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CORNWALL • AKWESASNE • SDG

We Deliver training and employment programs and match participants with employers.

We Address the needs of newcomers.

We Partner with community agencies and service providers to understand the needs of our local population.

We Engage with employers to identify gaps in skills requirements, training needs and employment opportunities.

eotb-cfeo.on.ca info@eotb-cfeo.on.ca p. 613.932.0210 f. 613.932.0212 Gek

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| PERCH MAGAZINE

Contents

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39

S N I P P E TS OF R EGI ON AL GOOD N ES S

BY CHANTAL TRANCHEMONTAGNE

On Deck

A changemaker, sushi, lingerie, hot stuff, and more.

An artist pours herself into a life she didn’t expect—and finds beauty in the process.

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Gallery

Table Talk

Dreamy snaps, captured by our very own homegrown photographers.

BY CHANTAL TRANCHEMONTAGNE

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Friday Night Fever Dream

BY LAUREN MCGILL

As we make our return to the social scene, we’re making up for lost time.

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The Insider's Guide to Small Stays

BY LAUREN MCGILL

Step away from regular life and tuck into a quiet retreat.

Three food purveyors discuss their whys and the future of the culinary scene.

Cornwall Comes Alive The city is heating up and bubbling with action. Find out why. A partner piece by Choose Cornwall and Perch magazine.

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Throwback

BY RANDI BARREIRO

Remembering the people who fueled lacrosse's 20th century boom.

Cover

This Page

A fresh taste of summer.

Making wake near Yellow Island, Akwesasne.

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GINA DRAGONE

PHOTO BY JAIDEN MITCHELL

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The Reel

Akwesasne Duty Free Tobacco has a large selection of premium and discount tobacco products and chewing tobacco

Fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps made daily

Grocery staples including milk, bread, and local eggs

Located at 341 Island Road, Cornwall Island, ONTARIO

(613) 932-2888 For hassle-free travel, use the domestic lane at the Point of Entry at Canada Customs

BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL FOR THE BEST PRICING IN EASTERN ONTARIO

“I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it.”—Act 2, Scene 4, “As You Like It ” by William Shakespeare Publisher + Editor-in-Chief Chantal Tranchemontagne Art Director Susan Marriner | Marriner Design Senior Editor Randi Barreiro Editor-at-Large Lauren McGill Copyediting/Proofreading Emma Farley Photography Coordinator Nicholas Seguin Sales Support Michelle Falardeau Contributors Aaron Andress, Carol Ann Breedyk, Thomas William (Tom) Cooper, Julie DeBoer, Gina Dragone, Kate Dwyer, Kerry Gibson, Lee Ladouceur, Brandon Mackenzie, Alyssa McLean, Jaiden Mitchell, Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell, Marjorie Skidders, Stéphanie St-Jean, Tehoiatathe, Jade Thompson PERCH IS PUBLISHED BY

Big Catch Communications Inc. thinkbigcatch.com All reproduction requests must be made to Copyright Access.

ISSN 2561-5912 (print), ISSN 2561-5920 (digital).

S U P P O R T E D B Y:

I have loved magazines ever since I can remember. As a kid, my parents put me to bed early, but I’d always sneak a read by the hallway light: Seventeen, Fashion, Maclean’s, National Geographic— whatever I could get my hands on. I just wanted to dive into stories I’d never seen or heard of before and feel the tickle of discovery.

When our team puts Perch together every year, our goal is to give you that same tiny thrill as you uncover our local treasures.

Whether you’re living here, passing through, or thinking of coming for a visit, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something new: a skateboard artist from Chesterville, an off-grid getaway in Alexandria, a middle-of-Morewood sushi place, and so on.

With this issue, we mark the five-year anniversary of Perch and another celebration of what makes Cornwall, Akwesasne, and SDG the perfect place to experience something new.

Enjoy Perch 7,

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The Reel Raising the Bar — B Y S T É P H A N I E S T-J E A N

When Neha Chugh moved to Cornwall, she felt there was no space for her here. With grit and determination, she created one for herself—and others.

Neha is headstrong in making space for other young people of colour in a “greying bar” in Cornwall. She serves as a reminder to many of what is possible. She’s also attracted other young lawyers to join her at her firm. In terms of a contribution to the community, this means more youthful energy and modern legal ideas.

But if that weren’t enough, Neha also approaches her job differently—from a place of compassion. Her deep knowledge of the law may get her through the procedural issues. But it’s her bachelor’s degree in social work and her master’s in community development that inform her approach to helping those who need it most.

“I don’t do ‘happy’ law. When clients come to me, they are usually being affected by a multiplicity of factors such as family breakdown, addiction, mental health crisis, illness—basically all the environmental, social, and familial factors you can think of,” she says. “I see people on the worst days of their lives. But I also see so much resilience and so much capacity for change.

That’s kind of my engine, the gas in my tank.”

Neha admits she isn’t always able to get a verdict of “not guilty” because that really “isn’t

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According to Neha, her “tiger mom” really wanted her to become a prosecutor like Jack McCoy on the show “Law and Order.” Instead, she became a criminal defence lawyer and opened Chugh Law in Cornwall in 2014. Since then, she has grown the firm into the biggest barrister practice in the city. In an industry that has longstanding issues of recognizing the value of young, racialized women in leadership roles, her success as a 39-year-old woman of South Asian descent is a coup.

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in the cards for everyone.” But she will do her damndest to fight for the right outcome.

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Her penchant for advocating for the vulnerable has also led her to serve on the board of the Centre York Centre, a safe setting for visits and exchanges for families experiencing difficulties, and the Coalition for Unity, Respect & Equity/Equality for All (CUREA), an organization committed to public education, awareness, and prevention of racial injustice and systemic racism in Cornwall and area. She is on the Standard Freeholder’s community editorial board and regularly pens pieces on current affairs including diversity, racism, and access to justice.

The mother of three young children also chronicles her personal and professional life on Twitter.

While her work-related posts are mostly serious, she provides great moments of levity when she writes about life at home: “Love is your partner flat ironing the back pieces of your hair.”

Her Twitter account—with more than 5,500 followers—allows Neha to state her views on important issues. But it’s also a platform to position herself— and others in her profession—as human.

“When I share about my family and my struggles at home, or when I crack a joke, what I’m trying to do is connect with other people in the community and show that [lawyers] are people too,” she says. “If we want access to justice to be a priority, part of that is ensuring we as lawyers are humble, approachable, and that we understand what the community needs are.”

In the end, Neha’s career as a defence attorney is a bit different than the prosecutor role her mother originally pictured. Neha says her mom will never actually tell her she is proud, but she absolutely brags to her friends about how her daughter blazes trails in the legal field and in the community.

Despite all her accomplishments, Neha says it'll never be enough.

