ND Times Issue 24 2021 July 28

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The Voice of North Dundas

Vol 2, No 24

July 28, 2021

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Djenka Barkley age 10, kayaking around the ball diamond after Tuesday’s storm.

[Photo by Chris Barkley ]

by Brandon Mayer North Dundas was rocked by a severe thunderstorm on Tuesday, July 20, that left some area residents without power and others with damage to crops and property. The storm – with torrential rains, strong winds, and even hail at times – was quite a spectacle, even for experienced Winchester storm chaser Connor Mockett.

“Tuesday’s storm was the strongest here in quite some time,” Connor said in correspondence with The North Dundas Times. “I can’t remember hail that big here”.

Connor estimated that winds from the storm were as high as 100-130 km/h, all straightline winds, as there was no tornado, despite one being reported.

Thunderstorms in North

Dundas are not uncommon, but social media activity suggests that Tuesday’s storm was more than just an average one for area residents. The Winchester Fire Department was on scene on Main Street West, where a fallen tree was causing a hazard for motorists. Facebook groups such as What’s Up, Winchester and What’s Up, Chesterville were filled with photos and videos of the storm taken by locals, including a post of a youth riding a kayak in the heavily flooded Winchester baseball diamond, and another showing a flooded Winchester parking lot with significant waves being generated by passing cars. Many residents in the Hallville area lost power for several hours as a result of the storm.

What may have caused awe in some locals caused

significant damage and upset for others, particularly for farmers, some of whom lost crops to the high winds and heavy hail, which Connor Mockett reports was “probably the size of golf balls.” All parts of North Dundas were affected by the storm, but some were hit worse than others. “Hallville definitely was hit hardest,” Connor stated.

“There was significant tree

Car Rally Scavenger Hunt for Charity see page 2 damage, as well as tree leaves being shredded by large hail.”

Affected farmers could not be reached for comment. Crews were still out repairing tree damage several days after the storm.

More information about the storm can be found through Connor’s Facebook page – Connor Mockett, Storm Chaser & Photographer.

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The North Dundas Times

Kin Club of Russell’s Catch the Ace The Tractor Parade Lottery has a $718,466.50 winner! returns to Winchester

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Doug Anthony of the Kin Club of Russell presents a cheque for $718,466.50 to Shawn Stephenson.

Shawn Stephenson of Brockville won the Kin Club of Russell’s Catch the Ace Lottery jackpot on Sunday, July 18. Envelope #4 was selected, and revealed the elusive Ace of Spades, thus winning the $666,937.50 jackpot along with the weekly win of $51,529.00, for a grand total prize of $718,466.50!

There were 3 envelopes left.

Video of the draw and Shawn Stephenson receiving his phone call live can be seen at (20+) Facebook.

On behalf of the entire Kin Club of Russell, our six very worthy charities, Breast Cancer Action (Ottawa), Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Osgoode Care Centre, Russell Minor Hockey Association, Valoris Foundation and Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation, and everyone else involved, a very sincere thank you and gratitude for your unwavering support.

Thanks to your generosity, together we have raised $972,000 to split amongst

these great charities! We couldn’t have done it without you!

The Kin Club of Russell is applying for its fourth Catch the Ace lottery and we will notify you as soon as tickets are available.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at kinclubofrussell@gmail. com, or visit us at www.kinclubofrussell.ca.

Again, our very sincere thank you!

by Hayley Bedford On August the 8 this year, John Cinnamon will be leading his 17th Annual Tractor Parade through Winchester.

John is a local farmer, born and raised on the family farm he now owns and runs. When John’s Grandfather bought the farm in 1920, I dare say he couldn’t have dreamt how much farming technology would evolve over the decades. But, if he were to take a look in one particular building on his beloved farm, he would find a timeline in tractor form.

John is a tractor enthusiast, and the contents of the

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Car Rally Scavenger Hunt for Charity A Bunch of People Arts and Events is at it again!

This time they are inviting everyone to join a fantastic Scavenger Hunt by Car! “Grab a friend, name your team, get in your car and find the answers to the clues!

First Team to win gets $100”, shouted Suzanne Millaire from across the room. Suzanne is the event lead.

“As a board of directors, we had to decide what, if anything we would do in 2021 for events, Amanda Burger, founder and President of the Board, explained. “Sue, as vice-president, always has great ideas, and she suggested a Scavenger Hunt using cars to ensure we don’t get stuck because of Covid Restrictions; which means now that Ontario has entered Stage 3, there is even less to worry about!”

The event on August 21, 2021, starts at the Chesterville Arena. Participants are

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Big Blue Shed at Cinnamon Farm looks more like a museum than a farm building!

John has collected tractors of all makes and models over the years, the oldest being a 1940 Case V that belonged to Linda’s (John’s wife), Grandfather, Francis Hess.

Rumours of the collection must have circulated around town. Because back in 2004, the ‘Dairyfest’ committee approached John about organizing a Vintage Tractor Show.

John enthusiastically agreed, but was less excited when he was asked to turn the show into a competition. “I wasn’t going to stand there and tell

one guy his tractor was better than the next guy’s”, says John.

From that point on, the ‘show’ turned into a parade.

In its current form, the Parade is organised purely to raise smiles and spirits. The Parade will leave the Big Blue Shed at Cinnamon Farm on County Road 31 near Winchester at 1:15 pm on August 8. The plan is to then collect more friends from the Country Kitchen parking lot at around 1:30 pm. From there, John will lead the procession into Winchester and down Christie Lane to drive by the Dundas Manor Long Term Care home. The residents will be waiting outside to greet the parade. The procession will then continue on through town, past the Lions Hall and back down Main Street. The spectacle will then conclude at the Arena car park, where participants are invited to park, chat, and marvel at the machines.

This is a completely free, just for fun event, no registration is required, just turn up on the day!

John would like to stress that passengers should only ride where the tractor allows it, i.e., no riding on fenders etc!

Due to the size of the roads through town, this is a tractor-only event. No sprayers, combines, or other equipment.

info@atelair.ca www.atelair.ca

Williamsburg, ON 2

expected to check in at 10:30 am at 153 Queen St, Chesterville. Participants will need to sign a liability waiver and complete the registration information before they are given the list of items to hunt for starting at 11 am. Proof of a successful hunt, for most items, is to be done by taking a selfie and presenting all the selfies to the evaluators before 2 pm back at the Arena. The hunt is focused on the North Dundas/North Stormont area.

Pre-Registration has already begun and will continue until August 21, 2021. To preregister email: abunchofpeopleartsandevents@gmail.com “It’s so fun! Amanda and I have already tested it out to see how long it would take and how hard it is. We had such a blast and all profits go to local charities!”, Sue stated.

A Bunch of People Arts and Events’ philosophy is: What is better than having a

good time? Knowing the profits from what you enjoyed are going to help the community!

That is the Art of Giving! That is A Bunch of People Arts and Events Details: Car Rally /Scavenger Hunt. Saturday, August 21, 2021. 11:00-2:00 pm Chesterville Arena - 153 Queen St, Chesterville.

On-site check-in opens at 10:30 am. Hunt starts: 11 am.

Finish deadline: 2 pm.

For more information email: abunchofpeopleartsandevents@gmail.com.

A Bunch of People Arts and Events is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in rural Ontario (Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, in Eastern Ontario). Working with experienced & amateur physical, musical & visual artists we help organize artistic and/or entertaining events to help raise money for charity.

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The North Dundas Times

North Dundas Council report

Queen’s Park Update

by Jim McDonell, M.P.P. Across the country, our health professionals have done a tremendous job vaccinating fellow Canadians, surpassing our southern neighbours this past weekend. But we need everyone’s cooperation to reach the fully vaccinated rate of 75 percent of those 12 years old and older to complete Step 3 and further open up our province.

Our local health unit is asking for cooperation to meet our local goals. They are opening up their clinics to walk-in residents and asking anyone with appointments later in August or September to rebook one of the open appointments now available in the next few weeks. To book or advance your appointment for your first or second shot, please go to www.Ontario.ca/ bookvaccine or call 1-888999-6488 if you have a red and white OHIP card or need assistance. It’s easy, and this process automatically cancels your previous time when you accept a new appointment.

As we look around the world, we want to avoid the fourth wave that many countries are experiencing due to the more contagious new variants. While no vaccine achieves 100 percent success, the data reveals that less than one percent of COVID-19 patients in hospital ICU beds have been fully vaccinated.

Medical experts agree that we need to get to what is referred to as herd immunity of approximately 90 percent to avoid overwhelming our health facilities and the re-

sulting lockdown. I can’t emphasize more the necessity to be fully vaccinated, and we need your help.

