Elves busy at work in Barry's Bay - INSIDE - Madawaska Valley Current
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INSIDE…
Holiday novel list p.4
Local government ethics p.9
Fireworks, grow-ops in MV p.10
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020
Elves busy at work in Barry’s Bay
DANIELLE PAUL
BARRY’S BAY
Preparations for the festive season
were evident in downtown Barry’s Bay
on the last Friday in November. Mada-
waska Valley Operations Department
took advantage of milder weather to
begin hanging the holiday lights along
the main street and Operations Su-
pervisor Mike Phillips said the win-
ter baskets prepared that morning by
the Community In Bloom volunteers
would soon follow.
As a contribution to the Madawaska
Valley Communities in Bloom initia-
tive, volunteers from the MV Garden-
ing Club usually assemble to create
festive hanging baskets and planters
for the village.
This year, because of COVID-19 re-
strictions, the Gardening Club limited
participation to Board members to
keep numbers to ten or fewer, while
other members such as Eden Guidroz Madawaska Valley Gardening Club members with winter baskets. From left (front): Elser
and Sandy Kingsmith provided ever- Lee Faith Archer, Ritsuko Honda, Maryjka Mychajlowycz. (back): Sharon Mahussier, Peter
green boughs, other foliage and deco- and Anna Dolan, Enis and Allan Yarascavitch, Jeneene Brunton (absent Soulan White).
rative elements.
By mid-morning the volunteers had
produced more than 40 hanging bas-
kets and planters; only a handful fewer
than in previous years.
Past President Peter Dolan com-
mented that they “channeled Kevin
Newman,” referring to the Petawawa
florist who demonstrated his wizardry
by creating Christmas baskets at many
MV Gardening Club meetings in previ-
ous years.
Many shops and residences in-
stalled seasonal decorations to take
part in the township’s Holiday Lights
Tour. Madawaska Valley Township
plans to provide a route map so resi-
dents can vote on their favourites,
with prizes of local business gift cer-
tificates to the winners. Details from
Past President Peter Dolan MV Gardening Club President Jeneene Brunton
the municipal office.
www.madvalleycurrent.com
2 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
OPEN: Tuesday to Sunday
from 11:30 am to 7 pm, and ‘til
8 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Closed Mondays.
Limited seating indoors.
Please reserve! 613-756-2029
YOUR SOURCE FOR LOCAL INFORMATION
in the Madawaska Valley and area
To list your event, business or organization
email info@algonquineast.com.
Most listings are free.
BARRY’S BAY Just in time for the holiday season, Nature of Design installed new signage at the
Barry’s Bay Railway Station. Thanks to a design supplied by StationKeepers MV, the
historic facility now sports a brand-new locomotive engine.
BOOK NOW FOR 2021! St. Francis Herb Farm grows
Let the Barry’s Bay Legion SUBMITTED Opening in the fall/winter of
Branch 406 host your wedding, BARRY’S BAY 2021, this new facility will be close-
banquet, meeting or other ly connected to the farm in Barry’s
function in our spacious hall From humble beginnings 30 years
ago in a 48 sqft space, St. Francis
Bay in what SFHF calls its Holistic
Herb Approach: from organic farm-
Herb Farm begins to build a new ing practices, to carefully crafting
30,000 sqft production facility in the herbal tinctures and formulas root-
heart of the Madawaska Valley. ed in science.
Up to 150 people
Wheelchair accessible
Stage and spacious dance floor
You can design your own set-up
Huge parking lot
Walk to public beach
Affordable rates
Contact Mike Poliquin
613-756-9027 Members of the St. Francis Herb Farm team gather on site to celebrate the start
of construction. PHOTO: COURTESY FACEBOOK/ST. FRANCIS HERB FARM
rclegion406@hotmail.com
www.madvalleycurrent.com
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 3
Legion receives commemorative mural
DANIELLE PAUL
BARRY’S BAY
Next spring the Royal Canadian Le-
gion Branch 406 in Barry’s Bay will
look very different to drivers entering
the village thanks to a former art stu-
dent at Madawaska Valley District High
Artist Brookelyn Martin in front of the land/sea panel of the mural.
