the work of the Foundation, visit www.liver.ca

New Horizon Club celebrates Spring’s arrival Tapping toes, singing some old favourite Irish songs, and dancing accompanied the Old Time Country Band as they entertained members of the New Horizon Club. Band members were Roger Fowler (accordion), Harry Allan (bass guitar), Bill McQuitty (fiddle), Al Herbert (mandolin) and Isobel Herbert (vocals and guitar).

The New Horizon Club was celebrating the arrival of spring and the maple syrup season with a pancake lunch on March 11 at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall. The excellent lunch was catered and served by the St. Ann’s Merrickville Catholic Church Fund Raising Group.

The next meeting will be held at the Burritt’s Rapids Community Hall on March 25 at 2 pm. The speaker will be a representative from the Ryan’s Well Foundation who will talk about their work. All older adults, fifty-five plus, are welcome to join this active club. For information, call Janet: 613-269-2737.

March 18, 2015

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AGM promises a rejuvenated Chamber

by David Shanahan The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce held its Annual General Meeting last week, with a serious situation to address. A general lack of belief in the ability of the Chamber to serve the needs of its members has led to a loss in numbers, as well as in prestige and influence in the local business community. The main theme of this year’s AGM was the need to rejuvenate the Chamber and restore it to its proper role in providing service to its members and supporting the economic development of North Grenville as a whole.

Melissa White, who is Acting Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, spoke out clearly about the need for transparency and honesty about the current state of the Chamber and how it has reached that position.

She was supported in her statements by fellow-Board member, John Gray, who explained some of the reasons why the Chamber has lost ground, and lost its way, over the past few years.

The NG Chamber of Commerce had suffered from funding cuts and, in an attempt to maintain revenues, had begun to focus more on raising money than on serving its members. Having taken on expenses for office space and

equipment, which were underutilised, previous Boards had been unable to provide direction and guidance to staff in order to remain concentrated on its core mandate.

This led to a spiralling sequence of unfortunate developments which saw service to members drop, leading in turn to a drop in membership.

Members were unwilling to renew their ties to the Chamber, and this caused a further crisis in Chamber finances.

When the current Board took office, it was quickly realised that something major had to be done to reverse the trend, and it is now in a position to renew the Chamber of Commerce and restore it to its proper role.

The main element in this renewal process is to return the operations of the Chamber to the volunteer Board of Directors, who will examine ways to cut costs, increase services to members, and fulfill the mandate of the organisation as laid down in its Constitution: “The Object of The Chamber shall be to promote and improve trade, commerce, agriculture, tourism and the economic, civic and social welfare and the uniqueness of the community served

by The Chamber.” To begin this process, the Chamber’s offices on Clothier Street will be closed for the pres-

ent, while the Board look into other options regarding what kind of office space is actually required.

There were a few individuals attending the AGM who were quite explicit about why they were there. They had heard about a new era for the Chamber and wanted to see if there was anything to it. As one of them said: “I didn’t think much of the Chamber, and I still don’t”.

There are many more business people like that in North Grenville who are waiting to see if this rejuvenation actually happens.

Three people who have put their faith in the reorganisation effort became new members of the Board of Directors at the AGM, to replace retiring members.

Harry Pratt is a well-known and respected figure in North Grenville, and has been for many years. Harry is taking responsibility for membership issues, and will be a welcome and effective addition to the Board. The other new member is NG Times Editor, Dr. David Shanahan, and this marks the first time the newspaper has become a member of the Chamber of Commerce. [See this week’s Editorial].

It was pointed out at the meeting that the last official Chamber function took place a full year ago. As a kick-off

to the new Chamber, a Business After Hours event will take place at the Branch Restaurant on Monday, March 30 between 6 and 8 pm. There is no charge for the event. A selection of finger foods are being supplied by the restaurant for $10, and those attending can buy their own drinks. This is an opportunity for the business community, past, present and potential members of the Chamber, to drop by and talk to the new Board and hear for themselves what the plans are for the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce in the coming years.

The Board of Directors of the NG Chamber of Commerce is: Chair: Mark Thornton, Bell Aliant Vice-Chair: Melissa White, RBC Treasurer: Cathy Sheppard, Sheppard & Associates Ltd Board : John Gray, Remax Connections Realty Inc. Board: John Meharg, Community Business Incubator Board: Harry Pratt, The Pratt Team Board: David Shanahan, The North Grenville Times Board: Gerald Tallman, Kemptville Truck Centre

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Ontario endorses report on Home and Community Care

by David Shanahan The report of an expert panel on the topic of providing good home and community health care in Ontario has been officially welcomed and endorsed by the provincial government. The report, entitled, “Bringing Care Home”, includes sixteen recommendations to improve patientand family-centred care. The report was initiated last April, when the Ontario government asked for input from health care experts on how to improve the quality and value of the care provided by the home and community care sector.

Drawing from consultations with patients, caregivers and health care providers, the

expert group, led by Dr. Gail Donner, provides recommendations to improve the patient experience, promote equal access to services in communities across the province, and identify innovative opportunities to support a sustainable and accountable health care system. Recommendations focus on making it easier for patients and their caregivers to navigate the health care system with services that are better coordinated and integrated, and to understand what to expect, and how to access care. The report notes the importance of patients receiving integrated home and community care after leaving the hospital, with access to more services that support patients

ing and after the operation to ensure services are wrapped around the patient.

Home and community services support people of all ages who require care in their home, at school or in the community. Home care is provided to more than 600,000 people per year, 60% of whom are seniors. This includes 27 million hours of personal support and homemaking, 6.5 million nursing visits, and 1.9 million hours of nursing shifts. Community support services assist about 1.46 million people per year, most of whom are seniors.

Dr. Gail Donner is a Professor Emeritus and is the former Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the University

and their caregivers. Patients in Ontario are receiving home care within five days 93% of the time for nursing visits, and 84% of the time for personal support visits.

To build on this progress, Ontario will fund interested health care organizations to develop new payment models that focus on enhancing coordination of care, as recommended by the expert group.

These Integrated Funding Models help patients transition more smoothly out of hospital into their home. For example, through this approach, a patient requiring knee replacement surgery would be assigned a care coordinator to look after all of their needs, before, dur-

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New bill on affordable housing and accountability Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP, has introduced a Private Members Bill to cut waste and misuse of affordable housing dollars at the controversial Housing Services Corporation and to ensure that social housing providers are no longer overcharged for natural gas and insurance. Provincial legislation requires affordable housing providers to purchase insurance and natural gas through the Housing Services Corporation (HSC). The HSC funds their operation by charging the providers a premium on this service. Some providers are allowed to opt out and purchase insurance directly but they are still required to pay an additional fee equal to 2.5% of the premium to the Housing Services Corporation. Ernie Hardeman’s Bill, the Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act, if passed, would eliminate the need to pay this extra fee.

This will allow housing providers to look at options such as purchasing gas directly, jointly with their municipality, or through Local Authority Services, if it will save them money.

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus studied the difference in cost of purchasing gas through LAS versus Housing Services Corporation and found that they could save 21% with LAS. The “Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act” would also cut waste and ensure that affordable housing dollars are spent wisely by giving the proMarch 18, 2015

vincial Auditor General the authority to audit Housing Services Corporation and by requiring HSC to report salaries above $100,000 on the sunshine list as municipal and provincial governments do.

“In 2013, the CEO earned over $300,000, double what the CEO made four years ago. Plus expenses of $65,000,” said Ernie. “That’s enough to reopen seven affordable housing units that are boarded up because of disrepair.” Some of the other operating expenses for 2013, funded by charging affordable housing providers, include: $6.3 million in total salaries; $3.5 million in program consultants and $2 million in management fees.

“With an affordable housing waiting list of 165,000 families, we simply can’t afford for housing providers to be taken advantage of, and that is why this Bill would give the Auditor General the authority to investigate.” Mr. Hardeman’s criticisms of the Housing Services Corporation accept that it was a good initiative when first established. “The goal of the organization was to save affordable housing providers money by negotiating bulk discounts, but it’s clear that over the last few years something has gone horribly wrong and housing providers are now paying millions more than if they purchased these services directly.”

Mr. Hardeman pointed to the example of City Housing Hamilton, which reported that it paid $1.1 million more for natural gas because it had

preferences of the client and family – bringing care home rather than simply providing homecare.”

Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, underlined the importance of the report and its recommendations: “Providing quality care at home instead of a hospital or long-term care home is important because that’s where people want to be. It also provides good value for our precious health care dollars and better care for our loved ones.”

of Toronto, and led the team of experts in researching and preparing the report. She expressed her appreciation that the work of the panel had been endorsed by the government: “We are thrilled that Ontario is endorsing this important report. We created this report based on input and advice from patients, their families and providers in communities right across the province. Our recommendations will assist in advancing the transformation from a home and community care system based on the needs and preferences of providers to one based on the needs and

YOU NAME IT, I CAN SEW IT North Grenville Official Plan includes provisions to have 25% of all new housing developments set aside as “affordable housing”, this has never been implemented. In addition, the level of income defined as qualifying people for affordable housing would not allow the purchase of houses in this municipality, owing to the high cost of homes here.