The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini, announced Ontario’s new Youth Environment Council this week. The program provides opportunities for our youth to share their insights and ideas on climate change and other key environmental issues impacting the province’s future.

Candidates must be in grades 9 to 12 as of the 2021 fall school year, have a passion for the environment, understand key climate-related issues and solutions in their regions, and work or volunteer experience with activities related to climate change and the environment. For anyone interested, please visit www. ontario.ca/YEC to learn more about the Ontario youth environment council and how to apply. Applications close August 4, 2021.

The province’s efforts to provide high-speed Internet for under-serviced and rural areas, such as Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, continues to gain traction. I am happy to see that more broadband infrastructure projects will be coming here as the government undertakes a new innovative procurement process this summer. This step builds on the $4 billion commitment to connecting every region by the end of 2025.

Improved connectivity will make a world of difference in our ability to work, learn, run a business and improve

the general quality of life as we tap into online health care and other services.

On a similar note, we are increasing our efforts to help small businesses by extending the very successful Digital Main Street program for another year. I encourage business owners and operators to visit https://digitalmainstreet. ca/ontariogrants/ for more details. The government is also lending new support to our agri-tourism businesses by launching the Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative. This new program will assist businesses with on-site stores help them recover from a loss of revenue during the pandemic. Local wineries and cideries can expect to receive an application directly from Agricorp. Both programs have been allocated a budget of $10 million.

I also had the opportunity to welcome Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to the riding on July 15. The minister met with our mental health practitioners in Cornwall, SDG, and Akwesasne to review our current status and future needs. While our government has substantially increased funding, more needs to be done to offset the impact of this pandemic.

In closing, remember to get your vaccination and be sure to continue precautionary measures as we look forward to a new normal.

Regards, Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-DundasSouth Glengarry

United Counties Council report

by Joselyn Morley The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry held its monthly council meeting on July 19. The Councillors met in person, inside, keeping a six-foot space between each other. The council chambers are very spacious, allowing for plenty of space for speaking without masks. Only one councillor sent their regrets, saying that they didn’t realise the meetings were in-person again. It was a long meeting, with two lengthy closed sessions, one concerning the updated sign bylaw, and another concerning the Official Plan Appeal.

These closed sessions are pursuant to Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal act, relating to advice that is subject to solicitor client privilege.

The Council is putting July 28, 2021

$50K from working reserves into a new dedicated reserve, a Digitisation Reserve, in order to facilitate the digitisation of the remaining County newspaper and Lost Villages collections. Image Advantage Ltd will continue digitising the remaining pages and photos for $.85 a page or picture.

Several businesses are the recipients of SDG Regional Incentives Program grants, including Cannamore Orchards, Heritage Health & Spa, and Upper Canada Veterinary Services in North Dundas.

In total $104K was awarded through the Program.

Vacant positions on various committees, as a result of the previous Warden’s departure, were filled. Some storm sewer lining is being replaced in Brinston. County Road 8 is being upgraded.

The company that previously

The Council of the Township of North Dundas held its regular council meeting on July 13. The meeting welcomed presentations from Annik Blanchard with the audit of the 2020 Draft Financial Statements, and from Bill Smirle with the South Nation Conservation (SNC) Update.

SNC is holding two-day “Fish Camps” at various Conservation Areas this summer, including Cass Bridge, High Falls, and Jessup’s Falls. Social distancing and health protocols have been established and will be followed. There is ongoing restoration at various conservation areas, including ash tree management at Cass Bridge, and dead tree cleanup at Oschmann Forest, with the firewood being donated to House of Lazarus.

SNC has hired some very qualified students to work this summer thanks to grants received and SNC staff continue to identify and apply for future grants. The Natural Heritage System Project, a first-ever joint venture with the counties SD&G and Prescott Russell, is now complete. A quarter million trees were planted in the SNC watershed this spring, and SNC continues to add more property to its holdings through gifts and purchase.

There was a long closedsession of almost 50 minutes: closed pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, (f) “advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose”.

Winchester is getting a new pedestrian crossing at Christie Lane, and Chesterville is getting one at Church Street. Two new water and

sewer units were allocated for infill development in Winchester. Currently, water and sewer units are being allocated cautiously. Demand far outstrips supply for water and sewer capacity in both Winchester and Chesterville, and the Township is currently looking at ways to expand these resources. J. L. Richards & Associates are undertaking a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to evaluate possible sources of water supply going forward.

As part of the second phase of the EA Study, there are several potential alternatives for water, including: expanding the ground water supply system, such as digging new wells; connecting to existing water systems, such as that of South Dundas; creating a new surface water treatment plant; or a combination of these. Five sites within Morewood Esker and Maple Ridge Esker were shortlisted for negotiation with the property owners. The township is currently working towards securing an option to purchase agreement, subject to successful pumping tests.

The Ministry of the Environment has issued the permit for tests for all sites, which will be conducted in August.

Anticipated cost for drilling one new production well, pump house, land purchase, hydro/generator, and water main extension will be approximately $3 to $4 million, but cost varies depending on the proximity of the well site to existing water mains and hydro lines. J.L. Richards has reviewed the existing South Dundas water supply system, as well as their projected growth over the next 20 year period, and confirmed that South Dundas has the capacity to supply additional water

to fulfill North Dundas’ 20 year water supply deficit of 39.7 liters per second, which is 3429 cubic meters a day.

This also allows for longterm flexibility to, possibly, supply water past the 20-year plan. Currently, our township has 8 active wells, with a total combined rated capacity of 102.75 liters per second. The actual yield though is 59.5 liters per second. Adding one or two new wells to the township’s water supply is only an interim solution though, as the planned growth demand is at a minimum of 39.7 liters per second. The capacity of the wells has reduced significantly over the years. In order to accommodate new growth and provide water security and quality for existing and new residents, the township must secure alternate sources of water. There is a planned public information session for the Fall of 2021.

The township has hired a new Executive Assistant / Deputy Clerk. Danielle Ward holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, and brings 11 years of municipal experience to the table.

The township is selling a vacant lot on St John Street in Hallville to Berean Homes for $152,250. These funds will go towards North Dundas’ portion of the Hallville Community Park.

All of the minutes of council meetings, with exception of the closed portions, are available through the North Dundas website.

In advance of each council meeting, the township posts a meeting package online.

Everything you ever wanted to know about what goes on at council and in the running of our township is available in these minutes and packages.

A communications network that does not rely on cell towers, and allows personnel to legally communicate with each other during essential work, is a good investment.

This is being done by: demolishing and replacing the existing radio tower and antenna in Newington; converting the County’s existing radio licence from UHF to VHF; procuring equipment such as a repeater, base stations, mobile radios, and hand-held radios; and repairing the Newington base station building. North Dundas’ Mayor, Tony Fraser, stated to council that we must have this technology in the event of an emergency. North Dundas puts a certain amount aside in every budget to support

emergency communication.

Al Armstrong, North Dundas Deputy Mayor and SDG Warden, said that we may not need this technology very often, but when we need it, we really need it. Similarly, with emergency management in mind, the alternate emergency operations centre at the Finch Patrol Garage is getting landlines to back up primary communications systems.

The bylaw governing signs has been updated. The initial attempt to update the bylaw was challenged by a law firm on behalf of South Dundas Waterfront Development Corporation. The Counties’ solicitor has reviewed the proposed bylaw, and supports it, although acknowledging that the bylaw, once passed,

could be legally challenged.

In the Spring, the Counties’ Transportation Services completed a trial installation of a roadside pollinator patch at the Memorial Hill Cemetery on County Road 12 north of Newington. Unseasonably dry weather occurred after installation. Erosion occurred and the site will need further attention in the fall.

The transportation department is proud to have trialed the pollinator patch initiative, and seeks further input from council, as well as input and assistance from the public.

There is a great deal of debate about mowing the roadsides.

by Joselyn Morley

provided GPS fleet tracking for vehicles, Automatic Vehicle Locator Services (AVL), has been bought out, and no longer provides this service.

AVL allowed tracking of location and speed live and historically.

A new two-way radio tower is being installed in order to support the restoration of the two-way radio communications network for the Transportation Department.

The project will allow for better communications between staff members while conducting their work, as the radios are exempt from Ontario’s handsfree/distracted driving legislation. The system also provides another means of communication if the cell network crashes or overloads, by natural disaster, damage to the infrastructure, or high-call volume clogging the network.

