Preparations are underway for North Grenville’s first ever yoga festival.

Over the last year, Julia O’Grady of ITM Events and Bodhi Tree Yoga Centre owner Om Shanti Charlebois have been working to bring the Surya Yoga Festival to downtown Kemptville. 

Charlebois says after seeing yoga festivals take place in neighboring communities, they wanted to bring something to our backyard.

“From Brockville, Smiths Falls, Ottawa, and Cornwall even, we get students who show up to classes,” Charlebois said. “So why not have a festival in the centre of all of it so we can bring tourism from all those areas to downtown Kemptville.” 

The festival will be held on the Kemptville Campus and will include over 15 classes taking place all through the day.  

Attendees will use the ITM Events app, which will also  be used as a tourism promotional tool over the summer and leading up to the festival.

The festival is open to people of all ages, and Charlebois says there are different yoga styles to suit everyone’s needs. 

“This festival will not only allow us to celebrate yoga and its diversities, but it also allows people to try styles of yoga that they haven’t tried before,” Charlesbois said. “One of the beauties of yoga is that everybody can find their own path.” 

For more information, you can reach out to Charlebois through the Bodhi Tree Yoga Facebook page. 

The festival is set for September 18, from 6:30am-to-8:30pm. 

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The Principal at a Kemptville school is being recognized for her creativity and innovation.

Principal at Oxford on Rideau Public School Laura Oliver has been named a recipient of the Upper Canada District School Board’s 2021 Trustee Innovation Award.

Oliver was one of eight individuals selected for the award, which recognizes staff for innovative teaching and work practices. 

She says she earned the honour for her work on COVIDEO 2020, an online film and art festival, which showcased artwork done by students all over the region.

“Kids really worked with their families, they were resourceful and used things from around the house to create these videos” Oliver said. “So, they really showed their creativity and ingenuity,” 

Oliver launched COVIDEO 2020 as part of her role leading the school board’s Drama Subject Council, in an effort to get students from Kindergarten to share their work in drama, music, and visual arts during the time of remote learning. 

This platform supported students working with each other in their own schools and between schools to foster engagement during the pandemic. 

As for winning the award, Oliver says it fills her with a sense of appreciation and accomplishment.

“It really lifted my spirits,” Oliver said. “I guess for me, even though it was a passion project, I just really appreciated that other people enjoyed and appreciated it as well.” 

Oliver will receive her award in the fall at her school, and she will also be a part of a video presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting.

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Accessibility and conservation advocates are teaming up to transform Baxter Conservation Area into the most accessible nature destination in Eastern Ontario.

The Nature For All committee is working to upgrade Baxter’s bridges, boardwalks, trails and facilities to the gold standard of accessibility to make the park as inclusive as possible to all ages and abilities.

Mike Nemesvary is the founder of Nature For All, and as a quadriplegic, he believes everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of going outdoors, regardless of circumstances. 

“We want to make Baxter a showcase for all Eastern Ontario, if not Canada,” he said. With the right planning and the right infrastructure in place, that’s what it can become within the next five years.”

Nemesvary, a former competitive freestyle skier, has been visiting Baxter in his power wheelchair for nearly 20 years, after he was paralyzed in a training accident.

Nature For All is now seeking funding partners and donations for Phase 1, which requires $750,000 to build a brand new, fully accessible bridge across Baxter’s marshlands along with several education platforms overlooking the water.

The current marshland bridge reached the end of its life cycle and was closed as a safety precaution in 2019. 

Meanwhile, the new bridge will be wide enough for two people in wheelchairs to pass safely and easily.

Nemesvary says it’s his wish to see Baxter become a model of accessibility for other conservation areas.

“Often nature is denied to people with even much lesser disabilities than my own,” Nemesvary said. “So, we want to make it very safe and appealing so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy this beautiful asset.” 

To learn more about Nature For All or to make a donation, you can visit the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s website. 

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Hospitals all over the region are getting a boost in funding from the province.

On Wednesday, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark announced $7,642,100 to help hospitals in the region address the challenges created by the pandemic.

Board Chair for the Kemptville District Hospital Robert Morais says of that funding, they are receiving $344,400, which will increase their operating budget for 2021-22 by two per cent. 

“We have to always make sure there is realization of looking after the people we put the blue lights on for,” Morais said. “We have to look after them, and this is going to help us do that so it translates to the best care possible for everybody.” 