The special council meeting on March 18 to review the Official Plan, will include a presentation on affordable housing in the municipality, and it is hoped that it may, shall, or will result in strengthening the phrasing of the revised Plan when it deals with affordable housing in North Grenville.

to purchase it through HSC. The savings from being allowed to opt out of HSC would have been enough to provide rent supplements to house more than 140 families. “Taxpayers’ dollars intended for affordable housing are being wasted,” he said. “The Housing Services Corporation Accountability Act would stop misuse of this money and allow affordable housing providers to save millions on natural gas and insurance, which could be put towards providing housing for families in need.”

There is a growing awareness in North Grenville of the need that exists here for affordable housing of many kinds, both rental and to buy. Although the

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Editorial

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The Voice of North Grenville

Whispering Hope

by David Shanahan As the first, faint signs of Spring begin to appear in North Grenville, there is an accompanying sense of hope with regard to our collective future. After the winter shock of the municipal budget, it does look as if there is a gradual improvement happening in our economy and a renewal in the organisations we need in order to see our business life move ahead.

You might almost say that North Grenville is starting to look green and growing!

We at the NG Times have been saying for what seems like years that we need an integrated plan for our local economy, especially when it comes to downtown Kemptville. Making it look nice, and calling it Olde Towne (or however it is spelled) is not enough to make real and effective changes to what

has been a dying centre. The Kemptville Business Improvement Area [BIA] has tried to draw customers back to the Prescott Street-Clothier Street area, but there are still far too many empty store fronts to show how far they have to go.

But now the BIA has a new leadership, we have some new energy and vision on the municipal council, and the BR+E [Business Retention and Expansion Alliance] finally has a partner to work with. For a few years now, the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce has been effectively absent from the scene.

This happened for many reasons, not least the perceived need of the Chamber to raise money instead of providing service to its members. It was really unfortunate that this period of ineffectiveness coincided with the growing attraction of the 416/43 com-

mercial developments, which pulled so many key businesses away from Prescott Street.

During those years, businesses opening in downtown Kemptville were pretty well left alone to sink or swim, without a vibrant Chamber of Commerce to support them and integrate them into a local business network. Some of those businesses survived, many didn’t. It was difficult to draw attention to the problem without being accused of negativity and of undermining those businesses struggling to attract customers.

But facts were too obvious to ignore: cosmetic changes did not work to revitalise the old downtown core of the town.

But, as I say, there are signs of hope. In addition to the BIA, BR+E and strong, independent business people who have worked hard to build and expand their stores, businesses and services,

there is now the promise of a renewed and reorganised Chamber of Commerce for North Grenville. The Chamber is, I believe, the natural body to draw together the various strands that have been working to create the best climate for business and our local economy. The Chamber can have the credibility, and the municipality-wide mandate, to begin the process of developing an integrated plan for future business growth in North Grenville.

By working with the BIA, BR+E and the municipality, the Chamber of Commerce can provide leadership, networking and support structures that will help new and growing businesses to survive and prosper, as well as providing a forum in which established businesses can exchange ideas, expertise and mutual encouragement.

I honestly believe that this

is the element that has been missing in our municipality for some time.

That is why the NG Times has, for the first time, become a member of the Chamber.

Not that we are something special, but simply because we are a locally-owned and operated business in North Grenville, and we believe the Chamber is a vital part of our shared economic future.

This newspaper is not a national corporate publication: we depend entirely on the health of the local economy to provide advertisers for us.

On a very practical level, we believe the Chamber is vital to that. There is much to do to make the Chamber of Commerce what it should be, and I believe the current Board, working as a voluntary group, can re-make the Chamber into what it ought to be, and what it can be.

In full disclosure, let me

monetarily or give in kind, and with SPECTATORS who come from far and wide year after year. New members of each of these groups keep us going.

For a small fee of $20, your admission includes UNLIMITED rides, concerts, dances, entertainment in the children’s tent, agricultural shows and much more. The only thing extra that you need to pay for is food and drink.

I am looking forward to helping you experience a local fair that you will be telling your family, friends, neighbours and coworkers about - “A FAIR TO REMEMBER”.

Paul Allan, MTAS President

live on a fixed income. We did not vote for the present mayor or most of his council for good reasons.

When one challenges the tax bill, we are threatened that the bill might be more if looked into. Have to live with theses Sour Grapes for four years until the next election and see if the people of Grenville vote for the devil they know with no complaints or take a leap of faith .

R Hawley

issue is housing, where prices are going through the roof for those on fixed incomes and living below the poverty threshold.

Rental units are few and far between so there is added pressure on lower income individuals and families. Health is an issue too, where socio-economic disparities account for 20% of total annual health care spending. Food security is becoming an issue whereby since 2009 food bank usage has increased 25%! A problem for low income families is early childhood education and care. There is regulated/ subsidized childcare for only 20% of our young children, yet 70% of Canadian mothers work just to make ends meet.

Jobs and employment

needs the serious attention of our governments both federally and provincially.

Wages have stagnated and part-time work has increased by 50% in the past 20 years as employers look to curb increased benefits for full-time staff.

People have increasingly become discouraged to the point that 40% don’t bother to vote at all! They feel that their votes don’t count.

We need to engage these citizens to fight poverty by promoting proportional representation, a system whereby all votes count.

With proportional representation, when you vote for a party that wants to address the issue of poverty, your vote will count! The electoral system itself must change

say that, as part of our belief and commitment, I have joined the Board of Directors because, as another volunteer, I see the determination of Chamber members and directors to make this work, to change the direction and the emphasis which has led the Chamber into a dead end. Quite simply, the potential good the Chamber can achieve for our community is too great to allow it to fail. I fully understand any scepticism that exists in the business community: there is a lot of trust that needs to be earned back, and a lot of confidence that needs to be built up regarding what the Chamber can be and do. That work has now begun.

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: My name is Paul Allan and I am the current President of the 123rd Annual South Mountain Fair, which will be held from Thursday, August 13, to Sunday, August 16, 2015.

This fair is organized by the Mountain Township Agricultural Society.

It will be held in the heart of the village of South Mountain, which is a little farming community in Dundas County, part of the Township of North Dundas - 10 minutes from Hwy 416, 40 minutes south of Ottawa, and 30 minutes north east of Brockville.

I have been a spectator of the Fair for over 40 years, a chairperson and member of the Board of Directors for the last 10 years. I have seen the fair grow and continue to grow, being quite amazed with what I see.

You are likely wondering how it continues to grow? It is with the continued support if the VOLUNTEERS who contribute long hours, even while we sleep, SPONSORS who donate either

Dear Editor, H a v i n g r e a d M r.

Forbes "Now we learn the truth" well done.

Our family moved to Kemptville three years ago in hopes of a better life. That included lower taxes: we are disappointed in the budget for 2015 . Once again I fear this council assumed we are all wealthy and do not

Dear Editor: We live in a vast and beautiful country that is rich in natural resources, and yet there is a growing amount of poverty. The middle class is shrinking and wealth is being concentrated in the 1%.

Poverty is a violation of Canada’s human rights obligations. Many of the reasons for poverty are evident here in rural Ontario with the level of income security and those on social assistance living on income that is lower than any poverty measure used in Canada. Another

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Municipality Matters

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The Voice of North Grenville

The Elephant in the Room

by Jim Bertram Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop presented through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs held locally on the subject of local economic development. As many of the readers of this newspaper will know, the municipality of North Grenville already has a first class team working efficiently on this file to the benefit of our municipality. While not a member of that team per se , my intention in attending the workshop was to gain further knowledge in this domain and to enhance my own ability to contribute where possible to our local efforts in economic development for the benefit of our residents.

While the presentation was a reasonable and basic attempt at walking municipal officials through the nuts and bolts of some strategies and practices of local economic development , some participants found it simply did not address the major challenge facing economic development in this province, and certainly Eastern Ontario : the numerous economy killing policies of the government of this province. Some of the participants referred to that issue as “the elephant in the room”, since it simply was not present in any part of the

planned presentation.

To consider the matter briefly , let’s look at the government of Ontario’s policy towards electricity supply and pricing . This item was what many attendees at the workshop meant when they referred to the already mentioned elephant. Most readers will be aware of the province’s policy of high priced electricity with further sharp rate rises to come in the near future. They will be aware of the province’s attempt to rescue the world from the bogeyman of Global Warming aka Climate Change by subsidizing so-called alternative energy sources (windmill farms , solar farms, etc) which are so economically unviable as to be unable to be sustained without monstrously high financial support from the province which, as the reader knows, has a few direct routes to the pocketbook of the taxpayer.