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cont'd on page 5

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Editorial

The North Dundas Times

Beware of darkness

by David Shanahan I’m not sure if people were always this simplistic, or is it the result of too much Facebook and Twitter and other “platforms” that have encouraged this approach to life in all its aspects? What I mean is this increasing policy of zero sum issues. That means having the attitude that if I win, you lose, and if you win, I lose. It shows itself in the stand people take that says, everything is either good or evil, people are either great or devils, politics is all about good guys and bad guys. There seems little room for discussion, for sharing differing views and considering other points of view.

Perhaps I am being a bit jaded with things these days.

And perhaps we’re all suffering unexpected effects of the pandemic, of restrictions and lockdowns and business closures and a lack of fun. We’re all a bit tetchy, impatient, wanting to get back to the

way things were before. That may be understandable on an individual level, but it seems to have spread far wider, infecting our behaviour on social media platforms, in politics, everywhere.

Things were bad enough before when it came to people’s comments on Facebook and other such places.

Rude, crude, racist, angry, and downright unpleasant things were being posted in ways that would not have happened in person-to-person conversations. People just seemed to think the worst of those who expressed views and attitudes that didn’t conform to their own.

Democracy should mean that we can openly and critically debate issues without resorting to winner-loser behaviour. Agree to disagree, and feel free to state your position either way. Drawing lines in the sand generally means everyone loses in the long run. Of course, no-one likes to be criticised - even

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I came back from a modest shopping trip yesterday and two experiences made me understand that I have to not pay attention and get frustrated re the irksome downloading of the responsibility for climate change on to consumers’ individual shoulders. If the huge conglomerates who manufacture, package, enrobe, produce goods, or sell stuff in the mega quantities do not change their outputs, how can I, the individual consumer, reduce my footprint? As a household, we do what we can and what we can afford.

I went to buy a bit of meat, fruit, vegetables, and a few other items. Once home, the packaging of some items defied my strength to easily open.

That led to a whole series of why’s. Perhaps many of these were because I had shopped in a mega super market? Why was I wrestling to open the salad plastic container and failing? Why are dill pickles encased in a plastic container that entails using implements such as knives, scissors, and finally pliers to take the top off the container? This container

is also non compostable, non biodegradable, and the company took it upon themselves to say it was reusable. Sounds good...reusable, doesn’t it?

But how many reusable such trays are in fact needed by one customer!? And for a similar cost, could the container be easy to open and biodegradable?

Why is meat in the supermarket in non-recyclablenon-biodegradable styrofoam trays? Why is such strong plastic used to encase so many products? Why is it so hard to find “unscented” cleaning and other stuff, when, more and more, the public spaces are signed “no scents allowed”?

Why are grapes in heavy plastic ziplock non-compostable bags, pre-filled with more grapes than two people need?

And many other why’s.....

Having wrestled my purchases into submission, I decided to watch a favourite program and to relax. A Government announcement caught my attention during a break. Each person must be careful to reduce, or watch, or to take care of the size of their carbon footprint, was

more, no-one likes to be condemned for what they believe or think. What makes criticism particularly hard to take is when those doing the criticising clearly don’t know the full story.

I have been roundly condemned by a few people over an article I wrote about an Indian Residential School at Spanish, on Lake Huron.

The mistake I made, apparently, was to say it was “one of the best” of its type. The very suggestion that it was not a pit of depravity, rape, torture and genocide was enough to make me a racist in the eyes of my critics.

Zero sum, again. If it is not great, it’s awful; if it’s not the worst, then someone is lying.

It was besides the fact that I happened to have researched and written a book on that school’s history, or that I have spent my entire professional career working for and with indigenous people. No, these people who had done none of the research, none of

the reading of the Truth and Reconciliation report on IRS institutions, felt quite qualified to make accusations of racism, lying, distorting facts, etc., with apparent ease and self righteousness.

This has to stop. People need to think between the lines, to realise that not everything is one thing or another: that there are good and bad, right and wrong, in almost every aspect of life. None of us is perfectly right all the time. Nor are we perfectly wrong all the time either. It is perfectly fine to disagree with another person’s opinion, as long as it is done on an informed basis. Informed: that is surely the key here. Too much of our political debate is not as informed as it perhaps should be. Likewise, much of our media coverage of issues like the IRS scandal is uninformed, knee-jerk reaction designed to make headlines, not informed discussion of issues that deserve better than they get.

But that may be too much to hope for. We’ve just had President Biden state that Facebook is causing the deaths of many because they allow misinformation about covid and vaccines to go unchecked. Commentators on various media outlets are doing the same thing, not because they believe the lies they’re spreading, but because they know that, in the current climate of zero sum politics, the more conspiracies you can spread, the more viewers you get, or more hits on your blog or webpage. It’s not just me that’s feeling a bit cynical, it seems.

What ever happened to integrity, honour, professional pride? Remember when the media held those things in high regard? When Lloyd Robertson or Walter Cronkite were voices you trusted to tell you the truth? There are many still like that, but the problem is, we’re not sure who they are anymore. Who can you trust to tell you the honest truth?

Where can you find reliable factual reporting? Zero sum: if I’m right, then everyone who disagrees with me is not only wrong, but lying and misleading people. We have to learn to talk and work together, especially when we disagree. We have to relearn the value of trust and giving others the benefit of the doubt, of accepting that they are genuinely convinced of their case. And we have to listen to each other with that attitude.

The sad fact I am facing, even as I write this, is that haters will hate, there will always be those who will jump at the chance to criticise, judge, condemn. To quote Kris Kristofferson: “everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on, who they can feel better than at any time they please”. Or, perhaps more importantly, the words of George Harrison: “Watch out now. Take care, beware the thoughts that linger, winding up inside your head. Beware of darkness”.

the gist of the message. Well, why are these announcements not accompanied by information on what the government has achieved in reductions to this point, since the start of their mandate? Why are governments of all levels not urgently coordinating their efforts to put forward STANDARDS to advance the day so I, the consumer, can achieve a carbon neutral footprint in going about my daily life? BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, why are not more manufacturers and purveyors of products not more vigorously proactive in changing their products to be more “carbon neutral”, more healthy, more environmentally friendly, less encased in packaging that goes to landfill? Why should they?

Because they, too, should care about the health of our Earth!

There are costs to any change. But to change, shouldn’t there be substitutes available? But perhaps the consumer’s duty is to NOT CONSUME, if possible, whatever it is that has been declared by the experts to be less than optimum for health,

safety, economy, or efficacy?

However, perhaps not always practical?

Consumers, otherwise known as Customers, have a great deal of power to drive change by their choices. In many instances they have.

We do know the oceans are in trouble due to plastic fill, etc. We do know species are disappearing. We do know space around Earth is full of junk. We do know that without farmland we cannot grow food. And there are so many other things we know regarding what needs urgent action. Now we need to act individually and to push for governments and industries to ACT for the next era. Hopefully, it is a change from the plastic to the biodegradable era? The ONUS is not on one area, it needs to be an across the board revolution!

Where will the leadership come from? I am frustrated by announcements regarding 2030 or 2050! Now? Rather than a general defining of climate change as the driver of urgency, the issue is more stark if the endangered are articulated!

If the birds in the air, the fish in the oceans and waters, the animals and mammals, the air and the water, and the land for growing food: all are compromised. Is there time to change to a new manufacturer and consumer? Will the Earth be helped by us in enough time, so elephants and dolphins and monarch butterflies, and fireflies and many other wonders will go on?

As you see, dear Editor, this thinking has been simmering a long time. I never thought styrofoam would crystallize it in such a way.

Thank you.

Best wishes, Nadia Gray

the pace and scale we need to meet this crisis head on.

If Justin Trudeau was serious about tackling the climate crisis, he would be acting decisively right now to put out this proverbial fire by stopping fossil fuel expansion and passing a Just Transition into law.

Canada’s fossil industry is our largest source of emissions, but our government continues to support their expansion. And, they aren’t supporting workers. In his 2019 campaign, Trudeau promised to pass a Just Transition Act, but with another election on the horizon, nothing has happened.

We deserve better. It’s been more than two years since our government declared a climate emergency, it’s past time they started acting like it.

Sincerely, Steve Gabell

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July 28, 2021

Dear Editor, I’ll be honest, I’m scared.

It’s only mid July and Canada is already on track for one of the worst wildfire seasons in history. And, that’s saying nothing about floods, drought and other impacts of the extreme heat we’re seeing this summer.

I’m scared not just because climate change is clearly here, but because our government isn’t acting at

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Staff Reporter Joselyn Morley joselyn@ndtimes.ca

Mailing Address P.O. Box 1854 Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 Staff Reporter Brandon Mayer brandon@ winchestercounselling.ca

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The North Dundas Times

North Dundas Chamber of Commerce news Provincial Antigen Screening Program North Dundas Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the South Dundas Chamber of Commerce is able to offer free rapid tests for small- and medium-sized businesses in our community.