“No matter how successful I will be, I will also always be a racialized woman, and so I’ll always be five paces behind,” she says. “I just have to continue forging on and reminding myself of how much I enjoy being a leader.” f chughlaw.ca

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Merry Mud Slingers USING BASIC ELEMENTS OF EARTH, AIR, FIRE, AND WATER, THESE ARTISANS EMPLOY TIME-HONOURED TECHNIQUES TO CRAFT CAPTIVATING WORKS. FAR BEYOND A MATTER OF FORM AND FUNCTION, THEIR ART DESERVES A CLOSER LOOK. —BY KERRY GIBSON

KILN’EM SOFTLY A believer in handcrafted items that elevate the everyday, Debbie Gilmer turns out stylish utility pieces that any design (or latte) lover is sure to reach for again and again. Her South Mountain studio, Gilmer Clayworks, is lined with minimalist kitchenware and dining accessories: bowls, butter keepers, honey pots, vases, and our current obsession, her charcoal-toned faceted pour-over coffee mug. Its beauty and simplicity make it a versatile countertop star.

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HOT HAND Adept at centuries-old firing techniques, clay whisperer Brenda Sutton Mader produces chromatic textures through a centuries-old Japanese process called raku using a wood-fired kiln.

If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at wheel throwing or are looking to improve your handbuilding technique, she’ll teach you her ways. Backed by 30 years of experience, she offers personal instruction to novice and advanced ceramists alike at her Alexandria-based studio.

f bsmpottery.weebly.com

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PRETTY PRINT Inspired by antique ceramics she explored while journeying through China, master potter Diane Sullivan puts a modern spin on popular transferware. She updates the elaborate and colourful storytelling characteristics of this vintage pottery with graphic dahlias, birds, dragonflies, and swirling music notes. We’re buzzing about her sweet Bee Ware collection, black and white mugs, teapots, berry bowls, and tubs that belong atop any gift list.

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SACRED EARTHENWARE Katsitsionni Fox is an artist, educator, and filmmaker who makes decorative and utilitarian pit-fired clay pots in the tradition of her women ancestors. Under the banner of Lifegivers Pottery, her round-bottomed vessels often feature hand-painted effigies of beings in nature and the Haudenosaunee Creation story to honour the vitalizing energy of Mother Earth. We’re mesmerized by her intricate carvings of Grandmother Moon, crabapple blossoms, and sweetgrass braids.

K Katsitsionni Fox

#LifeGiversPottery

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Clothing Company VISIT US IN STORE OR SHOP ONLINE

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Welcome to one of Eastern Canada's largest alpaca farms featuring over 100 animals originating across North America.

Be one with nature as you enjoy 250 acres of scenic forests, farmland and trails. Visit our "Alpaca Habit Boutique" showcasing a large array of all things alpaca. Centrally located in Ontario's Celtic Heartland, we are situated mid-way between both Montreal and Ottawa.

Join us in an adventure to remember. Phone to schedule your visit!

FA R M F EAT URES - The Alpaca Habit Boutique - Over 250 acres with trails - Alpaca Sales & Services - Walk-an-Alpaca

- Hayrides, Kubota Tours & Winter Activities - Farm visits/tours/ education

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Take the River Less Travelled FAST, PLAYFUL, GO-ANYWHERE BOATS. WHO WOULDN’T WANT ONE? —BY KERRY GIBSON

New Zealand native Jamie Greenfield’s experience in surfboard building has evolved into custom boat fabrication.

Jamie, 33, operates MiniJet out of his Berwick-based shop, where he designs 25 small, lightweight, all-terrain jet boats a year for intrepid customers worldwide.

Models range from 10 to 16 feet long, come in two- and fourseat configurations, and can travel up to 110 km/h. Narrow rivers, a minimum water depth of five centimetres, and seasonality pose no challenge for the MiniJet. Glide across melting ice, or carve out your own channel. All this versatility and nimbleness for only $25,000 (average price). For those looking for a more accessible option, the company also sells parts and build-your-own boat kits starting at $4,200.

With a waiting list for new boats and a growing team, Jamie has big plans for the future. The goal is for his family to spend more time navigating their boats while playing in their own backyard, the Payne River. f minijet.ca

On a Roll FIND FRESH FISH IN LANDLOCKED MOREWOOD? YES. YES, YOU CAN. —BY JULIE DEBOER

If you google “best sushi in Ontario,” the Morewood Lucky Mart never makes the list.

But here’s the thing: This convenience store at the three-way stop in this small, North Dundas village (pop. <500) makes a mean roll.

Now ready for your sushi fix? Be sure to call ahead to order because they sell out quickly!

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In 2019, owners John and Jane Park purchased the store and stocked it with all the services and necessities for small-town life: LCBO, Canada Post, shoelaces, milk, snacks, and even a library book drop-off box. The biggest draw though—the one that has people travelling from further afield—is the fresh sushi with à la carte, pre-made, and platter options.

Everything is expertly assembled by Chef Eddie, now considered a near-celebrity locally.

q 98 Main Street, Morewood | 613-448-3820

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Skeptical? The reviews don’t lie: “This is some of the best sushi I’ve ever had.” “OMG, I am in sushi nirvana!”

“I never thought I’d be saying this but go try the sushi in Morewood!”

Professional Mobile Bartending Service Wedding Receptions, Grand Openings, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Anniversaries, And More...

613-774-3825 | Winchester info@theplantedarrow.com theplantedarrow.com photo by Carley Teresa

Contact Greg Light to book your event today 613.360.0705 | delightbartending@gmail.com

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All natural preservative-free dog treats.

Locally owned and operated since 2003.

Available online and at a store near you.

Check out our website for retail locations:

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Savour the flavours of Mexico tastemicocina.com Follow Us K X tastemicocina

Some Like It

Hot!

WHEN IT’S GRILL-ANDCHILL SEASON, SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO SPICE THINGS UP. HERE’S A ROUNDUP OF TASTY LOCAL HOT SAUCES.

THE ALL-ROUNDER

SOUTHERN BEAUTY

Cornwall’s Ten-78 has concocted a most versatile potion. The Jalapeño Dill Hot Sauce is great on wings, delicious in a Caesar cocktail, and can also hit the right note on salmon.

Crowley’s Deep South Pit BBQ doesn’t just fire up low-and-slow smoked briskets, pork, and ribs.

This Berwick-based company also produces its signature sauce, the Peach Habanero Hot Sauce. Perfect on pizza, chicken, fish—and grilled cheese.

$10 FOR 148 ML

K ten-78-hot-sauce

$ 1 0.9 9 F O R 1 5 0 M L

K CrowleysDeepSouthPitBBQ

KRAZY HOT STUFF

$ 6 .9 9 F O R 3 5 5 M L

fkrazydanspickledproducts.com

BRINGING THE HEAT Put Hot Mama’s three-pack on your table to titillate everyone’s taste buds. This Akwesasne biz offers Caribbean-inspired pops of mouth-puckering Jalapeño, Garlic, and Habanero to your grilled favourites and rice dishes. $15USD FOR 3 X 148 ML

f hotmama.online

NOT LIKE THE OTHERS So, this Honey Extra Hot Sauce from Ben’s BS isn’t technically a hot sauce.