The majority of the funding is going to the Brockville General Hospital, which is receiving $4,999,200, a 7.2 percent increase in their budget.

Board Chair for BGH Michael Adamcryck says the funding comes at a perfect time for them, as they’ve been dealing with years of financial pressure and aging infrastructure.

“Using these dollars, BGH is committed to investing in our healthcare workers and planning for the future, so we may continue to deliver excellent patient care to the residents of Leeds Grenville,” Adamcryck said. 

Meanwhile, the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital is receiving $1,732,000, a rise of 3.9 per cent. 

Finally, the Winchester District Memorial Hospital is getting $576,900, which is a two-percent increase.

Clark says over the last three years, hospitals across the province have seen significant investments from the Ontario government. 

“Through COVID-19, these hospitals have gone above and beyond to serve patients and families,” Clark said. “These investments are another way Ontario is supporting high quality and timely access to healthcare during the pandemic, and going forward.”

The funds will be used to help the hospitals deliver high quality health services across the region.

In the case of Kemptville District Hospital, Morais says this will help them continue to provide exceptional care to patients and families in the community.

“We need to have some of this extra operational funding to be able to move forward,” Morais said. “We are considered one of the best rural hospitals in Ontario, and it’s because we can operate within our budget.” 

Morais says they are thankful for the province’s continued support towards the hospital. 

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Students throughout Leeds and Grenville were well-fed this year thanks to the Nutrition 4 Kids Program. 

Matthew Raby is Executive Director of the Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education and Training, which is responsible for the program. 

He says this past school year, student nutrition programs reached over 40,000 students across Eastern Ontario, which has enabled over 200 schools to provide breakfast and snack programs for students. 

“We’ve been able to adapt quickly and ensure these meals are reaching students in different and creative ways, wherever they are,” Raby said. “It’s been an incredible response from volunteers from across our communities in schools.” 

With the pandemic, he says this year has been unlike any other when it comes to ensuring students grades K-through-12, are eating healthy. 

Raby says in typical times, healthy food is offered by these programs at no cost to students through food bins, buffet settings or student self-preparation areas. 

However, this year, student nutrition programs in schools could only offer pre-packaged individual servings, with strict health guidelines for the preparation and distribution of foods.

Raby says schools and communities have really come together to make sure students have healthy food options to promote better learning, wherever they may be learning.

“When we can make sure our students have these programs, it really helps ensure a foundation for nutrition, which has been proven to be vital for student’s learning,” Raby said. 

Raby says all this would not have been possible were it not for volunteers, schools and local food banks all doing their part to help provide healthy food to children and youth in the community.

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A challenge is being issued to encourage residents to grow some facial hair to help raise funds for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. 

Doug Nugent, Co-Chair for the Black Walnut Prostate Cancer Support Group, says they’re launching their Dare to Flash a Stache fundraiser in order to raise more awareness about the disease.

He says proceeds will go to the hospital’s Cancer Care Coach Program, as well as the Ottawa Hospital Foundation. 

“Since we started up, we’ve raised between $150-160,000 for each hospital, and the money that goes to Ottawa, because of their leveraging, every dollar we give to them turns into $10,” Nugent said. 

 The fundraiser is kicking off during Men’s Health Month, and people are encouraged to sign up a team and challenge family, neighbours, colleagues, or businesses.

Nugent says unlike Movember, every cent raised through this fundraiser stays local. 

According to Nugent, prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men, and is the leading form of cancer in Canadian men. 

Nugent says the goal of this fundraiser is to take away the stigma associated with prostate cancer.

“Stay positive, and don’t be afraid to talk to family and friends,” Nugent said. “To me, that’s the key. I had amazing support, I talked about it, and the reason I talk about it is because I want other men to get tested.” 

Nugent says they’re hoping to raise $20,000 through the campaign. 

To register, you can reach out to the Black Walnut Group through their Facebook page. 

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Residents in Leeds & Grenville have multiple chances to get rid of hazardous waste through Household Hazardous Waste Day. 

Forest Manager for the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Geoff McVey says there are a number of upcoming dates available for people to take advantage of. 

He says it’s an opportunity for residents to clean their houses, while also protecting the environment. 

“People can go to any event to get rid of this stuff, and we collect it through a contractor, and they ship all these things off to various locations for recycling or proper disposal,” McVey said.

There will be five dates for waste collection from July until September at varying locations, including Spencerville and Kemptville. 

