My Kemptville Now

North Grenville mayor supports increase in speed limit on Highway 416

Casey Kenny — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:43:53 +0000

You'll soon be able to put the pedal to the meddle a little heavier when traveling on Highway 416.

The province has announced that it's raising the speed limit from 100 km/h to 110 km/h on some highways, including part of Highway 416 from Highway 401 to Ottawa.

North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford says the province has done its homework and looked at the design of Highway 416, in particular, when deciding to increase the speed come this summer.

She says the highway is an important corridor for both business and personal travel.

"This adjustment in the speed limit, I think, certainly fosters the reality that we want to keep our economy growing and ensure that the movement of goods and people is done efficiently."

Peckford adds it's up to drivers to be prudent and decide how fast they want to go.

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Here’s what’s happening for Friday, April 26th:

Casey Kenny — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:09:49 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

It's beginning to look a lot like Buskerfest in Kemptville.

The Municipality of North Grenville has purchased and installed banners for the festival on the light poles along Prescott Street in downtown Kemptville.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 18.

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The 2024 North Grenville Pride Parade and After Party is scheduled for early June.

Organizers are calling all individuals, groups, and organizations who want to be involved on June 2.

You can sign up now to be a part of the event online.

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You have the opportunity to be a part of the Merrickville-Wolford community.

Several boards and committees currently have vacant positions including the Police Services Board and the Community Wellness and Environmental Advisory Committee.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 3 at 4 p.m.

More details can be found on the village's Facebook page.

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A public meeting is planned for next month for the Village of Merrickville-Wolford.

It's on proposed changes to building department fees.

It's scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, and can be viewed in person and online.

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2024 North Grenville Home and Trade Show taking place this weekend

Casey Kenny — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:53:50 +0000

It's a chance to get out and learn more about what products and services are available for your home.

The 2024 North Grenville Home and Trade Show is taking place Friday and Saturday at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville.

Ontario Approved Professionals are hosting the event, with the North Grenville Chamber of Commerce co-hosting, and organizers say there will be 65 vendors including 15 that are chamber members.

Terri-Lyn McEvoy is the Executive Director at North Grenville Chamber of Commerce and she says the show is a great opportunity for local businesses.

"The exposure is huge considering that a lot of them have no storefront or showcase so this is an opportunity to show off just how talented our local business community is."

She adds that, by having a large number of businesses at the show, you can talk to everyone that you need to.

The show is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

More information can be found on Facebook.

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Here’s what’s happening for Thursday, April 25th:

Casey Kenny — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:26:57 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

The Winchester District Memorial Hospital Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hospital lobby and you're invited to stop by and learn more about career opportunities.

You can chat with staff and even have an on-the-spot interview.

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A community volunteer income tax clinic is scheduled for Saturday in Iroquis.

It's taking place at the Royal Canadian Legion on Dundas Street from 10 a.m. to noon.

It's a free service for individuals and families with modest incomes.

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The South Grenville Guild of Fine Art is hosting their Spring Splash Art Show this weekend.

It will be hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion on Henry Street West.

Admission is free and you can stop in starting Friday at 7 p.m. to see the finest works of the local arts community.

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A Bingo night fundraiser is scheduled for Monday night at North Dundas District High School.

The entrance fee is $10 and all proceeds go to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

It's taking place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

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Here’s what’s happening for Wednesday, April 24th:

Casey Kenny — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:23:32 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

Pirate Cove Marina in Kemptville is giving back to the community through its open house.

Scheduled for Saturday, the event includes something for everyone including a pancake breakfast and barbecue lunch.

Pirate Cove General Manager Wendy Ramsey says all proceeds generated through the meals and a raffle will go to the House of Lazarus program.

You can learn more about the program and the open house on the marina's Facebook page.

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It's National Immunization Week.

The Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit says this year's theme is, "Protect your future, get immunized."

They say it's a reminder of the power of vaccines in preventing illness and severe symptoms and keeping vaccine-preventable diseases from resurfacing in our communities.