But it is a sauce. And it is hot. Plus, we like Ben from Winchester. This Kansas City-style sauce is sweet, smoky, and made for your sticky ribs. $ 9.9 9 F O R 3 5 4 M L

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Lunenburg’s “king of pickled products” produces Krazy Dan’s Hot Sauce. On the palette, it starts with a slow burn and builds to a back-of-the-throat tickle. Pairs well with eggs benny, steak, and pretty much anything that needs a little oomph.

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Garden PartY

EAT. DRINK. ENJOY.

Market 2nd Saturday of the Month

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WI

NC

schnitzels.ca Follow us on KÚ

HESTER

Learn. Explore. Discover.

LOCAL FOOD

Visit the Eastern Ontario Agri-Food Network to explore the local flavours and food assets in the region: farms, food and beverage artisans, farmers' markets, retail food counters, and agri-tourism experiences.

www.agro-on.ca STORMONT-DUNDAS-GLENGARRY

W. LEITCH ORGANICS

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PRESCOTT-RUSSELL

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Absorb This ­— B Y J U L I E D E B O E R

Annatea Riyanti despised the way most storebought skincare products irritated her sensitive skin. Instead of continuing her neverending search for products that were natural, safe, and suitable for all skin types, the 38-yearold Cornwallite boldly decided to formulate her own. She made her moves in 2021 and partnered with an established skincare lab from Montreal. Together, they concocted an organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, paraben-free, and cruelty-free product line which includes a vitamin C serum, a cleansing gel, plus a trio of moisturizing, anti-aging, and ultra repair creams.

Annatea currently ships her products across North America and hopes to expand the line in the future. For now, she says, “It’s rewarding knowing that Mikaglow has gone from a personal mission to a fully grown business that helps others!” f mikaglow.com

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Voluptuous to athletic, hourglass to pear— women come in all shapes and sizes. Melanie McBain is on a mission to make sure they feel comfortable and sensual in their own skin—and their lingerie. In 2021, the 33-year-old mother of two launched Enchanté, a Cornwall-based company that revolves around body positivity and inclusivity. Instead of offering aspirational lingerie (think skimpy scraps that fit only 1% of female bodies), the online marketplace stocks pretty and practical pieces that reflect the desires of real consumers with real bodies. For Enchanté, it’s all about putting a little swagger in your sexy. f enchantelingerie.ca boudo

irbyspilt

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One Size Doesn’t Fit All

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Meet the Voice of Akwesasne ­— B Y R A N D I B A R R E I R O

Reen Cook is easily the most recognizable voice in the Seaway Valley. She’s been on the air at 97.3 CKON in Akwesasne since 1987.

As a quick reference, the top song that year was “Walk Like an Egyptian”

by The Bangles. Most likely, she played that cassette on her boombox while riding the bus to high school.

WHEN DID YOU GET YOUR START AS A RADIO DJ?

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I had just turned 14. CKON was three years old, broadcasting from a cabin on Cornwall Island.

A friend’s mom asked if we could volunteer on weekends to try it out. We would just giggle on the air. It was really cool to play our favourite songs.

Our friends would call in requests. We always made the best mix tapes! Eventually, she went on to cosmetology and I stuck with radio.

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WHY RADIO? I always wanted to be a DJ since I was little. I loved music. I would be the one who played music at family parties. I would bring a boombox on the bus for our away games and pretend I was DJ-ing. Music touches you in so many different

ways. It can make you laugh, it can make you I L L U S T R AT I O N cry. Make you think. Music means something different to everyone. I can’t sing, I can’t dance. I just hit the buttons. I know what goes with what.

WHO DOES CKON SERVE? We primarily serve Akwesasne and the Seaway Valley, and have about a 95-kilometre radius.

People can listen online anywhere in the world.

Listeners have tuned in from across Canada and the United States, as well as Cuba, China, Turkey, and parts of Africa.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL DAY LIKE? I host the Get Up and Go Morning Show. I pick the music, gather and deliver local news, sports and weather while welcoming fellow on-air personalities Dalton, Owistha Woman, and

BY JADE TH

Chantelle the Celebrity for their segments.

The rest of my time is devoted to office duties as Station Manager. I also host our talk show, Tetewatha:ren (Let’s All Talk), Radio Bingo, and conduct live remote broadcasts.

was happening around the clock. We shared live updates about power outages from say, Barney Rourke’s to Bulldogs Hill. Just like that, because we can. You won’t hear that anywhere else. That’s what it’s all about.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT COMMUNITY RADIO?

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED?

WHAT’S ON YOUR ROAD TRIP P LAYLIST ?

If it’s a long trip, I listen to Howard Stern. He is one of the best interviewers I’ve ever heard.

If I’m by myself, that’s what I listen to. When I want to feel something, I put music on. I’ve made thousands of CDs and cassettes. I still have my original iPod with 10,000 songs on it. I won’t let that library go, even though I can play any song I want right now. That’s not any fun.

FRIDAYS SURE ARE INTERESTING ON CKON. WHAT’S THAT ABOUT ?

OMPSON

Free Format Friday was created about 25 years ago. It was a day for listeners who didn’t like country music. It was supposed to feel like a party. So George Jones comes on, then AC/DC right after, then Cinderella. I pictured it like a bonfire. One of the lines I would use on the air was, “It’s like a jukebox without the quarters!” I love Free Format Friday.

TELL US ABOUT A CAREER HIGHLIGHT. One of our biggest moments was the Ice Storm of 1998. When community leaders came on the air, it seemed like no one believed them.

The weather got worse day after day. The station became a two-way radio because we had phone lines on both sides of the border.

When someone needed help, they’d call us and we’d call the police to send help. That

I’ve learned not to ask kids what their favourite radio station is while we’re live on the air! They don’t always say CKON.

YOU’RE A FAN FAVOURITE WHEN IT COMES TO RADIO BINGO. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT IT ?

—Reen Cook

I enjoy calling bingo because of our elders. It’s a fun activity for them. They don’t have to leave their house or go to a smoky room to play. It usually connects them with someone else and turns Tuesday evening into a social event.

FINDING YOUR “RADIO” VOICE MUST BE TOUGH. We have to be patient and remember that we all learned. I got a chance. They let me keep coming to work! We have to do that for others who are new to it and never think that we’re too good to have someone on the radio. We need to stay humble. That's how you learn.

YOU’RE UNIVERSALLY LOVED BY YOUR COMMUNITY AND NONINDIGENOUS LISTENERS ALIKE. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET ?