What are the consequences of this set of policy decisions taken by the province?

First of all, even those who can pay the steadily rising electricity rates find their buying power eroded. People can follow government’s example for a while and borrow as a means to temporarily maintain buying power, but the dream ends eventually. The money has to be paid back and the economy shrinks further.

For business, energy costs are a factor in the cost of doing business whatever that business is. Greater costs, including electricity, have an impact: on employment numbers, on prices, on quality of product, and so on.

Ultimately, a choice has to be made: will a business stay in business or be competed out of business by products

from lower cost production areas? Will a business simply skip across those seemingly imaginary lines called borders and take up business in lower cost areas, thereby depriving Ontario of jobs and adding to the economic inventory of our friends in, let’s say, New York State or Quebec? Or further afield?

Essentially, a process of economic “hollowing-out” has been gaining momentum in Ontario and no amount of mendacious propaganda from the provincial government will make it go away. The process will continue to accelerate with the addition of some shiny new government policies which are solely intended to augment the province’s fiscal reach: an Ontario pension plan and a Cap and Trade tax program.

The pension program will provide massive funds creamed off from employers and employees which the province will shamelessly exploit for its own purposes.

It will kill employment since employers will have an expensive new cost associated with every new employee they employ.

The Cap and Trade program will for its part, at the very least, impose significant new costs on transportation and, in a country with our population distribution, impose a further reduction on consumer buying power.

And just in case there are some who are not aware, our consumer buying power makes this economy work.

It maintains jobs and, if it grows , it creates new ones.

If it declines…well, you do the math .

And if you get a moment, take a few seconds to imagine a world in which the government of Ontario decided to

take a ten year holiday from interfering in our lives and distorting the economy of this province. Imagine having access to decently priced electricity with reasonable delivery charges. Imagine the possibility of buying lower cost electricity from Quebec and getting rid of Hydro One’s monopoly. Imagine a government which managed its affairs in an economically responsible and honest manner. Imagine no billion dollar gas plant fiascoes, no multibillion dollar secret Samsung windmill deals, no Orange corruption and so on. You get the picture.

At that point, maybe the province’s overwhelming debt could be mastered without literally robbing the people of Ontario through more and more marginal and destructive policies. Ontario’s hard-working doctors would not have to have their income reduced by a bankrupt government. Ontario’s schools and hospitals could be adequately funded. Medications which are currently not covered by our much vaunted health system could be funded. More funds for the homeless would be available.

Economic enterprises would invest and have a chance of flourishing. The list goes on.

And on. And it gets longer with every day this government continues on its economically irresponsible and destructive track.

Finally, what could you do if you are as concerned as you should be about Ontario’s worsening plight as a havenot province. As it happens, many tools exist for you to express yourselves. In a few moment, an e-mail to MPP's and government representatives and media outlets might be sent. Addresses are available

UPDATE UPCOMING MEETINGS COUNCIL Monday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Centre. For agenda information, please contact the Clerk’s Office or visit the Municipal website.

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

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Economic Development—Friday, March 27th at 12:00 noon at the Municipal Centre.

2015 INTERIM TAX BILLS All 2015 Interim Tax Bills have been mailed. If you have not received your bill, please contact the Administration Office. The installment due date is March 31st, 2015.

Final tax bills for all tax classes will be mailed in June.

WINTER PARKING RESTRICTIONS Parking on Municipal roads is prohibited between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am from November 15th to April 15th. A vehicle which is parked in a manner interfering with snow clearing/removal may be issued a ticket and/or removed at the owner’s expense.

For info call 613-258-2438 ext. 6.

2015 BURN PERMITS In accordance with By-Law 33-12, a Burn Permit is required to conduct open burning on property located outside of the urban area. Burn Permits for 2015 are available at the Municipal Office or at the Fire Hall at 259 County Rd. 44 for a fee of $15. Please contact the Fire Hall at 613-258-2438 ext. 5 for conditions prior to burning.

2015 DOG LICENSES Renewal notices have been mailed to all currently registered dog owners. If you are not a currently registered dog owner, please contact By-Law Services at 613-2582438 Ext 6 for further information. The 2015 rate for Dog Licenses is a flat fee of $15 for each dog. As of April 1st, the fee doubles to $30. For information on Kennel Licenses, please contact By-Law Services.

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

www.NorthGrenville.ca

online. Local organizations of a business or political nature may be useful instruments for expressing ideas and militating for change and you could join them. Getting to know key issues and discussing with friends or acquaintances may be useful. Whatever you do, it is time to engage

on the subject of Ontario’s economic future. That future is your future, the future of your family, your friends, your community. It’s time to engage on this subject. Let's do it . Let’s really begin to talk about the “elephant in the room.”

Royal Canadian Mint invites Canadians to design Circulation Coins for 2017 My Canada, My Inspiration coin design contest opens nation-wide To celebrate Canada’s upcoming 150th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint is inviting Canadians from coastto-coast-to-coast to design the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, onedollar and two-dollar coins that will circulate in 2017.

“As a curator of our nation’s history, culture and values, the Mint is in a unique position to offer Canadians a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the face of our circulation coinage as a lasting tribute to Canada’s March 18, 2015

150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Sandra L. Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “In addition to creativity, the Mint is encouraging Canadians to demonstrate their overwhelming pride for the best country in the world.”

As part of the contest, Canadian residents are being asked what Canada means to them by entering coin designs in the following theme categories until April 30, 2015: Our Wonders (Canada’s beauty, from nature to monuments) Our Character (Values

September 2015. Each circulation coin denomination will feature one of the winning designs in 2017.

There are five grand prizes to be won (one per theme category). To enter a design and to obtain full contest rules and regulations, visit www. mint.ca/canada150.

About the Royal Canadian Mint The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 90012008 certified company the Mint is recognized as one of

or principles which define Canadian identity) Our Achievements (Discoveries, exploration or victories) Our Passions (From culture to sports, to pastimes) Canada’s future (this category is reserved for Canadians 12-years of age and under for the 25-cent coin) The finalists in each category will be determined by the Royal Canadian Mint and a panel of notable Canadians. The winning design per category will be selected

by Canadians in an online vote which will take place in

6

the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an

international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit. www.mint.ca.

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville photo by Betty Cooper

Spring Bridal Showcase

2015

With the first signs of Spring, you can be sure that there are couples around North Grenville already planning the perfect wedding. As you plan this wonderful day, you both will feel great joy, but may also experience a few butterflies and a little confusion. After all, organizing a ceremony and reception is a big undertaking.

There will be questions about anything and everything: from the meal (fish, chicken, beef or vegetarian?), to the wedding gown (low-cut, fitted, or empirewaisted?), to the reception music (live band, small orchestra, or DJ?). The groom may even be allowed to have some questions too. There will be issues about budgets, guest lists, and styles. But, in the end, just remember what this day is really about - a celebration of love. Stay focused, and keep organized.

You will want to have confidence in the various professionals you use to make your day unique, and the best way to do that is to shop locally. Evidence from numerous surveys shows that people receive better customer care and service when they use local businesses. These businesses survive on their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service. Browse through our local advertisers and help support some, or all, of the local businesses you see advertising in this Special Section of the North Grenville Times.

You will find everything you need right here, among your neighbours, people who will take that extra care because you are part of their community and they want to make sure you will be ready and willing to recommend them to your friends for their big occasions too.

If you are planning a wedding this year, then may we offer you our best wishes for a happy day, and a happy life together, from the North Grenville Times and your neighbours offering their services in these pages.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Are you currently searching for a floral designer?

Here’s how you know you’re in good hands: Arcand Party Tents offers tent rentals of all shapes and sizes that are ideal for all special events. Our rentals come with a number of options to ensure that we can meet your event’s unique needs. Along with providing affordable rentals that you can count on, our helpful associates are committed to also providing the highest quality services available. As well as tent rentals, we offer tables and chairs, refrigerators and dance floors for your convenience.

- Creativity: The florist should be able to present you with ideas that are interesting and beautiful.

They should create a special style specific for your wedding, completely personalized to your wants and needs.

- Trust: Your styling really falls into the hands of the flower designer. The florist should verbally tell the story of how your day will feel in flowers and when you leave the initial meeting, you should feel totally comfortable leaving the floral details in his/her hands.

- Budget-friendly: The florist should offer a mix of price ranges and be flexible and willing to work within your budget.

In the end you’ll have a sense of their expertise, style, fair pricing and assurance that everything will be gorgeous on your big day and that really sets a great florist apart.

Our tent rentals and party rentals can be accommodated to fit your exact needs and preferences. We can perform a comprehensive site evaluation to inform you of the right choices for your location and event size.

Choose Arcand Party Tents for the most stress-free experience possible.