While the locations vary, McVey says the days are directed at all residents in the region. 

“Pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, that’s the kind of stuff we don’t want in our landfills,” McVey said. “There are other ways they can be recycled or disposed of that’s a lot better for the environment.” 

The first Household Hazardous Waste Day is set for Saturday, July 10, in Lombardy.

The dates for the other days can be found on the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville website. 

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It’s a wet start to the summer. 

After a dryer than usual Spring, Environment Canada Meteorologist Peter Kimball says we should see lots of precipitation this week and heading into next in Leeds & Grenville, and surrounding areas. 

“We’ve had some heavier rainfalls lately so we are actually catching up,” Kimball said. “We’re up to 58 milimetres in the Ottawa area so far this month, so while it has been dry, it has been catching up.” 

Kimball says there is a cold front that’s anticipated for Tuesday, but we should get back to average temperatures along with more rain for the rest of the week. 

According to Kimball, Tuesday should be the last of the cold weather for the foreseeable future. 

“We should bounce back to warmer temperatures by the end of the week, the weather is constantly changing,” Kimball said. “It’s been warmer than average so far this month, but we are seeing this cold front which is just an example of that change.”

To check the latest weather forecasts, head to Environment Canada’s website.

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Residents and business owners in the downtown area can now help make downtown Kemptville a key destination in North Grenville. 

The goals of the Downtown Kemptville Community Improvement Plan focus on connecting residents and businesses to the municipality, as well as providing financial incentives to help those looking to contribute to downtown revitalization. 

For example, businesses can apply to the Facade & Signage Grant, which covers 50 per cent of the costs up to $10,000 for high-quality improvements to the front of buildings.

Mayor Nancy Peckford says the plan outlines a set of financial incentives, planning tools, and updated practices to enhance development downtown. 

“We want to ensure we can sustain and drive some additional commercial growth downtown, and at the same time, create attractive residential opportunities where people can live, work and play,” Peckford said. 

Back in March, council approved the Downtown Kemptville Community Action Plan and the associated Community Improvement Plan.

Peckford says with County Road 43 seeing so much development, they wanted to shift their focus to other areas. 

“We want other parts of our municipality, in this case downtown, which used to be the hub for this area, and we want it to thrive,” Peckford said. 

To learn more about the available grants, head to North Grenville’s website. 

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The General Manager for the Kemptville 73s is happy to see the ball rolling toward a return to play for the Central Canadian Hockey League.

However, despite the progress, Terry Nichols feels the province has not made it a smooth process.

“We’ve been in contact with the health department numerous times, and I just think they missed the ball, especially for a league like ours where we played all those games last year and didn’t have a single case,”  Nichols said.  

The CCHL was not among those listed when the province rolled out an accelerated return-to-play framework for professional and elite-amateur sports leagues.

Nichols says considering the league’s track record for developing players, it’s lack of inclusion on the list makes no sense.

“Teams at our level go on to Canadian championships,” Nichols said. “And when you think about it, we have players who get drafted into the NHL, and we go to the World Junior A Championships to represent Canada.” 

The 73s were one of the few Junior A hockey teams in Eastern Ontario to see any action at all this past season, although they were all exhibition games. 

Nichols says with all the players have been through during this past year, they deserve a full slate of games.

“We’re doing a balanced schedule where we’ll play everybody five times, so that’s a 55-game schedule,” Nichols said. “And we have a showcase event over Thanksgiving in which we’ll play three of those games. 

The league is set to get the season underway in September and full schedule details will be announced in the next few weeks.

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The team at the House of Lazarus in Mountain is looking to commemorate the Indigenous children whose remains were found at a residential school in British Columbia.

To memorialize the children found, Volunteer Coordinator for the Community Outreach Mission, Vicki Cane says they’re planting 215 tulips that will come up every Spring.

She says they’re looking to surround those tulips with 215 painted rocks. 

“We didn’t want to do something impermanent, “Cane said. “So, we’re now extending an offer to the community to see if residents will participate in painting rocks, because we know that people are looking for something to do to put their energy into.” 

Residents are being asked to find a rock, reflect on how the discovery made them feel, and paint the rock based on your reflections. 

Cane says it’s a little way for the community to pay tribute to the lives lost. 

“We were really conflicted,” Cane said. “We know this isn’t going to change anything but we wanted to be able to feel like we are doing something, and I know the community is feeling the same way.” 