I love what I do and I think CKON listeners and our bingo players can feel that. I try as hard as I can to promote our community, and I think people appreciate that, too.

WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY RADIO? We have to work to stay relevant. Content is important. You can make your playlists on Spotify or whatever, but you won’t hear that there's a bear on Cook Road! We need to always have something to provide, content-wise.

That’s big for me. Today, radio is a business.

CKON is a family member.

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There are people who don’t like classic country music, but they listen because their parents or grandparents listen. It takes them back to a certain time or place and brings them memories. Sometimes, you go into someone’s house, especially if they’re elders, and the radio is on all the time. It means something to me when CKON is on in their home.

Music touches you in so many different ways. It can make you laugh, it can make you cry.

Make you think.”

f ckonfm.com

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© C A N S TO C K P H OTO / S PA R K S T U D I O

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Into the Clouds ­— B Y C A R O L A N N B R E E DY K

Jaymie Secord is what you’d call a mountain man. Actually, the 40-year-old resident has branded himself “Joe Wilderness” and so far has bagged 25 of the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in a quest to become a “46er”.

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Not limited to Upstate New York climbing, he’s also climbed hills in Ontario and Quebec and in January 2021 jetted to Bali with his love, Lauren Secord, to climb Gunung Batur (1,717m). When the pandemic shut down cross-border travel, he shifted his focus to scaling domestic summits including Ha Ling Peak (2,407m) last summer in the Canadian Rockies.

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His schedule this year is full of altitude too. This summer, he plans on scaling the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (5,895m), and climbing one of the greatest pinnacles of New England, Mount Katahdin (1,605m). Plus, at the urging of Lauren, the pair will trek the Grand Canyon from rim to rim for a distance of about 48 kilometres.

Joe Wilderness is hosting guided hiking trips this summer. Join him— ‘cause you know you’ll never regret the view. f joewilderness.ca

A solitary heron takes in the vastness of life in Long Sault.

— P H OTO : B R A N D O N M A C K E N Z I E X @STROLLINGTHROUGHRYE

A sparkly skyscape at night near Milles Roches Campground, Long Sault Parkway.

— P H OTO : A A R O N A N D R E S S X @ V I S U A L S O FA I R

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Gallery

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Gallery

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“The Early Morning Fisherman,” Gray’s Creek, Glen Walter. — P H OTO : T H O M A S W I L L I A M ( TO M ) C O O P E R

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Gallery

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Thunderheads roll over Akwesasne. — P H OTO : T E H O I ATAT H E X bearclan_photography

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“Giving Gratitude,” Akwesasne. — P H OTO : M A R J O R I E S K I D D E R S X @ohiatonkwa Ribbon skirt: Cheyenne Lazore X @_auntievibes_

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Gallery

A break in the rain brings magic to St. Raphael’s Ruins.

— P H OTO : K AT E D W Y E R X @k8dwyer84

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BY LAUREN MCGILL

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Friday Night FEVER 27

P H O T O G R A P H Y: L E E L A D O U C E U R X ladouceurphoto

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H A I R / M A K E U P/A R T D I R E C T I O N : M A R C- A N D R É L E VA C X hairbymarcandre

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S T Y L I S T/ S U P P L I E R : D AY N A G U N N X dgvintage MODELS: T I A P E R K I N S , C A I T L I N W R I G H T, S A R A H LAMOUREUX & CASSIE JAMES VENUE: CORNWALL BBQ

One year ago. It’s 7 o'clock on a Friday night. There’s a closet full of dresses, racks full of shoes, and trays of sparkling accessories—and nowhere to go.

Dreaming of a night out in stilettos and winged eyeliner, you fall asleep once again in sad grey sweatpants and a tattered tee shirt. and joggers for jacquard? Only you can decide.

Our perspectives may have changed, but some local haunts haven’t. Come with us to an iconic local restaurant, unchanged by time, as we explore vintage vibes through a fierce lens.

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As we make our return to the social scene, we’re making up for lost time.

Two years of staying home more (a lot more!) has us shaking up our priorities and overhauling our fashion choices. Is it time to swap out sweatshirts for sequins, tee shirts for tiaras,

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Social media has had a huge impact on promoting secondhand fashion and self-expression. The effect was amplified throughout the pandemic, with many scouring their feeds for fresh finds, rather than browsing in-store.

“It helped people realize you don’t have to constantly buy new,” says Dayna Gunn, owner of dg vintage in downtown Cornwall. She also notes that people are becoming more aware of how important it is to be more eco-conscious and zero waste, whether it be with household supplies, food, or fashion.

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IMMERSIVE, INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TOURS Akwesasne has many stories to tell. From the ancient art of basket making and herbal medicine to the traditions of lacrosse and music, Akwesasne has a rich culture that is waiting to be explored.

Indigenous artists, river recreation, local foods, and cultural events: Akwesasne isn't your big city or nature retreat. It’s a special place with a creative soul and we’re excited to connect with you.

Custom itineraries and private tours are available.

For more information contact tours@akwesasne.travel Facebook.com/Akwesasnetravel

akwesasnetravel

The

to

BY LAUREN MCGILL I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y A LY S S A M C L E A N

If you’re looking to step away from regular life and step into a quiet retreat, this guide’s for you. You’ll find four local gems that are worth booking tout de suite. We added some suggestions for additional activities for you (or you and your +1). What are you waiting for?

The countryside is calling!

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Psst! We want to let you in on some of our most coveted secrets.

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Waterfront Getaway Glen Walter Live in the lap of luxury in this 525-squarefoot guest home on the St. Lawrence River.

With its fenced yard, large patios with BBQ, a fire pit, and stairs down to your private deck with a swim ladder, you could never leave the house and still have all you need.

This sweet spot is nestled on a quiet one-acre treed lot and tricked out with all the extras: a boat dock, Level 2 EV car charging (on request), and a gas fireplace for cool evenings.

Bring some rods if you want to fish off the lower deck. Bonus points if you catch some perch!

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fbit.ly/cozy-waterfront-getaway

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TO DO: • Grab a bite on the patio at nearby Sheep's Head Bistro, voted Cornwall’s #1 restaurant on Tripadvisor. Or, get your meal to go and enjoy it back at the tiny home while watching the sunset and passing ships. fsheepsheadbistro.ca • Head to Glen Walter Park for a stroll or rollerblade on the 2.1-kilometre walking loop, to play a few rounds of beach volleyball, or to shoot some hoops. q6626 Wine Crescent, South Glengarry.