Unit #1, Creekside Centre 2876 Cty. Rd. 43 Kemptville

613.258.0900

We offer all brides a FREE 15 minute consultation.

Bring along a picture & our highly trained stylists will let you know whether you need a trial or not.

Bring your veil or hair décor to consultation or trial Brides Trial Run

A trial run means our stylists will do the hair style of your choice for your wedding day, they will do more than one if you choose but the price will relate to what the stylist has to do & on the length of your hair Extensions: Clip extensions must be human hair & these need to be brought to the consultation or trial run & the stylist will give you a price of how much this will cost.This can be a wash & blow-dry with curls, price will relate to what the stylist does.

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The Voice of North Grenville

Unique Decorating Unique Decorating would like to alleviate the stress and strain of planning your wedding by decorating as much or as little as you would like us to do. We can decorate the reception hall, the church, any location chosen for your event to ensure your day is perfect. Our services can mean a complete coordination of decorations, including linens, chair covers and floral needs.

We have an extensive range of decorations and accessories to help you create and co-ordinate an event with style, sophistication and elegance. With an attention to detail and a focus on providing individualized service, we will make your event a memorable one.

Terrace Green Professional Wedding Planning

Unique Decorating has a vast range of stock to suit your needs including decorative furniture, unique lighting, stunning centrepieces and florals, scores of decorative accessories, props and theming items, and a multitude of draping. We have a wide variety of entrances, Grecian columns with matching forms of bases and tops that can be combined to create amazing structures.

Your venue will be highlighted with florals and coordinating draping and accents. Chair covers, organza ties, table cloths and napkins can also be provided through our services. Centerpieces are individually designed for your needs with a large range of glassware and candle holders. Bridal bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres can be created for your wedding day with your complete needs in mind.

If you’re planning a wedding, you already have lots of ideas. We can create the wedding of your dreams at a price that fits your budget. Book a free consultation. I’d love to talk to you about your plans.

By partnering with Winchelsea Events, Terrace Green can offer the same catering services you’d get in a downtown hotel or in a suburban conference centre—all with five-star quality at bed and breakfast prices. Ask me for a sample menu or tell me what food choices you have in mind. Everything is possible.

You can choose to hold your wedding ceremony and reception at either Terrace Green or at Winchelsea Events. We’ll serve the food indoors or outdoors at whichever location you choose.

Each venue comes with the same great service and country-style hospitality.

Over the years, we’ve built an extensive list of local resources and suppliers. We can provide any wedding product, service, or accessory in a range of prices.

Don’t start the CELEBRATION without us!

FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

We will help you with your decorating ideas for rooms and cars. HELLIUM OR AIR FILLED BOUQUETS are a very pleasing and easy way to go!

FOR THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO THAT “SPECIAL DAY”

We stock items for your Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties and Stag & Does Evening.

Creekside Centre 2878 Cty. Rd. 43, Kemptville

613.258.0222

April 18

North Grenville Municipal Centre

Vendor Booths Available alkeventmanagement.ca shoplocalshowcase@hotmail.com

613.853.8308 - 613.447.2172 Make your day special in Heritage Merrickville at

The Baldachin Inn We cater to All groups up to 200 • • • •

Courtyard Garden Romantic Getaways Organic Entrées Free Parking 111 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville 613-269-4223 www.baldachin.com balachinn@gmail.com

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Straight from the UK, lots of British treats and teas are now back in stock!

From Heinz Mustard Pickle to Camp Chicory and Coffee Essence to Tizer and Vimto, we have you covered!

301 Rideau Street, Kemptville

Regular Store Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 to 8, Sat. 8 to 6, Sun. 9 to 6

613.258.3014

Fresh Produce

Prices effective: Friday, March 20 to Thursday, March 26, 2015 “We reserve the right to limit quantities to reasonable family requirements�

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The Voice of North Grenville

Fresh From the Bakery

Money Matters Think about food miles. Ask your caterers to use only local ingredients from local suppliers when creating your menu. You will find that sourcing food locally cuts down on the food miles and ultimately cuts down the cost.

Only invest in favours if you really love them. Guests will only remember the truly great ideas.

Decorate your venue with hundreds of paper lanterns. They’re cheap and cheerful, and you can always sell them after your wedding. If you tie in tiny LED lights, they’ll even glow after dark.

As an alternative to favours {which can become costly as the guest list rises}, donate to a charity which is close to your heart. Charities will often send pin badges and cards for each guest explaining that money has been donated in replacement of a favour.

Using unusual containers for flowers, such as old fashioned bottles, jugs and glass jars, can add a lovely kitsch look and can be picked up for a bargain at charity shops or garage sales.

Use your friends’ talents. Think about any skills your friends might have, from being creative and crafty, having beautiful handwriting, florist skills, or handy with make-up. This also adds a unique and personal touch to your day.

The Sewing & Fabric Room Special Occasions are not the time to stress about what to wear! We can assist you in Designing an Outfit suited to your personality, figure and occasion. Great attention is given to detail and your ideas and requirements are important for a fantastic end result!

Saugeen Country organic kefir and yogurt made in Markdale, Ontario

Alterations are given equal consideration because we want you to look your best on your Special Occasion!

Call us for an appointment at 613-258-2663 or drop in at at 2055 River Road, Kemptville.

We are open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 and Saturdays 10-4.

We look forward to meeting you!

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The Voice of North Grenville

Top Wedding Planning Tips Start planning as early as possible. Places and service providers are booked earlier and earlier each year.

Know your service providers. Their reputation is of the utmost importance. Avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of your wedding by selecting service providers with impeccable records.

Put everything in writing. When you book your service providers, anything that you discuss, including special arrangements or deals that you want included in your package for the quoted price, make certain it is written in the contract.

photo by Hanlon Photography Why hire a Wedding Coordinator?

As couples begin thinking about their wedding, they are often confused as to how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors. Planning a wedding is so exciting and fun, but can also be overwhelming and a little stressful! Couples are faced with decisions about everything from invitation wording to planning their honeymoon.

They often find they need experienced professional help.

Know how much you’re willing to put forth for a planner and then manage your budget from thereafter. The average wedding can take more than two hundred fifty hours just to plan. You may not have time to compare all the options. Being experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, the coordinator saves valuable time and money. The coordinator can take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality.

Wedding coordinators are not there to make decisions for you, but to guide and assist you in making informed decisions. Your wedding planner must know your dreams and expectations in order to give you your fairytale wedding How do you know you're hiring the right coordinator? Trust is important in any relationship. You should feel completely comfortable with the coordinator and feel assured that he or she completely understands what your needs are. Your personalities should match. Ask for recommendations.

Discuss openly.

Be organized. In order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks ahead of you, stay organized. Make an action plan by week of what you are going to do, and keep track of progress.

Invite people to participate in your wedding party because they care about you, not out of obligation. This is one of the most important days of your life. Only involve people who genuinely share in your happiness and love.

Stay within your budget. A clear and organised budget plan will help you keep track of your wedding spending. It is very easy to get drawn into spending more on your wedding than you planned to. You should not have to put yourself in debt to have the wedding you want and start your new life with your partner paying off wedding bills for years to come!

Confirm and follow-up. Make sure as the date gets closer that you follow-up with your service providers to confirm your arrangements, provide any last minute instructions, and reiterate timing of all activities. It will make you feel secure and will insure that they understand your expectations.

Relax and enjoy! It is a fun, happy, beautiful time.

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The North Grenville Times

Choosing the right photographer The wedding photographs preserve forever the magnificence and magic of your wedding day.

Here are a few tips to help: Start early. The best photographers are booked months in advance.

Ask to see friends' and relatives' wedding albums. Recommendations are great, but actually seeing the photographer's work is better still.

Attend bridal fairs. Photographers often have booths at these fairs. You can look at portfolios, collect business cards, and check for available dates.

Ask your caterer, florist, and musicians for recommendations. These people are in the wedding business, and they've probably seen it all.

Interview several choices. There are different levels of creativity, talent, and technical skill. After talking to several photographers, you'll begin to understand the differences, and you'll spot the right person.

Consider your chemistry with each photographer interviewed. It's important to consider how you get along with this person. If you both prefer a take-charge, assertive person, look for these qualities during the interview. On the other hand, if you want someone who's laid-back and goes with the flow, watch for this attitude.

Make sure your photographer has wedding-specific experience. Photographers who specialize in animal shots or formal portraits are probably not your best bet. You want someone who understands what a wedding album means. photo by Betty Cooper

The Voice of North Grenville

Why choose the North Grenville Municipal Centre?

In the very heart of North Grenville, the North Grenville Municipal Centre boasts a perfect environment for a successful wedding or banquet.

Our community hall is bright and spacious and includes a lobby, a patio and a coat check area. With the capability to divide the community hall into 3 rooms, we can comfortably accommodate various size groups, from 20 to 300. We can set up your room as you desire or our experienced staff can assist you with ideas for floor layout.