School (MVDHS). The weekend before
Remembrance Day, artist Brookelyn The finished mural includes ele- continues to use her creative talents as
Martin met with Branch 406 President ments from a number of collaborators she studies Culinary Skills at Loyalist
Heather Poliquin in the Legion Hall to in addition to Martin and her fellow College in Belleville.
officially present the commemorative students who painted it. Legion Branch The Legion displayed both panels on
mural she had designed for the Legion. 406 provided the plywood panels, gesso Remembrance Day, especially as many
Martin’s concept shows a represen- and clear coat and will arrange to have of their own displays were loaned to the
tation of Canadian service members the panels appropriately mounted library this year. Over the winter, they
against a background of land, sea and ready for installation outside the build- will take it down to finish the varnish-
air, planes and ships embellished with ing. MVDHS provided the acrylic paint ing and build the underlying structure
poppies. The figures wear uniforms and the space to work on the project. in readiness for the installation out-
representing various campaigns, with These days Wilno resident Martin doors next spring.
the World War I in the centre fore-
ground and more recent ones on both Follow us on
Facebook
MADAWASKA VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
sides. The panels will be mounted with
the sky above and the figures below.
OPEN Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 12 pm and 1 pm
MVDHS art teacher Jody Sernoskie to 5 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. CLOSED Dec. 25, 26, Jan. 1
and Poliquin had discussed the mural Contact library staff to register for kids’ programs:
project two years ago when Martin was
in Grade 12 but work didn’t really be- Zoo Tour via Zoom • Movie Night Kit • Gingerbread
gin until the following academic year. Cookie Kit • Virtual Story Time Christmas Eve
Returning to MVDHS for a fifth year, Christmas Cards for Valley Manor due Dec. 18
Martin began to design and research Madawaska Valley
the various elements for an 8 foot PUBLIC LIBRARY 19474 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay • mvpl.programs@gmail.com • 613-756-2000
square mural. Starting in October 2019,
she worked on it during every 75-min-
ute art period for nearly three months.
Teacher Jody Sernoskie estimates the
mural on two full-size plywood sheets
took 40 hours to produce.
Martin admits she had not tackled
an art project on this scale before and
called on other MVDHS students for
assistance. She credits collaborators
Jolon Emond, Matthew Walker and An-
ika Remes-Gavin who helped her with
sketching and work on specific sections
of the painting. Martin usually works
on pieces that are standard sketchbook
size, often portraits. But for this proj-
ect she relied on reference sheets and
old photographs to help portray the
uniforms and airplanes accurately. She
tried to show the diversity in the Cana-
dian military with varied skin tones and
facial features. She included a female fig-
ure (far right) in peacekeeping uniform
as her research revealed few Canadian
service women in earlier campaigns.
www.madvalleycurrent.com
4 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
Novels for the book lover on your Christmas list
DOREEN YAKABUSKI | CORNWALL
Like most avid readers, I always mention books in my annual letter to San-
ta. If you want to please a reader on your Christmas list, consider gifting one
of these. Or be Santa to yourself and buy one or more to help you through
the long winter ahead. Complete reviews of all these books can be found at
https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/. Happy holidays and happy reading!
The Mystery of Helen and the
Henri Pick Grandbees
BY DAVID BY ALEX MORRALL
FOENKINOS Helen, the narrator, is men-
This feel-good book, part tally fragile because of child-
Hamnet and Judith Forest Green Miss Benson’s Beetle comedy and part mystery hood trauma. She copes by
BY MAGGIE BY KATE PULLINGER BY RACHEL JOYCE with a dash of romance, is for trying to forget her past.
O’FARRELL The protagonist, Arthur Lunn, is A spinster schoolteacher lovers of books. In a library When her daughter Lily, tak-
Very loosely based on the life living on the streets of Vancou- abandons her job and trav- which houses manuscripts en away by social services
of William Shakespeare and ver. Via flashbacks, we are told els to New Caledonia to find rejected by publishers, a twenty years earlier, finds
his wife, the book begins by the story of how he came to be a legendary golden beetle. young editor finds a liter- Helen and starts prodding for
imagining their courtship in this situation. The novel ex- Accompanied by a totally un- ary gem purportedly written information about Lily’s past,
and the early years of their amines how childhood trauma qualified assistant, she sets by a now-deceased pizze- Helen becomes very anxious
marriage and then focuses can shape a person’s life and off on an adventure which ria owner who supposedly and must make some dif-
on their coping with a dev- reminds us that we should feel becomes a journey of self- never read. Once the book is ficult decisions. This book is
astating tragedy. An eloquent compassion for the downtrod- discovery. Though hilarious published, interest in this un- outstanding for its sensitive
study of grief, it is one of the den who all have their stories. at times, the book also ad- likely writer rises to a fevered examination of mental ill-
most emotionally powerful dresses serious topics and pitch, and the lives of many ness.
novels I’ve ever read. ends with a heart-warming people are changed.
message about friendship
and second chances.