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The Spencerville Mill and Museum is looking for contributions to its Edwardsburgh Past and Present Exhibit.

Museum staff say the summer exhibit will showcase the timeless charm and stories behind the buildings that shaped the community before 1900.

They are hoping you'll share your personal stories and cherished memories by contacting them by May 1.

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The inaugural Mother's Day Flotilla is planned for May 12 on Kemptville Creek.

Organizers say it will be a group kick-off paddle and it starts at noon.

The entry fee is to decorate your vessel with flowers of your choice.

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Here’s what’s happening for Tuesday, April 23rd:

Casey Kenny — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:51:05 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

The 2024 Local Business Expo is taking place in North Dundas next weekend.

Organizers say it will include a "Touch A Truck" event as well as dance performances.

It's happening on Saturday, May 4th at the Joel Steele Community Centre.

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An upcoming presentation on common scams to be aware of is being put on by the St.James Anglican Church.

It's scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th at the Gouse of Lazarus Community Outreach Mission in Mountain.

More details are on the mission's Facebook page.

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The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is sending out the last call for submissions for their Oral Health Month activity.

Parents and kids Junior in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to work together to submit a drawing or painting showing who is on their child's oral health team.

You can learn more on the health unit's website and the deadline to enter is May 1st.

April is Oral Health Month.

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The Kemptville Campus Greenhouse says it's time to pick up your plants if you have them there.

You can start picking them up as of Monday, April 29th, and throughout the week.

They are open from 9 to 12.

They also have plants for sale including scented geraniums, red geraniums, Swedish ivies, tomatoes, basil, and some tropical plants.

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Here’s what’s happening for Monday, April 22nd:

Casey Kenny — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:29:26 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

Health officials are urging you to protect yourself from ticks if you're participating in a community clean-up.

The Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit says you should apply a repellant with DEET.

You should also wear light-colored clothing, tuck your pants in your socks, and wear fully enclosed shoes.

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The Leeds Grenville 2024 basketball camp is set for July.

Taking place from July 22nd to July 26th, the camp is for ages 5 through 14.

More details can be found on Facebook.

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You're being reminded that watermain/hydrant flushing is continuing in Merrickville-Wolford until April 26th.

It's taking place between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials say the water may be slightly discolored or brown/reddish.

If you have any questions, you can call the Ontario Clean Water Agency.

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Kids Night Out at the Kemptville Infinity is coming up on Saturday.

Organizers say it will be four whole hours for you to do what you'd like, and they take care of dinner, crafts, a movie, and dessert.

Registration is available online.

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Hospital workers to get raise after arbitration

Casey Kenny — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:06:30 +0000

Hospital workers represented by CUPE and SEIU healthcare are getting a six per cent wage increase over two years after bargaining, and deals by arbitrator William Kaplan, it was announced Friday morning.

That equates to three per cent raises for Ontario hospital workers each year, as well as improvements to health and dental benefits, enhancements to weekend, evening, and night premiums, and pay for periods of quarantine or isolation.

The award follows a 2023 Kaplan decision that awarded the same workers a 6.25 per cent retroactive wage increase after the defeat of Doug Ford’s unconstitutional Bill 124.

“Patients deserve hospital workers who are focused on them, not the economic anxieties they face because of years of attacks from the provincial government,” Sharleen Stewart, President, SEIU Healthcare, said in a media release.

“This award is a win for hospital workers who have been holding the healthcare system together with sacrifice and grit, and it’s a brutal recognition that hospital services will indeed collapse without better wages for frontline staff.

Michael Hurley, President, OCHU-CUPE, said the arbitration decision will lift the spirits of frontline hospital workers struggling with impossible workloads in a staff retention crisis.

“Significant improvements to dental and other benefits, real wage increases, and substantial adjustments to premiums will all contribute to making these frontline hospital staff feel valued and help them to better cope with the cost-of-living crisis that all working people are facing.”