The Municipal Centre is fully air-conditioned and offers in-house audio visual services. Our facility also offers ample parking. The community hall features a professional kitchen & beverage bar area for the caterer of your choice. We can provide a list of caterers for you to choose from if you would like suggestions.

Our experienced staff will be pleased to take your reservation and to provide you with planning assistance including lists of caterers, decorators, floral services, dj’s, limousine service and any other supplier to make your special day exactly what you’ve dreamed. Email or call Lisa Kmiel, Event Coordinator, at 613-258-9569 ext. 134.

Marriage Licenses are available from the Clerk's Office. The Clerk’s Office can also perform civil marriages in the Province of Ontario. There are a number of marriage ceremonies that can be tailored to meet your needs.

Host Your Wedding at the

North Grenville Municipal Centre The North Grenville Municipal Centre, located in Kemptville, offers modern and cost-effective facilities for hosting your wedding.

Our venue can accommodate from 20 to 300 guests.

This can include: • Kitchen and beverage bar area to be used by the caterer of your choice • 300-seat performance theatre for ceremony • Outdoor patio area • Municipal Clerks to perform your ceremony Ask about our wedding specials!

Lisa Kmiel, Event Coordinator Phone: 613-258-9569 ext. 134 lkmiel@northgrenville.on.ca northgrenville.ca/weddings.cfm

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

Expert Business Advice, Free of Charge!

Grenville CFDC, in partnership with Eastern Ontario CFDC Network Inc., is hosting Launch Lab’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) monthly to meet with new clients in the Grenville area.

Launch Lab’s EIR model introduces business experts with experience in management, finance, marketing, start-ups, and innovation to small businesses throughout Eastern Ontario.

Next Available Meeting Dates: March 27th – GCFDC Boardroom, Prescott April 24th – GCFDC Boardroom, Prescott Appointments are scheduled from 8:30—3:00 (60-90 minutes each) For more information or to book an appointment, please contact eodp@grenvillecfdc.com or 613-925-4275 ext 27.

The Voice of North Grenville

Hydro One called “cruel and deceitful”

by David Shanahan Residents of North Grenville are well aware of the way in which the costs of heating fuel and electricity have risen over the past year. Although oil companies can point, however misleadingly, to international oil supplies, Hydro One has been consistently guilty of price gouging its customers. The Ontario Ombudsman decided to investigate the situation.

Just over a year after launching an investigation into billing and customer service problems at Hydro One, the Ombudsman, André Marin, announced that his office has received more than 10,000 complaints about the utility – its highest total, by far, for any investigation to date.

Noting that he intends to release a full report and recommendations this spring, once the investigation is complete, Mr. Marin said his update on the case is in response to strong interest from complainants, Hydro One customers and public officials. “The flood of complaints continues, even though Hydro One has been aware of the issues we are investigating for over a year,” said Mr. Marin.

In his case update, which was tabled with the Ontario Legislature in accordance with the Ombudsman’s normal reporting procedure, Mr. Marin cited several examples of trends in complaints, as well as “egregious” billing errors that were resolved through his office’s intervention.

“Over the past few months – during one of the coldest winters in memory – Hydro One has been threatening to cut off people’s power for unpaid bills. Hydro One promised us it would not cut anyone off. But that’s not what it told the people who were calling us in tears, distraught with fear that they and their families would have no power if they didn’t pay an outrageous bill.

“Hydro One admitted

to us that these notices are just empty threats. They called it a “tactic” to encourage payment. I think most people would call it something much worse”.

Of particular concern, he said, were complaints that Hydro One was threatening to cut off the electricity of customers who were behind in their payments, regardless of the freezing winter temperatures. The blatantly misleading tactic terrified many customers who were unable to meet Hydro One’s demands for payment.

"It’s appalling that Hydro One threatened to disconnect power to people in one of Ontario’s worst winters on record,” Mr. Marin said. “We were told this was a common tactic in the industry to ‘encourage’ customers to pay, but it is cruel and deceitful.

People were coming to us in tears, including families with young children and the elderly, terrified they would freeze or have to leave their homes. One father of a newborn and a six-year-old near London called us in a panic because Hydro One sent him a disconnection notice on Valentine’s Day remember how cold it was then? They demanded that he pay his $3,200 bill right away. We received almost 100 complaints this winter from people in similar situations”.

On February 20, he asked Hydro One’s CEO to make it clear to customers that they will not be disconnected. Hydro One responded, stating it had changed its disconnection notices due to the Ombudsman’s concerns. However, its proposed new warning letter is arguably worse, Mr. Marin said, noting that it depends on “weather conditions.”

Mr. Marin announced the investigation in February 2014, after a sudden spike of 647 complaints that began in April 2013 - almost double that of the previous year. Since then, 9,370 complaints have come in, increasing the total daily. A

dedicated team of Ombudsman staff has worked with Hydro One to resolve individual complaints, while the investigation into broader, systemic issues continues.

Investigators with the Special Ombudsman Response Team (SORT) have conducted more than 180 interviews, including with current and past Hydro One executives, frontline staff, stakeholders, and Hydro One’s outsourcing agencies, as well as whistleblowers and staff from the Ontario Energy Board and the Independent Electricity System Operator. They have also reviewed tens of thousands of Hydro One documents and emails.

The systemic investigation has identified several key themes that the Ombudsman intends to detail in the forthcoming report.

These include inadequate response to customer issues; incorrect bills; lengthy periods with no bills; large “estimated” bills covering prolonged periods of time; unexpectedly large payments withdrawn from customers’ bank accounts; and unclear communication about charges and adjustments.

Ombudsman Marin reported in some especially shocking examples of Hydro One activities. “I want to report on some of the thousands of individual cases we have already resolved. Some of them are frankly shocking. We’ve seen absurdly high bills and atrocious customer service. We’ve seen the same astounding errors over and over again – people charged $10,000, even $20,000 at a time, when what they really owe is closer to $100. Many of these horror stories have become success stories, after our staff worked with Hydro One to bring these bills back to reality”.

Anyone who has information relevant to the Ombudsman’s ongoing investigations can call 1-800263-1830, file an online complaint or email info@ ombudsman.on.ca.

In Partnership with:

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The North Grenville Times

COMMUNITY EVENTS Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 22

Mar 28

Mar 28

Apr 12

CROSSWORD

Kemptville Horticultural Society March meeting, 7:30 pm at the Kemptville Pentecostal Church, 1964 County Rd. Guest Speaker: John Lauderdale on water gardens.

Youngsters of Yore, Kemptville Public Library, 1:30 pm. Guest speaker:William Galbraith author of a book about Governor General John Buchin Auditions by Kemptville Players Inc., 7 pm, for “The 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry. This play is fashioned after a1940’s live radio show with characters reading their parts. I.O.O.F. Hall (corner Barnes & Clothier Sts.) All welcome. Info 613-258-2051.

Bishops Mills Annual Music Night, Community Hall Fundraiser Concert, 7:30 pm. Featuring the lively Fiddlehead Soup trio and Bella Borealis. Bishop’s Mills famous refreshments will be served. $12/ticket For tickets contact Catherine Johnson at 613-866-1961.

The Adam Harlow Fellowship Fund Pancake Breakfast during the

ACROSS 1. Makes a mistake 5. At the peak of 9. Ear-related 13. Dribble 14. Uproar 16. Deviate 17. Not in danger 18. Hackneyed 19. God of love 20. Choose by voting 22. Impediment 24. Violent disturbance 26. Embankment 27. Smiled contemptuously 30. Overhaul 33. Famous genius 35. Cubic meter 37. Married 38. Stories

Adam Harlow IP Fun Day at the NG Municipal Centre from 8am to noon. Pancakes, sausages, milk, juice or coffee, $5 per plate. 100% of proceeds go to the Adam Harlow Fellowship Fund. Tickets are available at the door.

An afternoon of music with Ron Donnelly and the Marlboreens, St. John's United Church, 400 Prescott St., 2-4 pm. $12 per ticket, children under 6 are free. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Held in the sanctuary, our building is fully accessible and we look forward to welcoming you. For more information please contact the office at 258-3259.

Weekly and recurring events Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

M,W,F

BNI Networking Group Breakfast, Grenville Mutual Insurance Building, 380 Colonnade Drive, 7- 8:30 am. Call 613-918-0430 for more information.

Mixed Pickup 18+ Basketball is back! All skill levels welcome.

Holy Cross School on Tuesday, 7-9 pm. $5 per night or $60 for the season. Please call Jeff or Samantha at 613-258-1847 or samantha.rivet-stevenson@rbc.com. Please remember there is no basketball on snow days !

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

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

The North Grenville Photography Club - Meeting first Wednesday of every month at the Auditorium at the Municipal Centre on Hwy 44.

For more info see ngphotoclub.ca.