Fresh Water for
Flowers Redhead by the Side
The Pull of the Stars BY VALÉRIE PERRIN Snow of the Road
BY EMMA BY JOHN BANVILLE
Violette, the caretaker of a BY ANNE TYLER
DONOGHUE
cemetery in France, is visited Shuggie Bain Near Christmas in 1957, an Micah Mortimer lives alone,
Set in Dublin during the 1918 by a man wanting to under- BY DOUGLAS STUART Irish priest is brutally mur- keeps to himself, and has a
flu pandemic, this novel cov- stand why his mother asked This book portrays the com- dered. Inspector Strafford, routine etched in stone. Un-
ers three days in a maternity to be buried with a man plex relationship between the detective in charge of the fortunately, people disrupt
ward for pregnant women unknown to her family. As an alcoholic parent and a investigation, faces obstruc- his life and shatter his com-
who have contracted the flu. Violette sets out to solve that child. Its bleakness and grit- tion from the Catholic Church fortable existence. During the
The plight of poor women is mystery, she examines her tiness make this book not which publicizes the death pandemic, many aspects of
highlighted, but readers will own life with the husband for the faint of heart, but it as an accident. This police our lives have become cha-
find much that is uncannily who has abandoned her. is breathtakingly realistic, procedural becomes a com- otic so it’s interesting to see
similar to the current COV- This book has something for empathetic, and powerful. mentary on Ireland’s social Micah learning to live with
ID-19 pandemic. everyone: mystery, tragedy, The novel recently won the and religious history. disorder.
romance, humour, and a life- prestigious Booker Prize and
affirming message. deservedly so.
www.madvalleycurrent.com
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 5
MV Food Bank
announces no
present need
for donations
Remembrance Day observed TERRY NEWCOMBE
MADAWASKA VALLEY
at Barry’s Bay Legion In what may be a surprising statement
from a charity, Paul Thompson, acting
DANIELLE PAUL tanced from each other. Other changes president of Madawaska Valley Food
BARRY’S BAY in the order of service were apparent to Bank, said, “At present, we are not in
help protect participants: no military need of new donations. To anyone who
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion personnel were present, singing was was considering donating to the food
Branch 406 observed 2020 Remem- not permitted, all wreaths were pre- bank we say ‘Thank you, but we are ok
brance Day in Barry’s Bay outdoors on a positioned outdoors, no Silver Cross right now. We have enough in the bank
bright, breezy day. The annual celebra- mother was named, and after the cer- to see us through the winter.’”
tion recalls the end of World War I in 1918, emony only light refreshments were of- The MV Food Bank would like to say a
and has been observed at the eleventh fered instead of a full chilli lunch. giant “THANK YOU” to the community
hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh Despite these differences Branch for its generosity in the past eight months.
month since 1919. Branch 406 President 406 conducted a very thoughtful and “The support of the community has been
Heather Poliquin reminded attendees moving Ceremony of Remembrance overwhelming,” said Thompson.
that Canadians have fought in other con- that included observing a minute of He added, “While we have definitely
flicts and many have given their lives so silence; playing recorded music for seen an increased need for the food
that we might enjoy freedom today, and O Canada, Last Post, Rouse, and God bank, the increased support has meant
pointed out that this year marks the 75th Save the Queen; readings of the Act of that the food bank has been able to
Anniversary of the end of World War II. Remembrance and the Commitment to meet that need. In fact, the generos-
This Remembrance Ceremony was Remember. Rev. Darlene Cunliffe led ity of the community, combined with
different due to COVID-19 restrictions. a prayer and gave the blessing. Tom government COVID-19 funding, means
Branch 406 discouraged members of Bryce, Sergeant at Arms, read the list that the MV Food Bank is financially se-
the public from attending to make it of wreaths and the Veterans Service Of- cure for the time being.”
easier to limit numbers and to keep ficer Dave Eagles read a poem entitled
those assembled appropriately dis- Just a Common Soldier.