Businesses (including non-chamber members) with 150 employees or less are welcome to participate in this program. The goal of the program is to identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed, helping to curb the spread in the workplace, at home and around the community.

FREE Covid-19 rapid screening tests for all businesses in North Dundas with less than 150 employees!

You can pick up kits (by appointment only) at the South Dundas Chamber office (soon also available for pickup in North Grenville).

For asymptomatic employees only. Recommended

by Ontario Health that employees test themselves twice per week. Those who test positive or inconclusive must go for a lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.

Tests can be ordered directly through sdchamberrapidtesting@gmail.com.

For any questions relating to the program please contact Tracy McMillan at manager@southdundaschamber.ca.

Digital Main Street Ontario helping Small Businesses establish online presence The Ontario government is investing $10 million towards the Digital Main Street program for 2021-22 to help over 13,000 small businesses

expand their digital presence and market their services online. As businesses enter Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, the renewed program will provide small businesses with $2,500 grants, technical training, and digital resources to help them reach more customers in person and online, positioning them for a stronger recovery.

Small businesses across Ontario with a brick-andmortar location and one to 50 employees can apply for $2,500 Digital Transformation Grants, which they can use to purchase new technology and digital services.

With this additional funding, Digital Main Street will continue to support diverse small business owners throughout the province. To date, the program has provided over 20,000 businesses with support for their digital expansions, while generating jobs for more than 1,600 students and recent graduates.

In addition to Digital Main Street, the government is working to gather information on how to best continue supporting small businesses through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ontario-based accounting software company FreshBooks. The MOU will help small businesses and entrepreneurs by using its data to help identify weaknesses and gaps that government programs can address to help more small businesses recover and grow. The extensive FreshBooks database provides information across a variety of sectors and regions in Ontario.

Small businesses can access resources that offer free test kits to help them stay

United Counties Council report cont'd Some people want everything mowed and sprayed. Others want nothing mowed or sprayed. The Transportation department has received a lot of requests for protection of roadside areas for pollinators. There was a great deal of discussion at this meeting about this initiative. Volunteer labour will be required. The SDG Butterflyway Project (a David Suzuki Foundation initiative) is already involved.

It was acknowledged that July 28, 2021

there are specific challenges to winter road operations in protecting pollinators and creating pollinator friendly roadsides. Mayor Fraser expressed full support for such projects that protect pollinators. He said we need to prioritise for protection, and said “we need to get at it.” He stressed that “we need to be supportive,” and that “we’re following here, not leading.”

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one aspect of that effort. This carries over to the businessto-business side of local trade as well: The Chamber encourages member enterprises to spend their dollars with other members when possible. Within our organization, businesses find common cause by networking, sharing experiences as entrepreneurs and building alliances that benefit the bottom line and the community.

The North Dundas Chamber of Commerce also lobbies local government and, when called upon, the senior levels of government. From taxes to zoning issues, we have a good track record of gaining the ear of local policy makers when necessary. Today, for example, the Township of North Dundas offers help restoring business façades — a program that may not exist today if not for the strong partnership forged over the years between the Chamber and municipality.

The Chamber is always looking for new ideas to improve the business experience in North Dundas. Send us your ideas! www.northdundaschamber.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthDundasChamberofCommerce.

open and stay safe, mental health supports, financial planning, and personalized advice through the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network at ontario.ca/ smallbusiness.

The North Dundas Chamber of Commerce The founding of the North Dundas Chamber of Commerce was a logical response to the 1997-8 merger of four precursor municipalities into the Township of North Dundas. Today, our Chamber represents the diverse interests of member businesses, from farming to fashion, across a broad spectrum of pursuits operating out of charming villages, busy and burgeoning subdivisions, and a sprawling rural countryside mosaic that quietly bustles with activity just beyond the southern boundary of the Nation's Capital. This is beautiful North Dundas, and we are proud to do business here.

What does the Chamber do for member businesses?

For starters, the North Dundas Chamber of Commerce strives to raise awareness about the benefits of patronizing local business to the consumer base in the township and regions beyond. Ongoing campaigns around shopping locally are

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The North Dundas Times

Bring back local shopping in North Dundas

by Brandon Mayer Anyone who lives in North Dundas will agree that it is a great place to call home.

It is quaint, close enough to Ottawa without the hustle and bustle of city life, and filled with friendly, helpful people who make it feel like an honour to be a local. One concerning aspect of life in this great municipality, however, is the seemingly diminishing ability to shop local.

Living in a small town, one becomes accustomed to that dreaded feeling of suddenly needing something that can only be purchased in a city or a larger municipality.

After the initial denial sets in, we go through our options.

We ask friends and family if they will need to go “into town” for anything, so that we might tack on our own shopping list with a cheeky smile, rather than go ourselves. We sit and stew, twiddling our thumbs and contemplating whether we really need the “something” that would drag us into a car for at least 30-60 minutes round trip, burning gas and precious time. Then, finally, when the realization sets in that there is no easy way out, we accept that we will have to make the journey, all the while trying to think of other things we need to do “in town” that will make the trip worth it.

Prior to all of the above steps that are admittedly rife with soap opera drama, I have a habit of my own. I go through a list in my head

of all of the local shops in Winchester that could possibly, maybe, hopefully, have a slight chance of carrying the item I am looking for, and I call them to see if I can kill two birds with one stone – save me a long car ride, and support local. The most recent time this happened was when I needed a rather obscure item – a marine whistle – and excitedly remembered Paddletales Tackle, just as I was about to give up hope and drive to Canadian Tire in Kemptville. However, when I tried to look up the number on Google, I was met with the dreaded “permanently closed” message. A quick Facebook search revealed that the owners of Paddletales Tackle simply retired (and I wish them all the best), but my disappointment got me thinking of all of the vacant commercial properties in North Dundas.

Within the past year, we have lost the Double C Outlet, the Town Vintner, Barkley’s Shoes, and now Paddletales Tackle, all in Winchester. In Chesterville, we have said goodbye to Flair With Fabrics and the Harmony Drop In off the top of my head. Anywhere one travels in North Dundas, there are vacant commercial properties that are begging to bring the convenience of local shopping back to us residents.

The old Lion’s Thrift Store in Winchester is still empty, as are the old Double C Outlet and the newly vacated Town Vintner.

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Are credit cards a positive?

by Lorraine Rekmans When you pick up a debit machine to put your card into it, and enter your secret PIN number to pay for goods or services, you may have noticed that the machine will have a company name on it, possibly Chase or Elavon.

Many merchants in small business must pay a service provider for a point of sale device (debit machine) and must pay the service provider for every single transaction that is put through the debit or credit machine.

The service provider handles the transaction on behalf of the merchant and arranges for the money to be withdrawn from the consumer’s bank account or credit card and deposited into the business account of the merchant.

Fees for transactions are set in percentage points, depending on the cards that are used.

Cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express have varying transaction fees which are paid by the merchant or small business.

Credit cards that offer the consumer points or rewards or Aeroplan miles are the cards that carry the highest transaction fees for the merchant or small business owner. In some cases, the small business may pay 2% to 2.5% of the total transaction to the point of sale service provider. In some cases, it is more. These transaction fee rates are reviewed periodically and change throughout the year.

Once the transaction is completed, the consumer has paid for the good or service, receives reward points, and walks away happily, thinking that Visa or Mastercard has given them something.

In reality, the cost of this program is borne at the point of sale by the merchant, or small business. The business owner pays increased transaction fees to the point of sale provider, and the point of sale provider ensures the transaction is complete with the transfer of money, the recording of the transaction, and transfer of points. The service provider transfers a portion of the fee to Visa or Mastercard. Every single time money moves from one place to another, at each stop there is a percentage that is taken.

Between the merchant, the service provider, the bank and the credit card company, each transaction has a cost.

Typically, most of the cost for all transactions between all these groups is paid by the merchant.

cal Building, North Dundas Business Centre, and the old Foodland building all have space predominantly advertised as “for rent”. On St. Lawrence St, south of Fred St, is a long-abandoned location that I heard used to be a youth centre which, however unkept now, would have promise if someone gave it some love and patience. In Chesterville, a “for rent” sign has been in the window of the vacant unit in the same building as Louis Restaurant for quite a while. Tours through Morewood, Mountain, and South Mountain show similar empty buildings waiting for the presence of eager local shoppers.

Why are we unable to fill these shops and offices? Is it that rent in our area is too high? Supply and demand would seem to suggest that if a property is vacant for many months, too much money is being asked for its use. I am not a landlord and cannot pretend to understand the financial stresses or maintenance pressures of owning land and having tenants, but one would assume that collecting low rent is better than collecting no rent at all. What is clear is that North Dundas residents need to support our small businesses, and patronize the new ones that brave the existing market. Together, we can bring back the convenience of local shopping!