Bingo- First and third Wednesday of the month, Kemptville Legion.

Games start at 1 pm. All welcome. Refreshments available.

Klub 67 Euchre every second and fourth Wed. of the month beginning Sept 10, 1:15 pm, St. John's United Church downstairs.

Everyone welcome, $5.00.

KCCB, NG High School band room,7-8:30 pm. Brass and Woodwind musicians of all levels welcome! Music covers a wide range of musicals, classics, jazz and modern pieces. For more information, email dennis843@gmail.com Bridge - St. John’s United Church, 6:45 pm. Cost $5, partner preferred but not necessary. For more info, contact Sandra at 613258-2691.

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

Friendship lunch, Leslie Hall, Clothier St. W. Sponsored by St. James, St. John, Kemptville Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army and Holy Cross churches. Serving begins at 11:30 am. No charge.

Goodwill offering. All are welcome.

The Kerith Debt Freedom Centre. Confidential coaches will help you get out of debt and stay out of debt. Free, open on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month from 9:30-11:30 at the NG Community Church.

Appointments can be made at kdfc.ca or by calling 613-258-4815 x103.

Kemptville and Area Walking Group, Municipal Centre - Early birds: 8 am, others 8:30 am. Contact: Eva 258-4487.

March 18, 2015

The Voice of North Grenville

41. Accomplished 42. Films of impurities 45. Celebrating 48. Acts 51. Kitchen set 52. Two-footed 54. Bluefin 55. Hair from a mane 59. Install (2 words) 62. Death notice 63. Knight's "suit" 65. Cable 66. Fail to win 67. Greetings 68. Affirm 69. A doe or stag 70. Not the original color 71. An escape of water DOWN 1. Being

2. Genuine 3. A popular vote by the electorate 4. Taxonomic group 5. Astern 6. Feces 7. Bay window 8. Ceramist 9. Overindulge 10. Container weight 11. Weightlifters pump this 12. Vesicle 15. Overseer 21. Legal wrong 23. Guns an engine 25. Abound 27. Stitches 28. Daughter of a sibling 29. Do it yourself 31. Contemplative 32. Publish 34. Greatest possible 36. Border 39. A box for bricks or mortar 40. Hissy fit 43. Gangster 44. Anagram of "Ties" 46. Burden 47. Restoration 49. Ancient unit of dry measure 50. Charred 53. Indistinctly 55. Grasp 56. Double-reed woodwind 57. Ascend 58. Part in a play 60. Component of urine 61. Benefit 64. 16 1/2 feet

SUDOKU Easy

Hard

Medium

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

CLASSIFIEDS First 10 words are FREE for North Grenville Residents. Extra Words: 50 cents a word. Email classifieds@ngtimes.ca SERVICES The Pet Nanny - Pet sitting, dog walking Kempt./ Merrickville. 613-979-2616 petnannykemptville.com Property cleanup,trees/ b r u s h / y a r d waste,scrap,dump runs,anything removed Wayne Scott RR#5 Kemptville 613-286-9072 SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? www.herbalone.com Effective, affordable programs and/or products.

Call 613-258-4242 Mention this ad to SAVE 10%.

Rock My House Music Centre is looking for Instructors. 613 258-5656

Small. Unlimited References, Call For Free Estimate 613-791-8597

YOGA for everyone. Wed and Thurs., at YIG. Call 258-9902

Waterfront Home. Ideal for home business, 1683 S. River Rd. Call 613.258.5565

Fencing and Deck Specialist, Renovations. 20 years experience.

Brian 613-215-0805

2 bedroom upper level of duplex in downtown Kemptville. 4 applicances/parking/ water included. Call 613 296 5906.

Food-HealthConnec tions seminars for your company, group, school. Nutritionist Carol Pillar RHN. www. w h o l e s u m a p p r o a c h.co m 258-7133

Log chalet nestled on a mountainside facing north, Mont Tremblant. 4 bedrooms, fireplace, hot tub. Book now 613 203 2897 chantillyplace. tremblant@gmail.com

FOR RENT Downtown Kemptville, 2 bedroom, 4 appliances,, parking, $965 + utilities, April 1st.613258-0237”

Heckston Country home, 4 bedrooms. deck, yard, parking, $1,400.00 plus gas /hydro613-258-4741

Spacious 3 bdrm bungalow.

Fridge, stove, washer, dryer AVON – Looking for products, incl. Large lot. $1275 + utilicall Joan, 613-258-7644 Furnished bedroom for rent ties. 613 853 6592FOR SALE in private home in downtown SEWING : Weddings to alter- Kemptville. Walking distance Help wanted ations at Stonehouse Studio. to all amenities. Rent incl.

P-T bookkeeper/general admin Call Sharon 613-224-3182. utilities. Call 613 878 4738.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day!

required asap 613.258.0088

“DROWNING in MESS?!

Individually tailored Coaching packages now available www.sarahsorganizingservices.com”

FREE DRUM LESSON!!! Professional drummer offering FREE trial lessons...no obligation! 613 298 5913 www. drumhead.ca Need help with social media?

Business or personal. Email alwaysoncanhelp@gmail. com or call 613-227-3009

Kemptville, 512 Clothier, 2 bedroom apartment in a seniors building, $863 + utilities, no smoking, no pets. 613 294 6819 Kemptville 4 BDRM Century Home Finished basement all appliances 1 ½ baths large deck sauna hot tub 613 720 0942

Old Town Kemptville – 10 Prescott St. – commercial retail space – 690 sq. ft., available immediately. 613HANDY MAN SPECIALIZ- 295-0552 ING IN RENOVATION AND HOUSE STAGING. WE DO IT Large 3 bedroom house in Kemptville. 4 appliances. Gas ALL CALL 613 294 2416 heat. $1275 + utilities. 613Mr & Mrs clean residential/ 853-6592 commercial cleaning. Mrandmrsclean613@gmail.com, Old Town Kemptville – 113 Prescott St. – commercial 613-867-2184 retail space – 1,878 sq. ft., Nutritional Counselling to available immediately. 613customize a wellness plan 295-0552 for all your health concerns. wholesumapproach.com 613- Kemptville – 1 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $800 + utilities; 258-7133 hardwood floors; gas heat; Qualified English tutor: read- covered balcony; no smoking ing, writing, grammar, etc...I or pets; available immediately. 613-295-0552 make it fun! 613-269 2367.

House Cleaning-Every working Mother and Father needs a House Wife. Sandi 613-2197277 Al’s Cleanup Services Dump runs, Grass, Landscaping Al Scott R R #1 Oxford Station(613) 258-3847 Handyman/Contractor With Years Of Experience. No Job Is Too Big Or Too March 18, 2015

Kemptville - 2 bdrm – 506 Rideau St; $950 (water included) + utilities; hardwood floors; gas heat; covered balcony; no smoking or pets; available immediately. 613295-0552 Two-bdrm modular home. Extras. $66,000. 850 County Rd 44105. Call 613.258.5565

To make the Irish National Holiday (and to keep the Editor happy) the NG Times is posting videos on our website showing scenic views of Ireland, accompanied by Irish songs and music. Head over to www.ngtimes.ca and enjoy these short musical tours of Ireland, lovingly put together by David Shanahan from his own photographs and movies.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh Go Léir! - Happy St. Patrick’s Day to All!

CLASSIFIEDS: First 10 words free if submitted by email.

Extra word 50 cents, photo $10, border $2, shading $5.

Submit to classifieds@ngtimes.ca.

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

Email must include name, address and phone #.

Must be related to North Grenville and be paid in advance by paypal!

PRINTING & COPY CENTRE Call The North Grenville Times 613-258-5083

Now accepting resumes for full and part time positions Apply in person to Sandy Row Restaurant and Golf course.

10668 Sandy Row Road, South Mountain 613.989.2588

What’s Happening @ KYC

March Break

@Kemptville Youth Centre

Minute to Win It 3 - 6pm

SALES/ ADVERTISING Gord Logan at

(Wed. Mar. 18th)

Open Mic Night 4 - 7pm (Thurs. Mar. 19th)

SkyZone 5:30 - 10pm (Fri. Mar. 20th)

Registration required for SkyZone BNI Sports Night 6 -7:30 (Mar. 24th) Jam Night 6-8pm (Mar. 25th)

gord@ngtimes.ca

5 Oxford St. W. www.kemptvilleyc.com 613-258-5212

16

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The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

Letter to the Editor from the Editor

by David Shanahan Sometimes you see something that gets you thinking: “I must write a Letter to the Editor about that!”, and that is a very good idea. But what if you are the Editor? Can you write a letter to yourself? Why not? So, here’s a Letter to the Editor, by the Editor.

Dear Esteemed and Respected Editor of a wonderful newspaper through which everyone gains wisdom and a serene attitude to Life in all its wonder, Everyone has heard, and maybe used, that wonderful phrase: the cheque is in the mail. Well, someone in our office had to use it recently in dealing with a demand from a company wondering where their payment was.