• Grab the complimentary bikes and take them for a spin on the Waterfront Trail. fbit.ly/SG-waterfront-trail • Get out on the river on the provided paddleboards or grab an early-morning lesson down the road in Cornwall with Lucy, an Advanced Paddleboard Instructor. flucyhillfitness.com

Anastasia's Domain Alexandria

Farm guests have access to the entire property, which also backs onto the Glengarry Trails (glengarrytrails.com) system. Rent an onsite e-bike (or in winter, a set of snowshoes) to explore this 45-acre property—and the 1,000 acres of adjacent forest—to your heart’s content.

fbit.ly/anastasias-domain

TO DO: • Park yourself on the warm, white sand at Island Park Beach or take a refreshing swim in Mill Pond. fbit.ly/alexandria-island-park • Looking for something to sip? Stop by Buvette du Marché at cocktail hour, swing by Wood Brothers Brewing Co. on the weekend, or stop in at Stonehouse Vineyard for a wine and food tasting package. fbuvettegastropub Kwoodbrothersbrewingcompany fstonehousevineyard.ca • Get in a game at Bowman’s Tag in Maxville. Think dodgeball, only archery style with bows and padded arrows. fbowmanstag.com

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Go off-grid at this biodynamic and biodiverse farm in historic Alexandria. Snag a 200-squarefoot solar-powered cabin with a sleeping loft, small fridge, BBQ, and composting modern toilet for a self-sustaining experience. If you feel like company, there’s an on-site cookhouse for ten guests.

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Thompson Island Cultural Camp Akwesasne Kick back and connect with nature at this immersive, eco-cultural camp. Join its friendly and knowledgeable crew for unique cultural activities and seasonal demonstrations.

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The camp has cozy accommodations including private cabins and a multi-bed, open-plan bunkhouse. Visitors can sip a refreshing strawberry drink in the screen house while taking in the tranquil river view. Available for group overnights or retreats, the experience includes communal home-cooked meals prepared onsite using traditional foods and methods of the Mohawk people. Camp staff can put together bespoke experiences with both in-house and outside presenters.

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TO DO: • The waterfront is sandy and not too deep, so bring your swimsuit for a cool dip. Or, take a canoe ride around the bay—be sure to watch for jumping sturgeon.

• Request a medicine walk to learn about the healing properties of native plants and fungi growing wild on the lush island.

• Learn some Kanien’kéha (that’s Mohawk) words and phrases from local speakers.

Hear about the importance of preserving this Indigenous language, and find out what’s being done to pass it on to local youths.

fakwesasne.travel/partners/thompson-island/

Pickalotta Treehouse Chesterville Step away from the hustle and into an off-grid oasis. This two-storey treehouse, built partially with salvaged materials, has a green roof and is perched on top of reclaimed telephone poles. It comes with solar power, an outdoor shower, well water, propane heat, and an incinerator toilet.

TO DO:

In the summertime, intrepid guests will appreciate picking their own veggies in the seasonal garden, cooking outdoors in the authentic earthen oven, or exploring the trails on the neighbouring property. In winter, there’s a wood-burning sauna on the frozen pond— with an access hole for a chance to experience a polar plunge!

• Take in an outdoor summer concert at StoneCropAcres Winery and Vineyard or simply stop by for a tasting of their small artisanal wine and cider batches at the on-site tasting room or outdoor patio. f stonecropacres.ca • Explore Winchester’s downtown.

Make sure to visit The Maker’s Hub and Planted Arrow Flowers & Gifts for carefully curated gifts and housewares.

K themakershubwinchester f theplantedarrow.com

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fbit.ly/pickalotta-treehouse

• Take an 18-kilometre bike ride to the Upper Canada Creamery, where they use their own milk to produce top-quality, organic, grass-fed dairy products. f uppercanadacreamery.com

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Discover

24 min GLENGARRY BEACH

STORMONT • DUNDAS • GLENGARRY

ISLAND PARK BEACH

12 min

It’s time to beach hop!

14 min

12 min

FARRAN PARK BEACH

CRYSLER PARK BEACH

W LA

CHARLOTTENBURG PARK BEACH

MILLES ROCHES BEACH

N RE

CE

RIVE

R

ST

13 min

32 min

14 min

MORRISBURG BEACH

IROQUOIS BEACH

WhereOntarioBegan.ca

B Y C H A N TA L T R A N C H E M O N TA G N E | P H OTO S B Y N I C H O L A S S E G U I N

An artist pours herself into a life she didn’t expect— and finds beauty in the process.

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On Deck

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In the waning light of the day, Sammy Hayes sits cross-legged on a velvet gold armchair in her small 10-by-10-foot home studio in Chesterville. She is surrounded by the necessities of her creative process: big pails, small bottles of paint, brushes, rags, jars, gallon jugs of glue, and a stack of skateboard decks.

It’s hard not to crush on Sammy. She is effortlessly beautiful—long and lean with a big toothy smile and a headful of tousled longand-blond hair. She wears her ripped-up and paint-splattered overalls as a uniform for her full-bodied life as an artist, a singer, a farmhand, and an all-around good-time girl.

She spends several days each week producing her skateboard art. She first makes a plan of attack. What colours will she use? What shapes will she create? What approach will she take? Then the hard work begins. She begins by meticulously sanding down her decks and then tapes off the sections where she wants bare wood to remain. The second day of work is dedicated to mixing paint and pouring. She mixes up her own medium—paint, glue, water, silicone oil—and then starts laying it on the board in a fluid motion. When she blasts heat from a small culinary torch, the magic starts to happen.

Cell-like shapes form and the colours move into their natural place. It gives new meaning to “going with the flow”. After letting the decks dry for a few days, she adds a coat of hard finish to protect her work.

“On one hand, I want people someone to hang my pieces on their wall and to cherish them forever,” she says. “But then I’m like, just shred it. Just get it out there and ride it hard.”

Creating art on skateboards is about more than just beauty for Sammy. She has regained her ground—and her sense of self—by pouring acrylic paint on the decks and transforming them into calming and fluid-looking works of art.

“I started this in March 2021 after a long period of feeling really removed from my art…but

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…

On May 7, 2020, Sammy lost her love, Mike Von Gunten, in a farming accident. He was six days shy of his 30th birthday, about a month past the day he proposed marriage, and two months after the pandemic was officially declared.

You hear a careful whisper of Sammy’s grief when she tells happy stories of how she and Mike hosted raucous parties, packing the house with friends and instruments. And how they took “crazy epic road trips,” like that time they drove to Memphis on a whim.

And how they had “mad fun” being on stage together at shows, Mike on guitar, Sammy at the mic. And how they’d spend endless hours skateboarding together without a care in the world. And how Mike started “ripping up the carpet and gutting the room” when she said she wanted an art space.

Sammy, now 31, talks with the kind of gratitude and fortitude that only comes after working through pain and coming out the other side. There’s a vulnerability about her and as much as she doesn’t want tragedy to define her, it is part of her story that she is learning to embrace. …

Sammy Valerie Tracey Hayes was born in Perth, Ontario on December 21, 1990, the winter solstice. Her family moved around a lot in the early years but settled in a home in Chesterville right before she entered Grade 6.

“There wasn’t really a lot of room for kids like me, you know, the artsy kind,” she says.