Help Support Your Local Businesses SHOP LOCALLY July 28, 2021

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The Financial Post reported that a consortium led by Air Canada reached a deal to acquire the Aeroplan loyalty program from Aimia Inc. for $450 million in cash. The purchasers also agreed to assume $1.9 billion in liability associated with Aeroplan miles customers have accumulated.

Note this astronomical figure of $1.9 billion in unpaid or unused Aeroplan miles.

Whenever the Aeroplan points card is used, the transaction fees that are collected from the merchant are distributed between the point of sale provider and the Credit Card company that issues the points. The credit companies actually collect fees from merchants to pay for the rewards or points. In this case alone, it seems that the credit card company has collected $1.9 billion, through transactions run through the point of sale devices. When you stop and think that Aeroplan is worth $450 million in cash, you realize that points and rewards are really big business. And when you think that $1.9 billion in Aeroplan miles is owed, you have to wonder how much more than $1.9 billion was collected from small businesses in Canada.

The merchants and small business owners in Canada sustain these programs and bear the costs for these points programs, but get no recognition or rewards, because the consumer mistakenly believes the credit card companies have gifted them something. In fact, it is small business that is carrying the cost and is paying for these rewards through transaction fees. Credit card companies want you to use their cards as often as you possibly can.

There is a reason for this: they are earning money every time you swipe or tap your card.

The more you swipe, the more fees they are collecting from merchants, it is that simple.

The credit card companies have created a business of trading in debt by encouraging the use of credit and

rewarding consumers who use credit instead of cash.

Consumers are rewarded, in the form of points, based on the value of the transaction.

The larger the transaction value, the more rewards or points are earned, and the more the merchant has to pay.

In 2017, CBC reported that Bond Brand Loyalty, a marketing services agency in Mississauga, Ontario, estimates that collectors are sitting on a whopping $16 billion worth of unused rewards points. When you consider that the merchants and small businesses in Canada are paying for this, you have to wonder how much more than $16 billion did the credit card companies make on these transactions, and you have to wonder how much of this was sucked out of the Canadian economy. Some merchants complain to the banks that the transaction fees are too high.

Some banks have responded by telling the merchants to tack on the increased transaction fees and pass it onto the consumer. Perhaps it’s time to have a really close look at these rewards and points programs, and decide if you are the one actually paying for your own points. Did Canadians unwittingly pay the credit card companies more than $30 billion in exchange for a discount at the drug store, or a free movie with popcorn?

It’s something to think about because, if we did, this is quite a swindle.

Send in your letters, stories, events to editor@ ndtimes.ca

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The North Dundas Times

National PlayDay is coming August 4 Zoning change in

by the International Play Association Canada Play is the heartbeat of childhood. At home, in the neighbourhood, at the beach, in community parks and school grounds children embrace the opportunity of making their own fun through play. On August 4, join the International Play Association (IPA) Canada and create your own National PlayDay event.

IPA Canada’s National PlayDay is a celebration of wonder, curiosity, discovery and adventure. It’s all about what children do best. Intuitively children know that play is a renewable source of joy and fun but of course its impact is far broader. In fact, play is one of the defining characteristics of our humanity.

Play resonates with children everywhere. Child-directed play has a universal appeal. It is a heady expression of freedom whenever children are granted the space and time to shape their own activities unencumbered by ongoing adult supervision.

The ‘right to play’ is enshrined in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The General Comments document on article 31 provides additional details that speak to the connection between play and well-being and affirms its critical role and relevance in an increasingly complex world.

Research demonstrates that play exerts a profound influence throughout childhood shaping how we learn, how we express ourselves and how we assess risk and opportunity. Studies from a variety of disciplines reveal that play nurtures children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development.

It is a foundational activity

that helps kids interact with and make sense of the world around them.

Play can help children develop resilience and cope with mental health concerns, such as anxiety, that were on the increase during the first wave of the pandemic. For more information about play in times of crisis, free downloadable resources published

by IPA World, IPA Canada’s international governing body are available here with translations in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai and Turkish.

IPA Canada’s goals are to increase play’s visibility, create greater awareness of the pressing need to get children playing more and encourage parents and communities to be strong agents of play.

There is evidence that change is needed. In Canada, ‘active play’ gets an F in the latest (2020) ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. In practice this means that only 21% of 5- to 11-year-olds engage in active play for more than 1.5 hours per day on average. Two years earlier, active play was given a D. We are moving in the wrong direction.

Canada is not alone.

Higher income countries are witnessing a declining incidence of outdoor play and a decrease in independent mobility for kids. These are notable societal shifts that have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recently concluded series of national consultations led by IPA Canada confirmed that there is a growing understanding of play’s role as an important contributor to the healthy development of children. Our discussions with parents, early childhood educators and municipal gov-

Chesterville discussed

ernment representatives are helping to inform new initiatives linked to play leadership and provision as well as the development of resource materials focusing on children’s right to play.

IPA Canada benefits from the support and experience of the IPA international member network. Here in Canada, many accomplished groups and organizations are associated with children’s play. It truly takes a village to make a difference.

There is no time like the present to get involved, lend a hand and have some fun working toward creating the conditions that will help play flourish in our homes and communities. Here are some simple ideas to consider and possibly incorporate into IPA Canada National PlayDay events: explore the neighbourhood to discover playful spaces draw on childhood memories of favourite play places and activities for inspiration invite friends to play at home or at a local park in busy households, schedule time for play with children and/or for independent play explore play ideas and resources online For more information on IPA Canada visit our website: www.ipacanada.org, and download your copy of the IPA Canada National PlayDay poster and guide. IPA Canada is a not-for-profit national organization whose mandate is to protect and promote the child’s right to play.

by Joselyn Morley A public meeting was held via Zoom on July 13 to discuss the proposed amendment to the Zoning Bylaw for a property on John Street in Chesterville. The proposed amendment seeks to change the zoning on the parcel of land from General Commercial (GC) to Residential Second Density (R2), in order to allow for the construction of six town homes, in two threeunit blocks. The applicant and owner of the property is Dario Laliberte.

The United Counties Official Plan, as well as guidelines from the province, encourages infill development in under-utilized areas of a town or city. The development proposed for this property has the potential to increase affordable type housing by six dwelling units in Chesterville by re-developing this under-utilised lot. The goal is to increase the overall housing stock, without increasing the settlement boundaries of Chesterville.

The owner of the property has begun demolishing the building on the premises, which was used as a martial arts school. The property is double the size of the nearby lots, at 0.79 acres. The property, although formerly zoned Commercial, is situated in a residential area. The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment is the first step in the development process; however, the applicant has provided the

planning department with a draft plan of the site, showing the proposed location of the town homes. Each six units will have frontage on John Street. Both front and rear setbacks are greater than the minimum required by the Zoning Bylaw.

The application process welcomes comments and concerns. CP Rail submitted an email to the township highlighting a document regarding proximity issues with regards to development near railways. The property itself, or the proposed development, however, does not encroach on operations of the railway.

There was one resident who spoke at the public meeting. Tracy Cassleman lives just to the west of the property, and was the spokesperson for nearby residents.

The residents are concerned about there not being enough parking, as well as increased traffic in the area, and the possibility of being blocked in by too many parked cars.

Calvin Pol, Director of Planning, Building, and Enforcement, replied that there will be two parking spaces per unit, with a 7-metre setback. The residents are also concerned about water.

There will be six additional homes using existing water and sewer capacity. Tracy pointed out that the existing water line is already decrepit, and that the residents already endure brown water 2 to 3 times a week. Director Pol explained that this is a Public

Works issue, not development. Mayor Tony Fraser said that the brown water is a separate issue, and not part of the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment.

Tracy then raised the same questions about adding six units to the existing sewage line. North Dundas is in the process of seeking alternative water and sewage capacity, as the current rate of development will outstrip availability very shortly. She asked where additional storm water would go. With the property developed, and less ground available to absorb storm runoff, the residents are concerned about increased flooding, as the area is already prone to flooding. The residents want to know where the snow will go, once the property is developed, as the snow from Francis and John streets is apparently piled nearby in winter. Tracy raised the issue of noise, asking if there were plans for any sound barriers or additional fencing, with six families potentially increasing the noise on a quiet street.

The applicant was online to speak to concerns. He stated that it is a residential development in a residential area.

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The North Dundas Times

Summer Car Care 2021

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Your vehicle needs attention at specific mileage intervals and changing of the seasons.