Residents who want to contribute can bring their painted rocks to the House of Lazarus.

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A community BBQ is being held to raise money for the Kemptville District Hospital.

Executive Director for the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce Karen Quigley says they are set to host the 6th Annual Harry Pratt Memorial BBQ in celebration of the Chamber’s 40th anniversary.

She says last year, the event raised $3,765 for the local hospital.

“This year it’s even more important just because our frontline workers need as much recognition as possible, because they’ve been working very hard,” Quigley said. “So, we’re very proud to be able to support the hospital and the workers.” 

Quigley says while they do not have a donation goal, they appreciate anything the community can give. 

She says they’ll be paying homage to the late Gerald Tallman, who passed away in early May.

“I’ve heard so many things about Mr. Tallman,” Quigley said. “He was big in starting the Chamber, so we felt we should celebrate his life at the same time. Harry Pratt and him were very good friends.” 

Quigley says it will be a drive-thru bbq. 

Once you pull up to the event, a chamber board member will be waiting to take your donation, give you a meal ticket, and then that member will drop your ticket off once you choose what you want.

After you park, your food will be brought to you. 

The event takes place on Thursday, June 24 at the Rush Truck Centres from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

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In celebration of Pride month, the Ferguson Forest Centre Dog Park has added a custom built rainbow colour bench.

Treasurer for the Ferguson Forest Centre Dog Park Committee Lisa Brownrigg says the benches were installed this past weekend, and they’re meant to show that the park is inclusive for all. 

“There has not been one negative reaction either on social media or otherwise,” Brownrigg said. “It’s just been embraced by hundreds of people from around town, if not more.” 

During Pride month, all dog owners are encouraged to bring their dogs to the park wearing Pride attire, and post photos of their dogs on the bench to the Dog Park Facebook page. 

Brownrigg says they’ll be looking to make the bench a permanent fixture to the park. 

“It’s a big sturdy bench, and it’s going to be touched up,” Brownrigg said. “The dogs going on and off is damaging the paint a tiny bit but it’s a beautiful bench and hopefully it will last for years to come. 

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Brett Cody has been found.

The bobcat who went missing from Saunders Country Zoo in North Grenville is back home, after he went missing last week.

Carla Saunders says they got a tip early Wednesday morning and their crews went out and found him.

“Our crew immediately went out with live traps and nets, and within 15 minutes he locked himself in one of the traps,” Saunders said. “We picked him up, got him to the vet, got him all checked up and now he’s back where he belongs, eating his dinner.”

Saunders says the cat lost a fair bit of weight, and was wound up, but she’s happy to have him back.

“It’s amazing, I am ecstatic, and just so grateful that he’s home,” Saunders said.

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The team at the Beth Donovan Hospice is looking for donations to help the organization in its efforts to win $20,000. 

For every dollar donated this month, the Hospice will be entered into a draw for a chance to win the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, through the organization Canada Helps. 

Janet-Lee Ferris is the Volunteer Program Coordinator, and she says if they win, they’ll look to use the funds to buy a new wheelchair accessible van.

“This would have a tremendous impact on the hospice, as we would put it toward buying an accessible van so we would be able to get our clients back and forth to the community and to appointments,” Ferris said. 

Ferris says it’s been a trying year for fundraising at the hospice due to the pandemic.

She notes that June in particular can be a slow month for raising donations, however, she’s hopeful the challenge will inspire residents to dig deep. 

“All of our services and programs are free to the community, so not just our clients but those in our region,” Ferris said. “So, by having people donate to us, we’re able to expand our programs.” 

To donate, you can head to the Beth Donovan Hospice website.

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As part of its new waste management program, North Grenville is starting a 90-day pilot program to allow for additional curbside collection for people who use diapers, as well as menstrual and incontinence products. 

Councillor John Barclay says they decided to launch this initiative following feedback from residents. 

“People who have these products, at least those who contacted me, were struggling with the fact that they had to hold onto them for two weeks rather than one,” Barclay said. 

Since the new waste program has been in place, garbage collection in North Grenville has been bi-weekly, instead of every week.

Barclay says the pilot program will allow curbside pickup on a household’s alternate garbage week.

“If residents have garbage pickup on Week 1, then Week 2 they could register to have garbage pickup of their diapers or other products,” Barclay said. “So it’s to fill in that gap residents were experiencing and uncomfortable with.”