Without any other choice, she adapted.

Her stepfather built her an easel in his workshop and that gave her the space to explore her creativity.

In Grade 9, around the same time that she was creating landscape paintings and dabbling in portraiture, she picked up the guitar too. She was too shy to join the group of kids that always played music at school, but when she got home, she would pick up her acoustic guitar and sing with her sister, recording themselves on an old boombox.

As Sammy found her voice, she also met her match. She officially met Mike at a punk show in a church basement in Kemptville when she was 15 and they hit it off as friends first, then transitioned quickly into boyfriend/girlfriend status. Mike was a wickedly funny and a handsomely scruffy kid, son of Felix and Valerie, brother ... AND I WAS to Peter.

INSTANTLY IN

“

He grew up on the family LOVE WITH farm, Sybrenson Farms, a MAKING ART progressive dairy operation AGAIN.” a stone’s throw away from ­—Sammy Hayes where Sammy lives now. “I remember him as the guy who was dating a beautiful girl on student council. I was a frigging punk kid that was always going to smoke. His locker was right by the cafeteria on the way to the smoking pit so we would see each other all the time.”

Somehow, their young love never waned.

They shared a home about a quarter of a mile from his family, the house Mike bought when he was 20, the house where she still lives.

“We drove into work together. We came home together. We still made dinner together. We hung out, we jammed, we did everything together. Everything.” …

After Mike's death, or, as she calls it, “the day that changed it all,” Sammy’s work has served her well.

“I found a love for myself and my art again,” she says. “And I figured out that friends and family weren’t the only people who love my

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then I bought five blank skateboards to paint on and I was instantly in love with making art again because it merged two things that I loved so much, that Mike loved so much…” she says, her voice trailing off.

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art. There’s a whole world of other people that do too.”

Over the past year, she’s put her production in overdrive because demand for her pieces has been high. At one point, she was painting six to seven decks a day. She sells at local markets, through her personal and professional Instagram pages, and ships her boards across the country. She’s also proud to report that she was invited to exhibit five of her decks at a gallery in Smiths Falls.

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Despite all the wins in the past year, Sammy has also had to pull back from committing entirely to being a full-time artist.

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“The biggest reason that I can’t do this fulltime is that I can’t spend that much time

in this house. It was Mike and my house and there’s so much history here,” she explains. “We created an awesome space for ourselves and our friends and nothing is the same anymore. It’ll be a lot easier for me to focus more on my art once I have a new place.”

To be sure, Sammy never expected her life nor her art to evolve the way it has. And she has no idea what will come at her in the future either. But from experience, she has learned that “it will still end up beautiful.”

X the.dirtyworkbench

Enjoy open skies and breathtaking views along the majestic Riverside Trail.

Start your next cycling adventure with us! Visit the Cornwall Tourism website for cycling maps, itineraries, stay packages, and more.

CornwallTourism.com #ExploreCornwallON

Thanks to donors like you, Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation can help fill the gaps where government funding stops. Working together, we can continue purchasing state-of-theart equipment to help our frontlines enhance and save the lives of local patients.

If you're considering supporting local healthcare, please donate today at:

www.cornwallhospitalfoundation.ca

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TableTalk

BY C H A N TA L T R A N C H E M O N TAG N E | P H OTO S BY N I C H O L A S S EG U I N

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Three food purveyors—all recently established in the city—sat down over good food and wine to chat about their whys and the future of the culinary scene.

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B U T F I R S T, A N INTRODUCTION Nancy Vigeant, is the owner-operator of Carrots N’ Dates Cornwall, the newest health-based restaurant and shop specializing in gluten-free options and whole, unprocessed foods.

Prior to opening her own shop in the city, this 46-year-old restaurateur was general manager of the original Carrots N’ Dates in Windsor. f carrotsndates.com

Chef Carson Killam, 34, runs Birchwood, a fine contemporary eatery, and brand new Sugoi, a sushi and ramen bar. Formerly the Executive Chef of Rodney's Oyster House in Calgary, he and wife Gina Scandrett moved to Cornwall to be closer to family in 2019. He has big plans to open even more eateries in the city. f birchwoodcornwall.ca X SugoiCornwall

Raised in Cornwall until she was 13, Stacia Carlton is owneroperator of Essential Kitchen, a cooking studio and culinary hub that offers cooking classes, tastings, demonstrations, and private events.

At 57, she returned to Cornwall ready to share her appreciation for good food.

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ON STARTING A RESTAURANT CARSON No rational person would ever start a restaurant if they looked at the profit margin.

The national average is about five percent. If you try to figure why we would do it, there’s only one reason: It’s who we are.

STACIA When I started talking to my cousins about starting Essential Kitchen, we discussed how there’s never a perfect time to do something like this. It’s kind of like having children.

NANCY That’s right. You’ll never have enough money. You’ll never be emotionally mature enough. You’ll never be totally ready.

CARSON But what you do have is the fortitude to step up to the plate and go for it. It might not be the right time but it’s the right time for you.

ON THEIR ROLE AS GASTRONOMES NANCY When I was in a corporate place, the attitude was to get the person in and get them out. But when I started work at Carrots N’ Dates in Windsor, it was about slowing down, talking to people, and being transparent about what we put in our food. My passion has since switched to teaching people about how to fuel their bodies and how to feel better overall.

STACIA I just want people to understand how easy it is to feed themselves.

CARSON Both of you are focused on teaching.

Nancy, you’re teaching about their health, and Stacia, you’re teaching them how to provide sustenance for themselves but also how to entertain others. For myself, I just want to put out high-quality food.

NANCY For sure. I don’t want to be too preachy about only eating a certain way. I think people need to treat themselves and find their balance.

I mean, I do love a good piece of cheesecake and a glass of wine.

CARSON It’s really interesting that we all come at food and how we present it to people in different ways. Nancy, you talk about ingredients.

STACIA I think when people are truly interested in food, they want to experience it from all three angles. More and more, I think they also want to know where their food is coming from. Where is the honey from?

What went into the garnish? Is this ingredient local?

NANCY We have so many farmers around us, so that seems natural.

ON WEATHERING THE STORM CARSON COVID decimated the industry, but in Cornwall at least, what it didn’t touch is this: People’s desire to support other locals.

They wanted to be a part of keeping businesses open in whatever way they could. So if that meant getting takeout, they would do it. And from my perspective, the pandemic wasn’t going to stop me from what I wanted to do with my life, which is to create food and provide sustenance.

STACIA Absolutely. The thing is, people always need to eat.

CARSON For the most part, the restaurant industry has always been able to stay afloat

or flourish—even through recessions or this pandemic—because of that fact.

STACIA I think people became more exploratory. When I was still in Toronto managing a houseware store, I became a living hotline for all things food. When we were doing curbside pickups, I found myself on the sidewalk talking about poaching eggs, grilling lobsters, and baking bread. All I did was talk people through how to make something in their own kitchens.