The cheque (actually, there were two) was in the mail.

It had been posted about two or three weeks before, but apparently had not reached its proper recipient. Embarrassing, awkward, even a little irritating.

Imagine the irritation when the envelope with the missing cheques was delivered back to your office a few days later, with a little yellow sticker on it, put there

by Canada Post, explaining that the address was incomplete, which is why it had not been delivered. Fair enough, perhaps, Canada Post uses computers to read postal codes in order to direct mail to the correct address. But the strange thing was that the envelope was addressed to Canada Post. Imagine: the letter (with their cheques) arrived at some Canada Post office, was examined by their computer (presumably: surely an actual human would not

have been so....no, wait.. perhaps..).

Anyway, the reader of the address, mechanical or flesh and blood, apparently did not know their own postal code, and so didn’t know where to send the letter. So, having got to Canada Post, our envelope was returned from Canada Post to us because Canada Post couldn’t deliver it to Canada Post because they didn’t have Canada Post’s postal code. Fortunately, we had remembered to put our own postal code on the return address, so the cheques made it back to us safe and sound.

We know our own postal code!

Three lessons may be drawn from this anecdote.

First: always, and always and always, write the postal code when you are addressing envelopes. Secondly, technology is only as good as the people using it, so don’t assume that computers, even Canada Post computers, know their own postal code. Thirdly, from this and other stories heard from business people who deal with Canada Post, we can understand why that corporation is on the verge of bankruptcy. You see, we mailed the cheques to Canada Post because you cannot pay invoices to them at your local Post Office. Perhaps they are desperate for business, but Canada Post insists that you use Canada Post to send payments to Canada Post.

The problem is, apparently, that Canada no longer Posts, except on Facebook.

I heard from a another party recently about their experience of Canada Post.

(They will remain anonymous to preserve and ensure future deliveries of their mail!).

Trying to make a delivery to a post office station, he had to wait while one worker came forward to push a button to open a door, so another worker could place a ramp in place, so yet another worker could unload the delivery. Then the process was reversed, one worker removing the ramp, and the first one returning to push the button to close the door again. When it was his turn to have his delivery unloaded, he was forced to wait because the button-pusher, sitting in plain sight, went on a break.

My friend finally went ahead and pushed the button himself! Gasp! Chaos! Indignation! This was not his job, he was not part of the union!

He had his sweet revenge after his delivery was finally unloaded. As Canada Post workers waited to leave the parking lot in their little vans, he sat in his truck, unmoving.

When asked to get out of the way, he calmly informed the impatient button-pushers, ramp-placers, etc., that he couldn’t move. He was on a break.

Let me note in closing (and only partly to preserve and ensure future mail deliveries) that we have had no such altercations with the people at the Kemptville or Merrickville Post Offices, who are, each and every one, a joy and a pleasure to work with, and have always been considerate and helpful. Darn! That was meant in all sincerity, but reads rather as somewhat cynical. Just in case: let us know if you stop having your NG Times delivered to your mailbox. Please.

Biographer to speak at Youngsters of Yore The guest speaker at the upcoming Youngsters of Yore meeting will be J. William Galbraith, author of “John Buchan: Model Governor General”. John Buchan is best remembered as author of “The Thirty-Nine Steps” and other thrillers and historical biographies. He is less well remembered as Lord Tweedsmuir, Canada’s 15th Governor-General (1935-40). He worked tirelessly for Canadian unity and sovereignty, and played a bridging role between America March 18, 2015

and Britain in the years leading up to the Second World War. Buchan has been an inspiration to succeeding Governors-General, in particular Vincent Massey, Georges Vanier, Adrienne Clarkson and current Governor-General the Right Honourable David Johnston, who wrote a fine foreword to the book.

Tax Time is fast approaching

Ontario provides eligible individuals and families with a number of Ontario tax credits and benefits through the personal income tax system.

Ontarians must file a tax return to ensure they receive credits and benefits that may be available to them. Individuals and families may be eligible regardless of whether they have received social assistance or did not earn any income in 2014. Some of the Ontario tax credits and benefits available include: Ontario Child Benefit Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System Children’s Activity Tax Credit Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant Ontario Trillium Benefit Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit Ontario’s tax system supports the province’s programs and investments in education, transportation, health care, infrastructure and skills. It is also a way the government delivers vital financial support to thousands of households each year.

Effective July 2015, the Ontario Child Benefit will be tied to inflation to help low to moderate-income families keep pace with the costs of raising children. The maximum annual benefit will increase to $1,336 per child per year at this time.

The Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant supports seniors by providing up to $500 a year to help with the cost of their property taxes.

WARNING!!

Taxes are your Largest Lifetime Expense!

What are you doing to Minimize Tax? At Solution One Financial, we don’t just prepare tax returns to minimize tax, we also provide Tax planning strategies to help you reduce this ongoing expense and grow your wealth.

• Senior Tax Professionals Complete or Review all Returns • Fast Turnaround due to our Efficient Preparation Process

The meeting takes place at the Kemptville Public Library, Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Mr. Galbraith would be pleased to sign copies of his book and will also have some available for sale ($40).

• Advice & Strategies for Business, Rental properties, Employment Expenses, Individuals and Corporations • Registered e-Filer with CRA. Refunds usually 7-10 days • “CRA-Protected” 5 Year Accuracy Guarantee

Personal - Business & Corporate Returns - Since 1972

www.SolutionOne.ca 613-258-9492

3 Clothier Street, Kemptville ON

Building a Sustainable North Grenville

Guillermina Cobian, DFA

17

Jim McManaman, MFA

History

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

A Canadian Railroad Trilogy: Part 2

The original Kemptville train station, perhaps in the 1860’s. The railway would divide the community.

by David Shanahan The arrival of the first train at the new station in Kemptville in August, 1854, appeared to signal the new era of railway travel that would bring prosperity and dynamism to the Canadas. The Bytown and Prescott Railway Company was one of the first such enterprises in Canada, following a boom in railway construction in Britain during the previous decades. It had been just twenty years since the first regular passenger service ever had been established in England, and just six years since a standard gauge for railway tracks had been introduced. The Bytown & Prescott seemed to be on the cutting edge of railway building when it incorporated in 1850.

But appearances were deceptive. Being one of the first examples of a new technology had its risks, and the company soon found itself running out of money, as new investors were hard to find.

The original shareholders had, naturally, been mostly businessmen from Bytown, with a few from Prescott; men who saw the potential in a cheap and quick means of transporting their merchandise to American and overseas markets. But Bytown was not yet Ottawa, and there were simply too few individuals with enough capital to finance a railway. And it was this need for investors that brought Kemptville into the picture. As we saw last time, Walter Shanly had identified Kemptville as the best location for the railway’s link with the traffic provided by the Rideau Canal, so it seemed logical to look to local businessmen there to help fund the project.

Just two months after incorporating, the company had opened offices March 18, 2015

in Bytown, Prescott, Ogdensburgh and Kemptville where interested investors could attend to “become Subscribers to the said undertaking”. It was not only individual entrepreneurs who were approached to subscriber, however.

The various municipalities most affected by the coming railway were also invited to take shares in the enterprise. The Township of Oxford-on-Rideau contributed the large sum (in the 1850's) of £6,000, or $24,000 at that time. In today’s money, that amounts to more than $1 million.

This was almost matched by private investors in the village of Kemptville, who provided £5,170 (or $20,680), another $1 million. These are very large sums of money to come out of a small rural area, and says a great deal about the local economy in Oxfordon-Rideau at the time. It also indicates the optimism which existed regarding the potential value of the railway. But the subscriptions pale in comparison to the estimated cost of building the railway, which was calculated at £252,055.00 (about $12 million in today’s money.

Three years later, as the work was underway on the actual construction of the route, a further application had to be made for funding.

Investors were reassured that such a venture could not fail to make a sizeable profit, and encouraged municipalities to invest yet further in this guaranteed money-maker. The large investment made by Oxford residents in the company had resulted in a number of them being appointed to the Board of Directors, and the new company President was Robert Bell.

He had been born in Ireland, in 1821, and his family moving to Oxfordon-Rideau Township in

1832, farming 100 acres on lot 22, concession 6, off what is now Beach Road. He qualified as a Provincial Land Surveyor, and moved to Bytown to pursue a career in surveying. Although he had a successful business in that field, he became more interested in journalism, and, in 1849 he purchased the Bytown Packet, a popular local newspaper. In February 1851, the newspaper became known as the Ottawa Citizen.

Robert become secretary of the provisional committee of the railway company when it first began in 1850, and was a natural choice to be President, the link between the Bytown and Kemptville investors. It is said that Robert Bell, more than anyone else, was responsible for overseeing the completion of the line and he remained president of the company for many years.