***With files from Paul Cluff

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Here’s what’s happening for Friday, April 19th

Casey Kenny — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:03:14 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

The North Grenville Sustainability Fair and EV show is looking for vendors.

The event, in its 15th year, is taking place on Sunday, May 5th at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

More information can be found on Facebook.

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The Upper Canada District School Board Champions for Kids Foundation is holding a golf tournament in early July.

It's taking place on July 3rd at the Brockville Country Club and organizers are looking for sponsors.

Details on the event can be found on the foundation's website.

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Excitement is building for the Kemptville Live Music Festival.

The festival is happening from July 18th to the 21st

You can learn more on the festival's website.

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The Kemptville Legion is hosting its spring breakfast on Saturday.

It's happening at the legion on Reuben Crescent.

It runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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Here’s what’s happening for Thursday, April 18th

Casey Kenny — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:56:15 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

North Grenville's Council has declared April 21st to the 27th Pitch-In Week.

You can volunteer by yourself, or with a group, for the national, community-based event that helps maintain a quality environment and encourages civic pride.

Collection bags can be picked up at the Municipal Centre during regular business hours, first come, first served.

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The 15th Annual Sustainability Fair and EV Show is taking place on May 5th.

The family-friendly event is free, open to the public, and is happening at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

Organizers say there will be presentations and workshops throughout the event.

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Registration is now open for the Space, Robotics, and Science Camp in Kemptville.

It runs from July 2nd to August 30th at Kemptville Campus.

Youth can sign up for a week, a month, or the full summer.

More details can be found on Facebook.

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The Duck Race is coming up in Kemptville.

It's happening on Saturday, May 18th, the same day as Kemptville Buskerfest.

The race will be held at Rotary Park at 1 p.m,

Ticket details can be found online.

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Here’s what’s happening for Wednesday, April 17th:

Casey Kenny — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:29:52 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

The Municipality of North Grenville is apologizing for technical difficulties experienced during the County Road 43 public engagement livestreaming event.

They say they regret any inconvenience this may have caused and add they are in the process of organizing a virtual meeting to hear questions and feedback.

In the meantime, they say they have made the presentation from the session available online.

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The Kemptville District Hospital Foundation is shining a light on its Above and Beyond Program.

They say the program gives the opportunity for patients and their families to recognize staff members, physicians, or volunteers and the exceptional care they provide.

Under the program, a donation can be made to the Hospital Foundation in their honour.

The staff member is then recognized with a special pin, participating in a ceremony and having their photo taken.

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Volunteers are being sought to help with the Kemptville Hospital's annual fundraiser.

Hey Day involves an indoor garage sale and volunteers are needed from June 5th to June 8th to help move and sort donations.

You can check out the hospital's Facebook page for more information.

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Registration will soon be open for the Kemptville Pool Aquatics Program.

It's taking place on April 23rd on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions about swimming lessons, you can contact YMCA staff.

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Here’s what’s happening for Tuesday, April 16th:

Casey Kenny — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:43:23 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

We continue to learn more about the County Road 43 expansion.

A full crowd was on hand Monday night for an information session where engineers explained the scope and timeline of the project.

The expansion will see a stretch of close to two kilometers between County Road 44 and Colonnade Drive expanded to four lanes.

The two-lane bridge, currently in place, will be replaced with a four-lane bridge.

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Water mains are being cleaned in Kemptville through the end of the month.

Officials say flushing water mains is necessary to remove sediment and iron that gradually deposit in the pipes.

Cleaning will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in most areas.

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Tuesday is Advance Care Planning Day.

Advance Care Planning is a process of reflection and communication and a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes.

It also allows you to let people know what kind of health and personal care you would want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself.

More tips on advance planning can be found on the advance planning website.

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The Ferguson Forrest Cleanup in Kemptville is this Monday.

Volunteers are invited to come out and meet at the Anniversary Park parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

Pitch-in bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided.

You're reminded to bring your bug spray for ticks.