CARSON People are definitely coming in with more open minds.

Now we can use the whole animal and serve the “funny parts” because people are more adventurous. I would also say that people are returning to restaurants because they want an experience more than they used to. People used to be in and out more quickly.

“

YOU’LL NEVER HAVE ENOUGH MONEY. YOU’LL NEVER BE EMOTIONALLY MATURE ENOUGH. YOU’LL NEVER BE TOTALLY READY.”

­—Nancy Vigeant

STACIA Experience has become a really big word in our industry, that’s for sure.

CARSON I think the focus now isn’t so much on the food, but about being able to get out and enjoy life with other people.

STACIA Togetherness.

NANCY I think we all really, really missed that socializing, so now that we are back in it, that’s what we’re valuing.

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Stacia, you talk about preparation. I want people to talk about food at my table and have fun trying to figure out what’s going on, and what the flavours might be. I guess my angle would be “discovery.”

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ON ROLLING WITH THE TIMES

“

CARSON With a lot of restaurants that I’ve worked at, it was very much “This is who we are and what defines us.” They wouldn’t branch out and try new things. Now, I know how to pivot wholeheartedly. I’ll never automatically say “no” to things whether that’s custom catering jobs or adding new things to the menu. It has to make sense, obviously, but I’m not going to shut anything down.

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EMPOWERING PEOPLE IS COOL. IT MAKES THEM FEEL GOOD. IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD.”

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STACIA I know it sounds crazy to say this during such a tumultuous time in our world history, but in a way, in a developmental way, this time has been fun and interesting. Think about how much we’ve all learned!

CARSON In hindsight, yes. But ­—Stacia Carlton there was a lot of stress and panic at first. On the first day, I think I did $4 in sales. The second day was $12.

And then people started understanding that we were still there and still open. We slowly built back up and it became fun. It was the ultimate challenge to figure out what niche market I could fill. And how I could use that to stay involved and be part of the community again.

STACIA That’s an interesting point. Our work is our social life. Personally, I don’t need to do anything other than this. I’m happy doing this.

NANCY Um, there are definitely some mornings when I think I’d rather be sleeping in.

CARSON Yes! But I agree. As restaurant workers, we generally have zero personal time.

We’re focused on people all day long.

ON THE COOK-AT-HOME TREND STACIA Well, it’s great for me. The curriculum at Essential Kitchen offers lessons on how to poach an egg right up to very high-end techniques that you wouldn’t learn except from an expert in the field. Empowering people is cool. It makes them feel good. It makes me feel good.

NANCY We didn’t fight the trend. We just started breaking down our menu into ingredients and instructions so people could take them home. It was very popular.

CARSON What I’ve noticed is that the more people have experimented and played with food at home, the more they were interested in the experience of dining out again.

NANCY Or they’re more likely to play with a recipe and make it their own.

CARSON People are learning the joy of cooking again. And for some households, the economic hit means they don’t have as much disposable income for things like going out. So I think that going out will be reserved for special occasions, birthdays, and things like that.

NANCY For sure, and that’s why we need to value every customer that makes the choice to spend their money with us.

ON WHAT COMES NEXT STACIA Frankly, I think and hope that portion sizes go down to help people understand normal and healthy portions.

NANCY And for waste alone! Unfortunately, people have understood value as having lots on their plates.

CARSON It’s been the value standard since, I would say, the 2008 recession. I remember working at restaurants back then. Tapas and

small plates were everywhere, but when the recession hit, people wanted to leave full, stuffed. I don’t think that’s really flipped back. I’ll admit that I have a few dishes on the menu that are excessively large, but they’re meant to be taken home. I love it when people bring their leftovers to work the next day.

STACIA Because then other people can talk about your food. And that makes sense. But I hate food waste so desperately that it pains me.

PEOPLE

“

ARE LEARNING THE JOY OF COOKING AGAIN.”

CARSON Sustainability has always been a real issue in the restaurant industry. We’re here for pleasure as a service industry, but we should be responsi­—Carson Killam ble in how we provide that to people. Look at halibut cheeks, for example.

We might only harvest that one little amazing part. We should be using the rest of the fish first and then reserving that one part for an exclusive dinner.

NANCY I think people are going for quality instead of quantity now. Instead of having a giant plate, I think they’ll focus on the whole meal.

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STACIA I can understand that. They could try to recreate something at home and realize they didn’t quite capture the flavour or the texture or whatever.

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Cornwall's Coworking Community

BOOK A TOUR

with Tracy, our Community Coordinator wbhub.ca • 613-936-1218 • info@wbhub.ca 116-705 Cotton Mill St.

For decades our city was on a slow simmer. But now, it’s heating up and bubbling with action. Find out why.

A C H O O S E C O R N W A L L A N D P E R C H M A G A Z I N E C O L L A B O R AT I O N I L L U S T R AT I O N S B Y L E E L A D O U C E U R | L A D O U C E U R P H OTO

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Alive

Cornwall Comes

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A Sense of P lace

Some small cities try to attract interest by being flashy, trendy, or just plain loud. As a community, Cornwall has always remembered mom’s advice: “Just be yourself.”

So we celebrate our growing city on the St. Lawrence River with its down-to-earth vibes, cozy neighbourhoods, and green spaces all around. We let our kids climb trees, ride bikes, and chase chip trucks. We travel across town in 15 minutes, tops. We gather outdoors any chance we get—to eat, to drink, to hear good music, and just to hang out. We float, boat, and fish our mighty river. We get inspired by the creativity we’re seeing everywhere—from our art scene to new construction to budding businesses. And of course, we work. But we work to live and not the other way around.

Right now, our city is at a turning point. Our population is swelling as newcomers arrive with fresh energy and ideas. It’s an exciting time to live the good life in Cornwall.

There are currently 500+ positions available in Cornwall.

The latest openings can be found on the ChooseCornwall.ca Job Board.

Working It

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Let’s just say it: Cornwall is always looking for workers. From entry-level to supervisory roles to upper management, there are openings in all sectors.

Truck drivers and logistics experts?

Step right up. Administrators and business leaders? Yes. Carpenters, welders, and engineers? Yup. Doctors and nurses? Of course. Retail and restaurant servers? Affirmative. Professors, researchers, and teachers? Absolutely.

Odds are that anyone looking for a job can find one here.

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“There's literally a job out there for anyone. This is the place where you can marry a good job with a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.”

The fact of the matter is that we have —Jason Jesmer, Client the perfect storm for job seekers: Rapid Relationship Manager expansion of the business landscape at Drake International and an older population that is soon to retire. Polish that resumé, people!

A C H O O S E C O R N W A L L A N D P E R C H M A G A Z I N E C O L L A B O R AT I O N

Guindon Park, 500 acres

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public parks

Lamoureux Park, 43 waterfront acres

5 1 3

outdoor pools

4

ice pads

ski hill

BMX track

We honour and appreciate this meeting place and those who came before us—the Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat.

splash aquatic pads centre With a twisty slid e!