Whether it's a fluid top-up or an engine flush, regular maintenance will keep your car running smoothly.

Before hitting the road this summer, you can take several simple precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump. Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on cars. Cracked hoses, leaky radiators, under inflated tires and dirty filters can significantly lower your fuel efficiency, or worse, lead to a total breakdown.

Check the following vehicle components periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems: Tires – Tire pressure changes with rising temperatures, under-or overinflated tires put you at risk for accidents, blowouts and flats. Check your owner’s manual to make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. This will help you save money at the pump, too. Properly inflated tires

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increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to three percent.

Oil – Cars are more likely to overheat in the summer. But it’s not just the hot temperatures that cause overheating. Heavy driving can also cause your engine to overheat.

Prepare for hot days and long trips by giving your car a thorough systems check.

An oil check is a good place to start. If the oil is a dark color or there’s a lot of dirt and grime present, it’s time for an oil change and filter replacement. Check your owner’s manual for guidance.

Fluid levels – Fill coolant, transmission, differential, power steering and brake fluids to suggested levels. It’s not a bad idea to look under your car for any fluids that may be dripping. If you see any, there’s a good chance you have a leak. A reputable service

can prevent more costly problems in the future.

Air conditioner – Air conditioning units should be serviced every three years or as needed. The most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is a low level of refrigerant. Have a professional check your A/C unit for leaks and evaluate refrigerant levels.

Air filter – Inspect your filter. If it’s filthy, replace it.

A dirty or blocked air filter is hard on the engine and lowers fuel efficiency. Drivers who do a lot of driving on dirt or gravel roads may need to replace them even more frequently.

Windshield wipers – If wipers are cracked, torn, or leave streaks, replace them to maximize your visibility during severe summer storms.

Give your car a thorough cleaning, inside and out, including the under-

station will tell you what’s wrong and give you an estimate for repair.

Hoses and belts – Check hoses for cracks, leaks, and loose connections. Hoses should be firm, especially where they are most vulnerable near clamps that connect to the radiator or engine. Soft or flexible hoses often indicate a problem. Likewise, check belts for cracks and damage. A smooth or slick belt may be a sign of excessive wear. Material should not be separated into different layers. Talk to your mechanic about replacing them when necessary or consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do it.

Brakes – If your brake pedal is soft and mushy, hard and resistant, or produces loud and constant scraping noises, it’s likely time for new brakes. Fixing brakes in a timely manner

side of your car where accumulated grime and dirt can make your engine and transmission unnecessarily hot. Cleaning the inside of your car will give you a more comfortable ride and potentially lighten your load by eliminating unnecessary items.

Keep in mind, it’s not a bad idea to take your car to a mechanic for a quick tune-up and maintenance check before a long road trip. That way, you can enjoy your journey from the safety of your car, instead of the side of the road.

If you’re feeling the summer heat, so is your car’s battery. Contrary to popular belief, summer highs rather than winter lows pose the greater threat to battery life, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.

When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit. Many battery

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charging rate, leading to slow death for a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following simple steps: Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.

If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

problems start long before the temperatures drop. Heat, more than cold, shortens battery life.

Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced.

Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a

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Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.

Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.

Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple back and forth to work. Other

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Check the battery if you notice headlights and interior lights dim, accessories that fail to operate, or the “check engine” and/or battery light illuminated

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The North Dundas Times

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by Jane Adams The patient voice is the most important voice. To ensure our patients are at the centre of everything we do at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, we need to hear from them and their families. WDMH’s Patient & Family Engagement Committee (PFEC) helps us to do just that.

For the past seven years, Roger Pharand has served as PFEC’s co-lead. In that time, the committee has worked on many projects, from patient brochure and policy reviews, to input into WDMH’s quality and senior friendly plans. In the past few months, the team has also provided feedback on COVID-19 planning, such as visiting hours. In addition to leading the PFEC, Roger also provided patient insights as part of WDMH’s research and ethics teams.

“We want to recognize and thank Roger for his years of service and sage advice,” notes Nathalie Boudreau, Vice President, Clinical Services and PFEC co-lead. “We are so grateful for his support and advocacy to ensure the voice of patients in our community is heard at WDMH. Thank you, Roger!”

“Thank you to all of our PFEC members,” sums up Nathalie Boudreau. “We welcome your insights.”

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“I couldn’t understand the high rate of suicide and why people do it, and it’s just because we don’t have the resources and we just can’t find the right people.” Still struggling, Patricia is holding on to hope. “I just hope that, soon enough, we can find the resources that we need.”

Morrisburg resident, Holly Johnston, also ran into issues when accessing mental health services, first through her family doctor, then through the Cornwall and Winchester hospitals, and finally through the Ottawa hospital. Struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder and some unrelated health issues due to an injury, Holly came to realize that mental health services were seriously lacking in the local area. Speaking of her experience at the Winchester hospital, she described how they wanted to send her home when she was experiencing a mental breakdown.

“I had to say some very dark, twisted things to even get them to send me to the psych ward.” Like many others, the frustration of not being able to find local support took its toll on Holly, but her story does have a happy ending. After she was referred to the Ottawa hospital, she

Area residents are voicing their concerns over the lack of mental health services and community supports in North Dundas. With the exception of a few private service providers, as well as services provided through family doctors and the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, there are few local options for North Dundas residents to turn to when they need help. For some residents, the local availability of services is simply not enough, with many accessing mental health services in Ottawa instead.

Chesterville healthcare worker, Patricia Turchetti, knows the struggle all too well. One year ago, she witnessed a car accident and stopped to help, and ended up comforting a victim in his last moments. Ever since that day, her mental health has suffered, and she ended up losing her job because of it. Seeking psychiatric help was difficult and at first involved a test of several different medications.

“I feel like a guinea pig to be honest with you,” she told The North Dundas Times.

Speaking of the healthcare profession, Patricia raised concerns about suicide rates.

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47 Christie Lane Winchester

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The Voice of Our Community

Residents concerned about mental health in our community

by Brandon Mayer

COLLISION CENTER

Taylor’d Safety Services Inc.

finally felt like she had found a place that was willing to help her.

Iroquois resident, Vicki Markell, had a similar experience with the Winchester hospital when seeking mental health help. “Winchester hospital should have some kind of support there, and have more compassion for people with mental health issues, and not treat them poorly, or completely ignore them altogether,” she told Times.

“Once you get labelled of having mental health issues, you get treated way different.”

Government and health agency efforts to increase mental health awareness and end stigma have been growing in recent years, with many campaigns suggesting that one only has to speak up to get help. It can come as an unwelcome shock to a person who finally reaches out for support, only to be met with barriers and perceived indifference at a time when mental health is supposed to be given just as much priority as physical health. Some area residents who spoke to the Times talked about how COVID-19 has worsened both mental health, and the availability of mental health services. The uncertainty of the pandemic

has taken its toll, and, for many months, mental health services were restricted by COVID-19 rules.

Some residents are looking at the bigger picture and trying to promote positive change. One such person is Mannie Giles, an Inkerman local with a passion for fighting against what she believes is unjust. For Mannie, the COVID-19 pandemic helped bring to light what she calls “pre-existing issues” in the North Dundas community, such as a lack of community housing and a lack of attention paid to underprivileged groups. She hopes to bring the community together to push for better housing, food production, and mental health supports. One thing she is hoping for is more support from those in power. “I have not witnessed elected officials step into a leadership position of these issues,” she lamented.

For those in need of mental health services, 9-1-1 is the first contact for emergencies, and the Government of Canada provides a good starting place with resources for non-emergencies on their website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/ mental-health-get-help.html. www.ndtimes.ca

The North Dundas Times

Tid-bit Musings

by Elva Patterson Rutters RSSW Accountability verses responsibility. Are you accountable for the completion or neglect of your responsibilities? All too often, the human nature is to slug off accountability and responsibility with a flippant "who cares" mentality. Perhaps you believe no-one is taking notice.

We are responsible for our own actions, beliefs, and thoughts. We are responsible to those we care for, those we love, and those with whom we interact. Failure to provide stellar customer service typically ends in a dismissal of our employment.

In performance reviews, we are held accountable for the professional attitude, performance, and completion of the job description. Unfortunately, there are powers at the top that often do not believe that they are also to be held accountable for poor work conditions, negative atmosphere, or exercising exploitation of the employee.

Failure to nurture friendships reduces our social circle.

CROSSWORD

Failure to give back to a community that supports you is short-sighted and borders on selfishness. It creates a closed and bitter environment. Yet dictation of what you can and can't do borders on a cult-like existence. So, where is the line drawn between responsibilities verses accountability?

And who draws the line?