In spite of the financial uncertainty, the Bytown & Prescott reached from Prescott to Kemptville and work on the line took a break, while the rest of the route to Bytown was prepared. It was said, and

repeated up to the present, that the shortage of money forced the company to build the last section using wooden rails; but that seems to be just another colourful story. It had always been the intention to build the line in two stages, and there is nothing to indicate that anything other than proper materials were ever used. But though the line was finally completed at Christmas, 1854, the railway was to have profound, though unforeseen

effects on Kemptville and Oxford-on-Rideau, directly causing a separation of the two which would not be repaired for more than 150 years. In fact, some would say the division still exists in the minds of many.

Send in your letters to the editor to editor@ ngtimes.ca

The North Grenville Photography Club

‘Moment in Time’ submitted by club member, John Craig, for the club’s ‘exaggerated perspective’ assignment.

Dangle, Snipe, Sell Your House.

Experience counts in the playoffs.

Draft an experienced realtor to be on your team.

Local chicks are great Agents!

jill dulmage Broker

18

Bus: 613.692.3567 Fax: 613.692.0928 Cell: 613.620.0011

jill@royallepage.ca jill@jilldulmage.com

Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.

www.ngtimes.ca

Sports

The North Grenville Times

The Voice of North Grenville

KWBSC recognizes Ron O’Callaghan as 2014 volunteer of the year submitted by Dan Piché Throughout 2014, Ron could be seen on many weekends and evenings dragging the Kemptville baseball and softball diamonds by hand. This of course is nothing new to the long time Kemptville resident. In the 80's, Ron and a few friends started the Osnabrook Softball League. In his younger years, Ron was the President of both Minor ball and hockey in Kemptville. His other numerous contributions over the years included a board position for the Kemptville 73's Hockey team and he was a dedicated softball and hockey coach,

KWBSC announces 2014 Volunteer Awards

not to mention an umpire in his spare time. You could say that "Volunteer" is Ron's middle name as he was even a Volunteer Fire fighter. In recent years, he has been helping with the Kemptville Wildcats as site supervisor for tournaments and is the field and equipment go to guy. KWBSC has lost count of how many times he has helped to put up the large tents for tournaments.

His now famous trailer has helped with bottle drives and carting BBQ's all over North Grenville.

At the age of 74, Ron can be seen outworking many people half his age. These are only a few examples

The Kemptville College Alumni Hockey Tournament Submitted by Candace Sceviour-Hay The Kemptville College Alumni Hockey Tournament has been taking place for 30 years. The players in this picture are from year ‘81.

Paul Mussell was the original organizer and Garry Posthumus, the goalie, has been instrumental in making sure the team plays every year.

Both Paul and Garry were presented with gifts from the Alumni. With the closing of the college, it is not certain that there will be a tournament next year, but the college reunion will continue to be held . This year it is on August 29 and the location will be announced on the alumni web site www.kcalumni.ca

submitted by Dan Piché Communities, big or small, benefit greatly from many individuals who give countless hours of their volunteer efforts.

North Grenville is extremely lucky to have individuals step up time and time again in order to give back to their community.

The fact that volunteers help in local organizations whether it be sports, arts or many other community activities, their contributions are the sole reason that these organizations and activities thrive today. Baseball and softball in North Grenville are no different as many hands are needed to ensure the youth have an opportunity to play.

The Kemptville Wildcats Baseball and Softball Club is very fortunate to have a number of volunteers, and is proud to recognize the following individuals for their volunteer efforts throughout 2014.

Ron O’Callaghan: Volunteer of the Year Oliver Riding, Chloe Riding, Franscesca Riding: Junior Volunteer Award Bud Mawhinney: Senior Umpire of the Year Kieran Martin: Junior Umpire of the Year

INCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

of why KWBSC have voted Ron O'Callaghan Volunteer of the Year for 2014. He is a true hero to his grandchildren who both play for the Wildcats and is a respected and admired man by KWBSC and community members throughout Kemptville.

Many children have benefited from Ron’s countless efforts over the years, and on behalf of the Kemptville Wildcats Baseball and Softball Club, we say congratulations, and more importantly, we say thank you.

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

March 18, 2015

WINCHESTER PRINT & STATIONERY

19

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The North Grenville Times

9 Locations Across Ontario

Markham

Major Project underway beside Colonnade

by David Shanahan If you have been driving through Kemptville to the 416 recently, you will have noticed that excavation work has started on land across County Road 43 from Colonnade, and a new road is being built off the roundabout there. This is the beginning of another major commercial and industrial

development in that section of the municipality, one that includes a large movie theatre complex as well as shopping and office space.

The development is called Kemptville Gateway Centre, and is being developed

by RoseWater Management Group Ltd., based in Concord, just north of Toronto.

Their speciality is in nego-

tiating the purchase of land, developing sites and managing building projects. At present, RoseWater has more than three million square feet of retail and industrial space under development, so the Kemptville Gateway Centre project, at about 750,000 square feet is a major part of their development portfolio.

The site is a large area

lying between County Roads 19, 43 and the 416, containing about 25 acres, and the ultimate aim of the development is to have a gas station, six restaurants, a bank, and three buildings with more than 140,000 square feet of retail space in total. And, of course, of real interest to many in North Grenville, there are plans for a 31,000 square feet movie complex.

Parking space has been provided for 307 cars, and an unusual feature of the plan is to have a section of the parking lot set aside as an “outdoor seasonal sales area”, or market. Nor is this the extent of the planned construction.

An area as big as the one now under development has also been acquired by RoseWater, and is waiting for planning concepts for future development.

The impact of the Kemp-

tville Gateway Centre is hard to exaggerate. The gradual expansion of the Colonnade Mall has had a very noticeable effect on the traditional downtown area of Kemptville, and draws shoppers in from a wide area around the town, and from well outside the North Grenville area.

From examination of the current plans, it would seem that RoseWater Group’s vision for their development project will see something at least as big as Colonnade spring up across CR 43, and this will inevitably have the effect of permanently shifting the commercial centre of Kemptville away to the 416 junction.

North Grenville has only seen a part of what is coming in the next decade in terms of building and changes in the basic social and built structures of the community.

New housing subdivisions in

the Northwest Quadrant and, closer to the 416, near the corner of 43 and Rideau River Road (CR 19), will be served by the newly widened CR 43 between the 416 and Somerville Road. New Public and High Schools projected for CR 44 will fill in the land between CR 43 and eQuinelle.

Phase 4 of the eQuinelle will add another 173 dwellings to that subdivision also, so the future growth of North Grenville, particularly around the Kemptville area, is what is attracting groups like RoseWater to the municipality.

It is to be hoped that the new Council will be working closely with the Planning Department staff to make sure we don’t become completely smothered by growth, as we look forward to an expanding range of retail and entertainment opportunities in North Grenville.

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25 years of service 31 Clothier Street, Kemptville 613-258-4456 Open: Mon. to Sat., 8 am to 5 pm Emission testing and repair specialist Licensed motor vehicle inspection station.

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Sunday Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin, Guinness, Caesars

Now available all week long Our New Mouth Watering Pig Wings!

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May 31 , 2015. One mail-in coupon per invoice. Rebates shown above are on a set of four tires. Rebates are available per tire on a prorated basis with a minimum purchase of four tires and a maximum purchase of six tires per invoice. The consumer must fill out the online form and upload the invoice OR mail a copy of the invoice along with the rebate coupon to the address printed on the coupon postmarked on or before June 30 , 2015. Offer is valid for Canadian residents only and valid only for tire purchases from a participating Additional terms and conditions apply.

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The GOODYEAR WEATHER WARRIOR NPP 1 Event is a manufacturer’s mail-in rebate. This is a consumer tire rebate event for selected Goodyear & Dunlop® tires. To qualify for this event you must purchase your eligible tires between March 1st, 2015 and the expiry date of May 31st, 2015. One mail-in coupon per invoice. Rebates shown above are on a set of four tires. Rebates are available per tire on a prorated basis with a minimum purchase of four tires and a maximum purchase of six tires per invoice. The consumer must fill out the online form and upload the invoice OR mail a copy of the invoice along with the rebate coupon to the address printed on the coupon postmarked on or before June 30th, 2015. Offer is valid for Canadian residents only and valid only for tire purchases from a participating Canadian retailer who operates a retail location in Canada. Mail-in rebates are not valid with any other Manufacturer’s Rebate offer, or for any purchases made at Canadian Tire. This is a consumer rebate only and does not apply to business-to-business or National Account sales.

The participating retailer is solely responsible for determining the selling price of the tires without direction from Goodyear. Visit goodyear.ca or see participating retailer for more details.

Additional terms and conditions apply. ® Registered trademark of MasterCard International Inc. DuPont™ and Kevlar® are trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. ©2015 Goodyear Canada Inc. All rights reserved.

20

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