NO RADIOTHON IN 2020
Besides advising the community that the
food bank will be okay without the usual
end-of-year donations, the food bank
Seniors creative has also advised Moose FM that the food
photography project bank will take a break this year from the
annual December Radiothon. “The Ra-
Ottawa Valley Creative Arts’ diothon has been a big fundraiser for us
photography project honours in the past few years and although Moose
seniors throughout the Valley. FM has generously offered again this year,
(Inset) Photographer Maureen we told them we are ok this year,” Thomp-
MacMillan puts Barry’s Bay son said. He added that the food bank
resident Johanna Yandernoll (nee looks forward to resuming the Moose FM
Peplinski) in the frame. MacMillan December Radiothon in the future.
hopes to have about 50 portraits “These difficult times have brought out
for the project. The goal is to the very best in our local community and
show the diversity in the Valley. the MV Food Bank is grateful for the truly
remarkable support,” Thompson said.
www.madvalleycurrent.com
6 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
Jeopardy! host Trebek had Valley roots
BOB CORRIGAN
BARRY’S BAY
Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeop-
ardy! died on November 8th. It seems
that everyone knows that Alex was born
in Sudbury. Unknown for the most part
is that Alex also had roots in Renfrew
County. His grandmother on his moth-
er’s side, Sophie Belanger, was born at
Mount St. Patrick, a small farming com-
munity not far off the Opeongo Road
between Brudenell and Renfrew. St.
Patrick’s Church there has the distinc-
tion of being the first Catholic Parish in
what is now the Diocese of Pembroke.
It is also known for its church suppers
every fall (except for this year).
Alex Trebek had roots
in Renfrew County
In any event, Sophie was born on Sep-
tember 25, 1877, and was baptized the
next month in St. Patrick’s Church, the
Alex Trebek. PHOTO: THEVERGE.COM
very stone building that is still standing
there today, having been constructed in
1869. Her parents, Marcel Belanger and
Ursula Dubreuil, appeared in the 1871
census as recent newlyweds. As a mat-
ter of fact, they were then living with Ur-
sula’s parents and her nine siblings. The
couple appeared again in Brougham
Township in 1881, this time with four
children but living in their own house,
this time neighbours to Ursula’s parents.
By 1891, the family had moved to
the Sudbury district but still as a farm-
ing family. It looks like Sophie, now 13
years old, was the only one in the family
who was able to read and write. This is
where Sophie met and married Benja-
min Lagacé in 1899.
Lucile Lagacé was born in 1921 and,
in 1939, married George Trebek (short-
ened from Terebeychuk), an immigrant
from Ukraine. Alex Trebek was born the
next year.
HERITAGE PHOTO: If you are in-
terested in having a picture and story
featured in The Madawaska Valley Cur-
rent, please submit the information to
Bob Corrigan at madvalleycurrent@
gmail.com (subject Heritage Photos)
or mail your photo to Bob c/o The Cur- Church record regarding baptism of Sophie Belanger, Alex’s grandmother, at Mount
rent at PO Box 1097, Barry’s Bay K0J 1B0 St. Patrick.
(originals will be returned).
www.madvalleycurrent.com
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 7
EDITORIAL
Local circulation of anti-mask conspiracy theory puts
Madawaska Valley residents at risk
The Current has been given a copy of tion, who are far more qualified than Unfortunately, in an online world
a document being distributed to local Fetzer and the German neurologist he when conspiracy theories are every-
residents that attacks the wearing of cites, have discounted any link between where, how do you know what to believe?
face masks. The reader who provided correctly worn masks and brain damage. It all boils down to accessing indepen-
it says she is aware that other Valley After all, many healthcare professionals dent, reliable sources and asking sen-
residents have also received it. The wear masks daily through their careers. sible questions. Does the claim offend
document’s inflammatory headline at- Is it not strange that during the centuries your common sense, is there evidence to
tributes irreversible brain damage to that people have worn masks for health back it up and is there any missing infor-
mask wearing. and hygienic reasons, there has not mation? Are you being influenced for po-
To anyone who might be inclined been any authoritative published medi- litical or other reasons? If so, what does
to believe its contents, you should be cal support for such a theory? the source of the claim stand to gain?
aware that the source is the blog of the
infamous James Fetzer; we encourage
you to Google him, where you will learn Advertising helps us provide
that he is a notorious conspiracy theo- The Current to readers at no cost.
rist whose many “alternative facts” have
To advertise please call 613-639-1524.
