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Large rent debt closes Ponticello’s Italian restaurant desmond.devoy@metroland.com
EMC Business – The debt woes that have bedeviled the owners of Ponticello Trattoria in Carleton Place have finally caught up with them. Still dealing with outstanding debts to local businesses and former employees, the final nail in the restaurant’s coffin came in late July when landlords Jack and Marcia Taylor notified owners Pietro and Kim Anselmo that they were in breach of their August 2011 lease because of rent arrears totalling $9,040, according to a notice posted on the front door of the 157
Bridge St. restaurant, which has since closed down. The signage has since been removed, and the old sandwich board that used to advertise daily specials on the sidewalk – which was visible through the locked front door – still bearing advertising for a competition to win a trip to Italy. The “Notice of Termination of Lease,” was dated July 27, based on what was termed a “breach of covenant” on the Aug. 3, 2011 lease. However, another restaurant may yet be taking up residence at the site. A sign
in the window noted that applications are being accepted for a new restaurant – likely to be called The Bridge Bistro – for chef, server and dishwasher positions. This past spring, several former employees of Ponticello Trattoria picketed the restaurant, saying that they had not been paid for outstanding owed wages. Pietro said that he had been waiting on word of several loans from area banks, though he claimed he did not know the names of the banks. He also stated that renovations to the building to make it compliant
with the fire code were also impacting his bottom line. The restaurant was given a temporary liquor license by the town pending successful completion of the renovations. While some employees were later paid back, the Ontario Ministry of Labour was
conducting an investigation into the restaurant regarding the outstanding wages of one other employee. Several area businesses, like the Rental Village and Ferguson’s Graphics, were owed several thousands of dollars in unpaid debts by the restaurant.
Pietro had been involved in the restaurant and catering trade in Ottawa before setting up shop in Carleton Place last year. Even with the financial problems, the restaurant had been planning to expand into a bistro next door, and renovations had already begun.
YARD OF THE WEEK
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By DESMOND DEVOY
School bus/zone safety begins with you EMC News – It is that time of year again. The days are shorter, the weather a little cooler and most importantly of all the children are heading back to school after the summer holidays. The school buses are back on the road and we have to remember the laws pertaining to school buses and the safety of our children. Always stop for the bus Whether on a city street, highway or county road, and regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes, motorists travelling in both directions must stop when ap-
proaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights flashing. A flashing stop arm will swing out while passengers are boarding or leaving the bus. Once all passengers have boarded, the stop arm will fold away. Do not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move. (Penalties for not stopping: First offence $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points and the fines increase for each subsequent offence.) School Safety Zone Drivers should remember
that for the safety of the students there are reduced speed limits in the area of schools during school hours. Drivers also need to remember that crossing guards will be out during the beginning and end of the school day. Drivers must be aware and obey crossing guard signals and all posted traffic signs. This is only a partial listing of the several different offences under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) of Ontario. For further details visit www.elaws.gov.on.ca.
CARLETON PLACE COMMUNITY LABYRINTH - CORNER OF GEORGE & BAINES STREETS It started with an idea supported by local council. A government grant and many private donations later, we can all enjoy this attractive and restful area. The next scheduled event is the Harvest Lantern Walk on Saturday, September 29 at 7 p.m. open to everyone at no charge. Come and see what a community can build. If you would like to nominate a front yard garden, please call Audrey at 613-253-2095.
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In spite of the weather, the third annual Ride the Rideau™ bike tour, fuelled by Nordion, raised an incredible $1.72 million to support groundbreaking cancer research at The Ottawa Hospital. So, to the 718 riders, 350 volunteers, our sponsors, and everyone who donated, we say thank you for your amazing contribution to the fight against cancer — and for never letting the rain dampen your enthusiasm.
JOIN US IN 2013! LEARN MORE AT WWW.RIDETHERIDEAU.CA.
THE EMC - A/CP4 - Thursday, September 20, 2012