1

1

4

Strolling, hiking, g, cross-country skiin season snowshoeing, multi-use fat biking trails

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40+ racing events every year

3 2

marinas

golf courses

and

1}

mini putt

= 1Big Recreation Haven “There’s a real renaissance of art happening in the city. From the reopening of our beloved art gallery, to Art Walks, Art Hives, and Apples and Arts Tour, to the eventual opening of the Art Centre, there’s a beautiful culturescape here!” | PERCH MAGAZINE

boat launches

kilometres of dedicated bike lanes

3{

Today, we continue to learn from our Mohawk brothers and sisters in Akwesasne, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to live, work, and play with them on this land.

—Emily MacLeod, Visual Arts Coordinator, Cline House Gallery and Studio

A C H O O S E C O R N W A L L A N D P E R C H M A G A Z I N E C O L L A B O R AT I O N

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Hot Housing

Some say you can’t throw a stone in Cornwall without (accidentally) hitting a real estate agent. And that’s because Cornwall’s housing market is hot! Troy Vaillancourt, the president of the Cornwall and District Real Estate Board and a local realtor with Century 21 explains why: “The appeal is the assortment of homes available from heritage homes to waterfront mansions to modern industrial condos,” he says. “There’s lots of new construction for semi-detached and single-family homes, so there are opportunities for home buyers and investors too.”

Good in the ’Hoods

Getting the lay of the land for *some* of the most livable neighbourhoods.

Riverdale A tree-lined neighbourhood with a big central park, good schools, and easy access to the river. Expect a mix of smaller war-time bungalows, one-off mid-century homes, and new luxury builds.

Average house price in Cornwall and area: $426,106

Average house price in Ontario: $1,086,493

to Lamoureux Park, the library, and the downtown retail-and-restaurant strip.

Cotton Mill This area is midway through a major transformation. With its storied past that stretches back to Thomas Edison (yes, really), this once industrial area is quickly becoming a hipper and more attractive hood with waterfront condos and apartments for upscale urban living.

East Ridge One of Cornwall’s newest developments features lots of semi- and single-family homes north of the Riverside Trail, south of Highway 401, and west of the Gray's Creek Conservation Area.

Eamer’s Corners

401

Eamer’s Corners / Northwoods In close proximity to Highway 138 towards Ottawa and Highway 401 towards Montreal or Toronto, this area in the north of the city is an established neighbourhood with great amenities including an elementary school, tennis courts, a public pool, and park space.

Downtown Also known as “The Square Mile,” this

East Ridge

2

Riverdale

zone was the original plot for the Town of Cornwall.

Most of the city’s grand historic properties are located here. The area is also coveted for its proximity

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2

Downtown

A C H O O S E C O R N W A L L A N D P E R C H M A G A Z I N E C O L L A B O R AT I O N

Cotton Mill

Five Cornwall Flavours Get a true taste of the city.

1 2 3 4

The Beer House: Rurban Brewing

The city’s indie brewery has a taproom and a patio where hop heads can taste their unpasteurized, unfiltered beer.

The Hidden Gem: Stomping Grounds Bistro and Cafe A modern

industrial eatery nestled in the Cotton Mill development. The scratch kitchen is known for consistently putting out tasty, contemporary food.

The Sweet Heart: Happy Popcorn Co. This downtown destination stocks fresh

gourmet popcorns, imported candy, retro sweets, slushies, and ice cream! Yum, right?

The Full-Flavoured Fare: Wow India Chefs Boopathi and Ravi whip up a

frenzy of fresh Indian dishes from biryani to curries and everything in between.

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The Classic: Philos With great service

and a menu that will please everyone, we’d call this the perfect place for family gatherings. To note: Their souvlaki platters are legendary.

AND 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: We can’t talk about Cornwall’s food scene without mentioning the old school pizzerias that put out world-famous pies.

Think ‘za piled high with cheese and pepperoni and whatever other toppings customers want.

Some of the classic stops include Riverside Pizza,

Cornwall BBQ, North End Pizzeria, Louis’ Pizzeria, King George Restaurant, and more..

Meet the Shopkeepers

Get to know a few of the people behind Cornwall’s retail scene!

Julie Dennis This mother of two is at the helm of the Local Fill, a waste-free boutique. The bright shelves are stocked with everything from bulk food to cleaning products to beauty supplies.

Carolyne O’Reilly & Jocelyn Nicholson This dynamic duo recently took over and reimagined one of eastern Ontario’s largest gift stores. They’ve filled their 6,000 square-foot space—now called Nickel & Ore—with great giftware, kitchenware, gourmet foods, apparel, and more!

Jason Lavoie & Emily Restoule This team took over Bud’s Records and Kool Things in 2020. They buy and sell new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and turntables. Also worth a mention: Their wide selection of rock shirts. A music lover’s haven!

Leslie & Kevin Ouderkirk Owners of Kid’s Korner, this husbandand-wife team knows exactly what the young (and the young at heart) want. They fill their shelves from floor to ceiling with the best toys, books, puzzles, and activity kits.

A C H O O S E C O R N W A L L A N D P E R C H M A G A Z I N E C O L L A B O R AT I O N

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Throwback

Lacrosse

The Heart and Soul of

BY R A N D I B A R R E I R O

| PERCH MAGAZINE

Thanks in part to a modest family-run outfit in Akwesasne, lacrosse had become a wildly popular sport in the first half of the 20th century.

The Mohawk Lacrosse Stick Manufacturing Company, founded by brothers Frank and Alex Roundpoint, had supplied nearly all of the world’s lacrosse sticks during that era.

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In its mid-century heyday, the factory employed some 100 Mohawks in the intensive, cooperative process of lacrosse stick making.

Men and their apprentices collected high-quality, locally sourced hickories and split, cured, steamed, bent, and carved the hardwood. After setting for a few months, the shafts were then bundled and delivered to family homes on Cornwall Island for lacing, the intricate weaving of “pockets” made of leather strips and sinew.

Women were employed both at the factory and at home, stringing sticks in between their

P I C T U R E D : AW E N N E N H Á :W I F R A N K M I TC H E L L A N D K A N E R A H TÓ N T H A E S T H E R M I TC H E L L

household responsibilities. Husbands joined them in the evenings, and children helped after school by separating and preparing laces.

Depending on their output, families could earn a couple of hundred dollars a week producing the world's finest sticks.

Production came to an abrupt end when the factory burned down in 1968. Heartbroken, Frank, then in his late 80s, died soon after.

By the time production resumed at the new factory, plastic heads had begun to dominate the market.

To honour his legacy and contribution to the game, Frank was inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1997 and this year was nominated for the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

This is our Cornwall.

Make it yours.

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