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Here’s what’s happening for Monday, April 15th:

Casey Kenny — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:40:49 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

Can you dance, sing, or even do impressions?

The deadline for submissions for Kemptville's Got Talent is coming up on April 30th.

Last year's winner on the community stage at the event, Skye Filion, is returning this year as one of the pro buskers and has been traveling across Ontario since the inaugural event in 2022.

You can learn more on the event's website.

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The Grenville Gremlins are celebrating fifty years of square and line dancing.

On Sunday, dancers came from all over eastern Ontario to mark this special occasion.

The Gremlins have danced over the decades in the former Leslie Hall, Masonic Hall, and Eastern Breeders.

They are currently set up in the NG Municipal Centre.

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Pitch-In Week is quickly approaching.

You can volunteer by yourself, or with a group, for this national, community-based event that helps maintain a quality environment and encourages civic pride.

Residents or groups who wish to participate in Pitch-in clean-ups must register by contacting North Grenville Public Works.

The week runs from April 21st to April 27th.,

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Community Living North Grenville is hosting a comedy night.

It's happening on Saturday night at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville.

All money raised will go back to the organization's programs.

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Here’s what’s happening for Friday, April 12th:

Casey Kenny — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 17:18:10 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

North Grenville District High School is asking parents and students to remember others.

Officials say the school is scent and latex free as some students and staff are highly allergic.

They are thanking you for your understanding.

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Registration is now open for the next Junior Youth Night at the Kemptville Youth Centre.

The event is for youth ages 8 to 10 and is being put on in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

There will be games, activities, and snacks.

You can learn more at the KYC website.

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The Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area is thanking its volunteers.

With Volunteer Week taking place next week. BIA officials say they want to thank its volunteers which allow them to do the things they do.

They add that often volunteers aren’t recognized nearly enough for the essential role they play in improving the quality of life for people in our community.

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The Beth Donovan Hospice in Kemptville is reminding you about its equipment lending program.

Staff at the hospice say the program is available to all in the community who have a need.

They add it's a program they are quite proud of and is often the first interaction they have with a family.

Whether it be for a short period while recovering from surgery or a longer period to assist in mobility and care, they say they serve all who have a need in our community.

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Here’s what’s happening for Thursday, April 11th:

Casey Kenny — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 15:03:31 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

You have an opportunity to learn more about the County Road 43 expansion. A public information session is taking place Monday night at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville. Organizers say you can gain insight into the scope and timeline of the project. It's taking place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Thirteen small businesses in our area are getting a boost to get up and running. The United Counties of Leeds Grenville is helping them through the Starter Company Plus Program. After completing training on the fundamentals of business, creating a business plan, and understanding cash flows each of the recipients received a grant of between $1,000 and $5,000 to help with their business needs. The businesses are from various sectors, including health services, trades, and food services, and are located throughout the region.

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The North Grenville Public Library's Seed Library is back open. There's a limit of 5 packs each person can pick up. The seeds haven't been tested and library staff says they have a variety of veggies and some herbs and flowers. If you have any seeds to donate, you can drop them off at the library.

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The Winchester District Memorial Hospital is holding a job fair at the end of the month. It's taking place from Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can bring your resume, or fill-out an application in person, and learn about different career opportunities. You can learn more at the hospital's website.

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Here’s what’s happening for Wednesday, April 10th:

Casey Kenny — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 14:54:18 +0000

Here's what's happening in Kemptville:

You're being reminded to take steps and strategies to prevent being bitten by a dog.

This is Dog Bite Prevention Week and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says they responded to over 500 incidents of people being bitten by animals last year.

Health unit officials say a large proportion of these incidents involved dogs and in almost all of these incidents, the bite could have been prevented.

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Here's an option if you're looking to get rid of your solar eclipse glasses.

The North Grenville Public Library is collecting the glasses and having them vetted for quality through Astronomers Without Borders.

They will then be sent to be reused at future solar eclipse events around the world.

Any glasses that are damaged or not reusable will be taken to a local specialty recycler with the capability of separating the solar film from the paper cardstock.