We are not responsible for someone else's decisions, actions, or words, just our own. That grows from being responsible for an infant, but as they learn to master their world, you switch from "responsible for" to "responsible to." Teaching your child to complete tasks is elementary to their self-esteem and ability to grow successfully.

Doing the tasks for them only negates them. Some consequences hurt, but simultaneously provide a great learning curve.

The rationale: "but I love them", is a given emotion, and doesn't translate into enabling. Hold the person accountable for their actions.

Bear in mind third-party info is just as harmful as swallowing poison. Talk out the

situation in question before you make a decision that could haunt you for many years. Everyone has a different perspective on situations based on their own template.

Unconditional love means you love the person regardless, but not necessarily the behavior. Withholding love is emotional abuse. That applies not only to a parent withholding love from a child, but a child withholding love from a parent. Who are we to judge?

Standing before the Maker will be the final act of accountability, regardless if you confessed a faith in God. The responsibilities he entrusted you with will be reviewed in detail. Otherwise, the scientific theory will determine if you treated your body with respect and will decompose in an environmentally friendly manner. The choice you make will reflect in your accountability of your responsibilities! Choose wisely, because you are worthy of great responsibilities, every day, to many people!

ACROSS 1. Shadow 6. Terror 10. Tot 14. French for "Sister" 15. Skin disease 16. Unit of land 17. Lacquer ingredient 18. Hack 19. Midday 20. Snakelike 22. "Darn!"

23. Praise 24. Order of business 26. Attired 30. Buff 31. Black gunk 32. Solitary 33. Wings 35. Enumerates 39. Including everything

41. Unwind or flatten (2 words) 43. An official in India 44. 365 days 46. Roman moon goddess 47. Loving murmur 49. American Dental Association 50. Winglike 51. Lunatic 54. Liturgy 56. Norse god 57. Abstract 63. Notion 64. Component of urine 65. Sexually aroused 66. Religious offshoot 67. "___ we forget" 68. Seaweed 69. Tall woody plant 70. Carry 71. Scoundrels

DOWN 1. Applications 2. Infiltrator 3. Ale 4. Backside 5. Disney mermaid 6. In a factual manner 7. Spiny anteater 8. Again 9. Echo 10. A decorated dart 11. Fruit of the oak tree 12. Wide 13. Busybody 21. Area of South Africa 25. Effrontery 26. Lummox 27. Great affection 28. Once more 29. Displace 34. Destroy completely 36. Essence 37. Bluefin 38. Sun 40. Dwarf buffalo 42. Give a speech 45. Sincere 48. Supernatural 51. Slightly wet 52. Venomous snake 53. Daughter of a sibling 55. Ancient unit of dry measure 58. Chocolate cookie 59. Lacquered metalware 60. Desire 61. A Freudian stage 62. Caustics

Solutions to last week’s Sudoku

SERVICES email classifieds@ndtimes.ca HANDYMAN RETIRED CARPENTER Renovations, kitchens, SERVICES bathrooms, additions, Painting, Demolition, decks, home repair.

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

email classifieds@ ngtimes.ca for Easy pricing

Medium

Classifieds NOTICE

St. Mary’s Chesterville Cemetery Mass 3065 Dunbar Rd., Sept. 11 at 11:00am.

Bring lawn chairs; “Social Distancing” in effect

SHOP LOCAL

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Hard

Solution to last week’s Crossword

Sprucehaven Cemetery Memorial Service has been cancelled for Sunday, August 1, 2021.

FOR SALE High end Furniture for sale. Various pieces for Living room and Dining Room. Please call Louise Ford to make an appointment 613 774 5924 July 28, 2021

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The North Dundas Times

Sincerest thanks to all our Family and Friends

Dennis Carkner and family would like to thank all of our family and friends for their cards, donations, generosity and overall support during this difficult time.

Kathy is going to be missed by all of us, but she will never be forgotten.

Service Clubs, Charities & Non-Profit Associations

If you are keen to let readers know what you are up to, The North Dundas Times welcomes submissions of your articles and photographs. Please send your submissions to: editor@ndtimes.ca Articles are accepted at anytime, however there is a Friday deadline for the following week.

Levere, Meri Teressa (Nee Gayda)

Peacefully surrounded by family at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday July 2, 2021.

Mary Levere age 82 of Winchester. Beloved wife of the late Bob Levere. Loving Mom of Grant and his wife Wanda Levere and the late Wade Levere.

Cherished Grandma of Darren and Justin Levere.

Predeceased by her siblings Mike Gayda, Henry (Sheila) Gayda, Nick (Chris) Gayda, Sophia (Don) Wilson and Ed Gayda. Dear sister-in-law of Marie Gayda. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

By Family request Cremation has taken place. A private Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Donations in Memory of Mary may be made to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital or Charity of your Choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836) Online condolences may be made to www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com

ND local honoured by OMA for pandemic contributions

Growing up on a farm in North Dundas, with teamwork and volunteerism as family values, Lisa Paul (nee Brogan) left a policing career in greater pursuit of her passion of supporting Canadians.

During the early days of 2020, the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) caused the closure of many Ontario medical clinics, as local physicians could no longer safely practice.

As the Director at St. John Ambulance Ottawa, Lisa’s team of staff, instructors, and volunteers work collaboratively to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for people in Canada. Through this work, the North Dundas local may have contributed to your safety during the pandemic!

“St. John Ambulance is best known for teaching First Aid and CPR courses, but what many don’t know is why we do it,” Lisa Paul explains.

“As a charity and social enterprise, St. John Ambulance teaches to generate revenue, which enables our ability to provide communities across Canada with humanitarian July 28, 2021

work and community services.”

In April, 2020, within hours of identifying the need to support Ontario physicians, Lisa mobilized teams of Medical First Responders to assist the Ontario Medical Association [OMA]. Since the pandemic closed classrooms in Ontario, the vacant SJA Training Center quickly turned into a warehouse to store PPE as St. John and OMA worked tirelessly to support the physicians with mobile and Drive-Thru PPE distributions.

Lisa recalls a favourite moment when a “pawsitively outstanding” SJA Therapy Dog volunteer was providing side-line support for the docs at a Drive-Thru with a sign that read: Thank YOU. We know it has been ruff. Stay pawsitive, Stay safe!

“As the docs drove by, they honked and waved, we could see their smiles right through the mask, and sadly, in those days, they didn’t have much to smile about”, Lisa recalled.

For a century, the OMA Awards program has recog-

nized physicians and community leaders for contributions to the medical profession and health care in Ontario. After being nominated by a local physician, Lisa has received the 2021 Ontario Medical Association Centennial Award, bestowed in recognition of her leadership and distinguished acts in serving the health and welfare of the people of Ontario.

“From the onset, I knew the pandemic was a dangerous situation for the physical and mental health of Ontarians. I started exploring opportunities to help. It’s what we do, it’s who we are at St. John. Years ago, we went to war. Every day since, we have supported Canadians at home, and in 2020 our local team was determined to make a big impact in the health, safety, and quality of life for those affected by this pandemic.”, said Lisa.

Having not taken a moment to reflect on the impact her leadership would have, Lisa explained “at a PPE Drive-Thru I saw a woman walking aimlessly in the parking lot holding onto a ziplock

bag with a mere 10 disposable masks in it, and she had 2 face shields in the other hand”, Lisa recalled. “She was crying, and through her tears she explained she had to walkthru because she was to upset to drive-thru.” At the time, PPE was being rationed, as it was distributed to physicians to keep more physicians practicing. “The small amount of PPE she received brought her to tears, because she could keep her clinic open for a few more days.” Lisa still speaks with emotion when she admits “It was that moment I realized how critical the need really was, and both the personal and professional impact our work was having on physicians in Ontario. I was always proud to support the OMA, but that moment was significant for me.”

When asked what’s next, Lisa says “we still have a lot of work to do. Our teams at SJA are safely back in the classroom so we are open for training, plus we are supporting vaccination clinics and other federal COVID initiatives. We will always continue to look for opportunities 11

Alexander Charles Baird “Alex”, 85

April 22, 1936 - July 19, 2021 Alex Baird of South Mountain, Ontario passed peacefully on July 19, 2021, with family close by. He is survived by his children Brenda (Michael), Karen (William), Brent (Patti), Darlene (Michael), Roseanne (Michael) and their mother Elizabeth; his loving partner Beth and children Nicholas (Alecia) and Jennifer (Shawn); and grandchildren Tina, Melanie, Daryl, Mark, Eric, Kimberly, Joshua, Angela, Amanda, TJ, Josie, Jennifer, Steven, Skylar, Alexandra, David, Brady, Natasha, Owen, Brielle and his twenty great grandchildren.