Once the program is running, Public Works staff will use the data from the collection to determine the success of the pilot program and report back to Council. 

 It will then be determined if the program will become a permanent special program.

The pilot program will launch on July 5, and residents who would like to take part are asked to pre-register no later than Friday, June 25. 

If you’d like to register, contact the North Grenville Public Works Department. 

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Residents in Leeds and Grenville are being asked to lend a hand in building some nest protectors to keep nesting turtles in the community safe. 

Founder of L&G Turtles, Aly Hoover says they are looking for willing bodies to donate their time to put these devices together. 

“Turtles only have a one percent survival rate, and that’s because they get predated by skunks, foxes, racoons, so, chances of the eggs even hatching are very low,” Hoover said. “That’s why we want to get as many nest protectors down as possible.” 

Hoover says all 8 of Ontario’s turtle species are protected under Species At Risk and the Endangered Species Act. 

Not only are the turtles protected themselves, but also the habitats they reside in have protections as well.

If you should happen upon nesting turtles, Hoover says it’s important to not disturb their space.

Doing so may result in the turtle abandoning its nest before laying its eggs. 

Hoover also says when it comes to turtles crossing the road, the best thing to do is pick them up and carry them to the direction they are headed. 

She adds if they can get more protectors built, it will have a significant impact on the survival rate of baby turtles. 

“It basically stays in place for two-three months, depending on how long it takes the eggs to hatch, and then the babies come out the exit holes in the nest protectors, and they make their way to the water,” Hoover said. 

Hoover says the costs of supplies will be covered for anyone willing to make nest protectors, and they’re also hoping local businesses will pitch in by donating materials that can be used to build them.

If you’re interested in helping out, you can contact Hoover through the L&G Turtles Facebook page.

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Students in the community have a chance to thank their teachers after a difficult school year by planting a tree in their name.

Diane Downey with the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation says they are offering a range of commemorative programs in support of a healthy local environment, including its Tree Planting program. 

Downey says instead of getting your teacher a gift card, you should consider buying a tree. 

“Because we can’t see people in person, we’re doing this so students can send their gratitude through an e-card and give back to the local environment at the same time,” Downey said. 

Each year the Foundation plants a combination of white cedar, white pine, red oak and sugar maple across the Rideau Valley watershed.

Downey says planting a tree is an environmentally friendly gift to recognize your teacher for all the work they do. 

“It has such a nice local benefit in terms of natural spaces and all the good things that trees do for us, you know cleaning the air and fighting climate change, and so on,” Downey said. 

A single tree costs $25, while a grove of five costs $100, 10 costs $150, and a family grove of 25 costs $250. 

For more information on the Tree Planting program, head to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s website. 

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The team at the Beth Donovan Hospice in Kemptville is looking for help with finding rocks to fill their community healing circle and labyrinth paths. 

Manager of Clinical Services Melissa Hill says if you’ve got some rocks to donate, you can drop them off on the left side of the hospice building. 

“Our Counsellor here, Megan, had this vision to develop a labyrinth almost a year and a half ago, and we have slowly been working towards that vision,” Hill said. 

Hill says they wanted to have a space where those who use the Hospice’s Grief Support Network could go for reflection.

She adds the healing circle and labyrinth will allow the community to enjoy a safe, accessible, outdoor space where they can run, dance, sit, meditate, pray, and play. 

“Families can bring their kids to explore the tree-filled area and the labyrinth, and the intention is that this place is whatever we need it to be, whether it be spiritual or religious, or a place to connect,” Hill said. 

Hill says they are taking rocks of all shapes and sizes, and anyone looking to help out should reach out to the hospice. 

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Organizers for My Local Markets in Kemptville are getting set to launch the first of an ongoing series of night markets. 

Market organizer Darlene Collin says the night market is a great opportunity for businesses who’ve been closed through the pandemic to get their product out to the public. 

“Being able to have everybody outside where they can speak to customers directly about their products is really important, especially given the length of our most recent lockdown,” Collin said.

Collin says with vaccinations going up, and COVID-cases in decline, they wanted to promote being able to get outside again. 

She says the market includes over 40 vendors and will have a wide range of products available for customers. 

“You’ll get your jams, pretzels, flowers, and Kemptville Pride will also have a booth set up and they’ll be selling some items as part of their fundraisers,” Collin said. 

The market takes place at the Kemptville Campus Thursday and runs from 4:30-8pm. 

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