You're reminded that solar eclipse glasses can’t be properly recycled in your curbside bin because of the mixed materials.

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An evening of comedy, magic, and illusion is coming up for Community Living North Grenville.

Their annual comedy and auction is taking place on April 20th at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.

You can contact the organization for ticket details.

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Here’s what’s happening in Kemptville for Tuesday, April 9th:

Casey Kenny — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:58:14 +0000

What's Happening in Kemptville

The Municipality of North Grenville is inviting students grade 7 - 12 and young adults up to age 21 to join the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee. Be a voice in your community, meetings are once a month after school.

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The Kemptville Buskerfest is looking for sponsors for the upcoming Festival. For details visit the Kemptville Buskerfest website to become a sponsor.

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Recognize the nursing heroes in our community by nominating them for the Hospital News' Annual National Nursing Week Contest. Visit hospitalnews.ca by Friday April 12^th to make a nomination.

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If you are looking for The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, they have moved! You can find them at 80 Shaver Crescent on the Kemptville Campus.

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Moose Mornings with Sarah Kipp

Brandon Lawson — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:05:27 +0000

Moose Mornings with Sarah Kipp.

Start your day with a smile and find out what you need to know, tune in!

Listen now at 97.5 Moose FM

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North Grenville extends hours for NGtransit

Lee Griffi — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 22:35:14 +0000

North Grenville’s on-demand transit service has extended its hours.

The service is now available Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sunday hours remain unchanged, from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.

“We are excited to announce the extension of the NGtransit hours as part of Budget 2024,” says Mayor Nancy Peckford. “This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing accessible and efficient transportation options to all residents of North Grenville. Many have shared that an extra hour of service would enable NGtransit to better respond to the needs of service workers, youth, and other residents. We appreciate this feedback and have adjusted the service accordingly,” she added.

The municipality says it will continue to explore opportunities for expansion and improvements to ensure that NGtransit remains a reliable and convenient transportation option for all residents.

“Congratulations to NGtransit and the Municipality of North Grenville for extending the hours of operation, making this important service even more accessible and convenient for residents,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I’m proud our government continues to support municipal transit systems in rural and small urban communities like North Grenville because I recognize the vital role transportation plays in connecting people of all ages to their communities.”

NGtransit is available seven days a week to residents of all ages and abilities who need to travel within North Grenville’s boundaries. Pre-registration is required to book a ride. Fees are $5 per ride for adults and $3 for youth aged 12 to 19. Children 11 and under are free but must be accompanied by someone at least 12 years old.

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LGL Health Unit Board of Health votes in favour of voluntary merger

Lee Griffi — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:35:39 +0000

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Board of Health has voted to merge with two neighbouring units. It, along with the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Public Health and the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health may eventually form the South East Health Unit.

Last August the Ministry of Health announced plans to offer one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that voluntarily merged by Jan. 1, 2025. The three area Boards of Health decided in December to explore the impacts of a voluntary merger and hired a consulting firm to prepare a feasibility study and a business case.

“The goal of a merger is to strengthen public health in our respective regions,” said Peter McKenna, Chair of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit Board of Health. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration in this new agency.”

McKenna added combining forces with the two neighbouring units makes complete sense given the history between them. “We’ve shared staff and programming and there is a history of when our medical officer of health (MOH) was taking holidays the MOH from one of the other units would backfill.”

All three Boards approved moving forward with a voluntary merger and have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health. Funding will be made available to help with the transition should the application be approved, which will help with collective bargaining agreements. “You can imagine the unions won’t want to go to the lowest-paid person. They are going to say we have contracts that pay x dollars an hour and we want all the employees in the group to move to that. The province has said any of those costs as a result of the merger will be covered by them,” added McKenna.

Mergers of public health units require provincial legislative change, and a merger will only occur if the province approves the proposal and commits adequate funding for its success. Until a legal, new organization is established, the health units will continue to operate independently.

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