A private funeral service is being held at Byers Funeral Home in South Mountain for close family on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Following the funeral service, a private burial service will take place at Spruce Haven Cemetery.

Alex was a farmer and avid equestrian, who brought his family together through stacking hay, sleigh rides around his farm and practical jokes. His work ethic was second to none, whether it is breaking horses, picking stones, splitting wood or working the fields, he never missed a hard day’s work. He lived for his family and loved spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. His quick-wit and charisma left everyone he touched with a smile on their face and a stitch in their side.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ottawa, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).

Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.com to assist the people in Ontario and Canada, and very soon I will see our Therapy Dogs and MFRs joining Ontarians out and about in the local community once again!”

Lisa and her team helped to distribute over 130,000 masks and 6000 face shields to physicians during spring and summer 2020, at a time where scarce supplies of PPE and uncertainty clouded the atmosphere; All it took was one North Dundas local to lead a team against an invisible adversary, and the outcome was an incredible impact made in keeping phy-

sicians and patients healthy and safe in Ontario.

To support Lisa’s team at St. John Ambulance, consider donating locally, taking a training course or shopping for safety products. Reach St. John Ambulance www. sja.ca, 613-722-2002 or info. ottawa@sja.ca.

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Explore SNC’s Conservation Areas this Summer

With the August long weekend just around the corner, South Nation Conservation (SNC) is encouraging the public to take advantage of its over 12,000 acres of public natural space, including a network of 14 day-use Conservation Areas, free of charge as always.

Whether it’s reconnecting with nature while hiking at Warwick Forest Conservation Area in Berwick, launching a kayak at Cass Bridge Conservation Area in Winchester for a peaceful morning paddle, or enjoying a picnic lunch at the McIntosh Park Conservation Area in Berwick, SNC continues to offer a safe haven for physical and mental health

respite for more than 62,000 visitors in 2021 alone.

“More and more our conservation areas are being viewed as destinations, not only by local residents, but by visitors from neighboring municipalities, making our conservation areas a huge tourism draw and benefit to our member municipalities,” said SNC Communications Specialist Shannon Gutoskie.

“These visitors, often times, are also contributing to our local economies and seeing the fabulous things that our communities have to offer.”

With the Province now in Step 3 of Reopening, SNC continues to encourage all users to adhere to Public Health

Baldwin's Birds "Down by the riverside"

guidelines. “Many people get outdoors to enjoy nature and seek some solitude. To help everyone enjoy their outdoor experience, visitors are reminded to keep their pets leashed, avoid excessive noise and pack out what you pack in,” says Gutoskie.

In addition to the 12,000 acres, SNC manages 20,000 acres of Community Forest in Eastern Ontario and many of the public, day-use Conservation Areas have been donated to the Authority through SNC’s Land Securement Program to help maintain natural legacies for donors and to provide people a place to step outdoors and into nature.

SNC is a not-for-profit, community-based environmental agency that relies on donations and self-generated revenue to protect and enhance the local environment across its 4,441 square-kilometre jurisdiction, on behalf of its 16 partner municipalities.

Residents can plan their next local adventure at: www. nation.on.ca/recreation.

Will social media companies ever make fighting online abuse a priority?

by Nick Kossovan Is it just me who believes we've lost our ability to have civil discourse? Every day, we rely on social media platforms to engage with like-minded people, promote ourselves, our work, and/or business.

Unfortunately, the downside of increasing your visibility, especially when you wade into an online discussion with an unpopular opinion, is you become a lightning rod for online abuse. Online abuse can be especially relentless if you are a woman, identified as a member of a race, religion, ethnicity, or part of the LGBTQ+ community.

I believe social media companies can reduce, even come close to, eliminating, online abuse. The first step: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, et al. becoming more serious and urgent about addressing the toxicity they’re permitting on their respective platform. The second step: Give users more control over their privacy, identity, and account history. Here July 28, 2021

are five features social media companies could introduce to mitigate online abuse.

Educate users on how to protect themselves online: I'll admit social media companies have been improving their anti-harassment features. However, many of these features are hard to find and not user-friendly. Platforms should have a section within their help center that deals specifically with online abuse, showing how to access internal features along with links to external tools and resources.

Make it easy to tighten privacy and security settings: Platforms need to make it easier for users to fine-tune their privacy and security settings and inform how these adjustments impact visibility and reach. Users should be able to save configurations of settings into personalized "safety modes," which they can toggle between. When they alternate between safety modes, a "visibility snapshot" should show them in real-time

who'll see their content.

Distinguishing between the personal and professional: Currently, social media accounts are all-encompassing of your professional life and personal life. If you want to distinguish between your professional and personal life, you must create two accounts.

Why not be able to make one social media account that toggles between your personal and professional identities as well as migrate or share audiences between them?

Managing account histories: It's common for people to switch jobs and careers and their views over time. Being able to pull up a user's social media history, which can date back more than a decade, is a goldmine for abuse. Platforms should make it easy for users to easily search old posts and make them private, archive, or delete.

Credit cards and/or phone number authentication: All social media platforms allow the creation of anonymous accounts. Ironically, much of 12

A launching of a friend's home built cedar strip canoe took me out of the garden and down to the riverside and all that it offers in the way of human water activity, and that of nature too. The ceremony was witnessed by a pair of Osprey chicks, who watched from above in their man-made nesting platform, one of several dotted along the banks of the Rideau and visible either from the road, or on foot. A parent bird provided the "Flypast", as it passed by to feed its brood. A lovely black and yellow Swallowtail butterfly also gave a much smaller flight display, as it flitted down onto the ground gathering moisture from the sand.

A successful trial paddle concluded, the trip back home was taken via a road running alongside the river to one of its accessible locks with a

double bridge crossing, via a lock and a "Bailey Bridge".

After the lock crossing, a lone Osprey chick was spotted on the nesting platform, just before the other bridge, from which a good view of the marshes and rapid flowing water could be observed. Car parked and walking back to view the marshes and the water activity, gave me sightings of the very elusive Redwings flitting amongst the reeds, and also Grackles. What sounded like a Pileated Woodpecker kept up quite a noise, as it moved through the densely wooded area of the riverside.

Unfortunately, I never spotted it at all, but whilst talking to an artist from Manotick, who had just set himself up on a close-by bench to paint the scenery, I spotted a Blue Heron right in front of us both. I left him to get my own

pictures and also spotted, just beyond the Heron, another bird wading. The view of it I got was quite distant, so I am not sure what it is! My own research seems to point me to a Wilson's Plover, but that is supposed to be a more coastal bird, and I cannot see a black neckband under the chin, maybe one of you could help me out with that?

Our garden birds seem to have finished with their nesting activities, for now, and my nesting box area has gone back to being quite quiet, once again. This, of course, doesn't mean that all activity has stopped, but it just means that you have to look that much harder to see it. Enjoy and stay safe and well.

Cheers, John Baldwin

the toxicity permeating social media stems from people hiding cowardly behind anonymous accounts. Anonymity enables toxic behavior by facilitating and backhandedly encouraging "uncivil discourse." Eliminating the ability to create an anonymous account would literally end online abuse.

Anonymity allows people to act out their anger, frustrations, and their need to make others feel bad, so they feel good. (I'm unhappy, so I want everyone else to be unhappy).

Being anonymous allows someone to say things they wouldn't even think of, or have the courage to, speak publicly, let alone face-toface.

All credit cards and telephone numbers are associated with a billing address. Social media platforms could prevent anonymous accounts by asking new joiners to input their credit card information, to be verified but not charged, or a telephone number to which a link, or code, can be

sent to authenticate. (Email authentication is useless since email addresses can be created without identity verification.)

Undeniable fact: When people know they can easily be traced they’re unlikely to exhibit uncivil behaviour.

Yeah, I know—for many, handing over more data to social media giants isn't appetizing, even if it eliminates the toxic behavior hurting our collective psyche. Having to go through a credit card or telephone authentication will be pause for many to ask themselves why the feel they must be on social media.

Such reflection is not a bad exercise.

Online attacks have a negative impact on mental and physical health, stops free expression, and silences voices already underrepresented in the creative and media sectors and in public discourse.

Respective platform user guidelines (aka. Community Standards) are open to interpretation and therefore not

enforced equitably. Content moderators (human eyes) and AI crawling (searching for offensive words and content) aren't cutting it.

Social media companies can't deny they could be doing a much better job creating a safer online environment.

Unfortunately, a safer online environment will only evolve when social media companies begin taking online abuse seriously.

Nick Kossovan writes the column ‘Digitized Koffee With Nick’ which appears in several newspapers. On Twitter and Instagram, follow @ NKossovan.

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