been repeatedly debunked and his con-
duct condemned. A former professor at
The Current is published here in the Valley by residents Roger and Danielle Paul
the University of Minnesota Duluth,
through MadValley Media, and is your source for bold, bracing and balanced local
the university disassociates itself from
coverage of issues that matter most to Valley residents. Since launching in January
him by stating on its website, “His theo- 2018, the publishers have fulfilled their promise to make The Current available at no
ries are his own and are not endorsed cost to readers, relying on the support of advertisers and sponsors.
by the University of Minnesota Duluth
or the University of Minnesota System.” THE CURRENT WELCOMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Please address letters to lettersmadvalleycurrent@gmail.com or The Madawaska
Fetzer achieved particular notoriety
Valley Current, PO Box 1097, Barry’s Bay, ON K0J 1B0. Please include your first
as a co-editor of a book alleging that the
and last name, address and phone number for verification. Only your name and
2012 Sandy Hook massacre of Connect- municipality appears in print. Online, readers can comment using the “Reply.”
icut school children never occurred. In
addition to receiving universal vilifica- CODE OF ETHICS
tion for his manufactured mischief- The Current observes the journalistic ethics recommended by the Canadian
Association of Journalists; it follows the principles of accuracy, fairness,
making, in a recent high profile case he
independence, transparency, promises to sources, diversity,
was successfully sued for defamation
and accountability. As a member of the National NewsMedia
by the family of a 6-year-old victim of Council, complaints about The Current can be submitted for
the Sandy Hook shooting for cruelly mediation or adjudication to NNC.
publishing that the child’s death cer-
The Current is published by MadValley Media, Barry’s Bay, Ontario K0J 1B0. Opinions
tificate was a fake. A jury in Wisconsin
and information published in The Current, in whatever form, do not necessarily reflect
in October 2019 ordered him to pay the opinion of The Current. All the writing, artwork, and photographs published in The
$450,000 compensation to the father of Current are the copyright of the author or artist, or The Current in the case where no
the dead child. author is specified. The Madawaska Valley Current, PO Box 1097, Barry’s Bay, Ontario
One can only speculate about the mo- K0J 1B0 613-639-1524, madvalleycurrent@gmail.com, www.madvalleycurrent.com.
tives of those who are actively spread-
facebook.com/madvalleycurrent twitter.com/mvalleycurrent
ing false information for the purpose of
frightening those who wear face masks. instagram.com/madvalleycurrent ca.linkedin.com/company/the-madawaska-valley-current
Unfortunately, as with all conspiracy PERMITTED USE: You may display, download or print the information on the site for your own inter-
theories no matter how preposterous, nal and non-commercial purposes provided that you observe all copyright and other propriety notices
contained on such information. You may not, however, use, display, distribute, modify or transmit any
some people will still believe them, information including any text, images, audio or video for commercial or public purposes without the
thus in this case jeopardizing their own express prior written permission of its owner. You must not transfer the information to any other person
unless you give them notice of, and they agree to accept, those same obligations.
health as well as those they come into
contact with. Is it a coincidence that Printed by Bayberry Design, Barry’s Bay, Ontario
this is happening as the wrecking ball EDITOR’S NOTE: This downloadable version of The Current is available free from
known as Donald Trump continues to our website. Please consider printing copies for any friends and family without in-
pour scorn on mask wearers? ternet, especially those in self-isolation that you may be helping.
Check online for COVID-19 related announcements and all the need-to-know in-
Many scientists and medical experts,
formation for Valley residents at: madvalleycurrent.com
including the World Health Organiza-
www.madvalleycurrent.com
8 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
BLR Councillor concerned about bias following
Integrity Commissioner’s investigation
JAMES DI FIORE • seat vacated (automatic if breach
PALMER RAPIDS of MCIA is found to have occurred
without excuse)
A blistering report was presented to
• disqualification from holding office
Brudenell Lyndoch and Raglan (BLR)
as a councillor for up to seven years
Council on November 4th by the BLR
Integrity Commissioner. • restitution of financial gain, if
The report followed a complaint applicable
that Councillor Andrea Budarick, after • This would give Budarick an
declaring a pecuniary interest, con- automatic right to appeal the
travened sections of the Municipal decision to the Ontario Divisional
Conflict of Interest Act (MCIA) by par- Court.
ticipating in Council meetings and en- The Current contacted Budarick follow-
tering into discussions about service ing the meeting for comment. She said
Integrity Commissioner Peggy Young-
charges that residents, including her Lovelace E4m. PHOTO: ELLIOT LAKE STANDARD that as she was going to retain a lawyer
son Gary Budarick, received from the to advise her about the concerns she
BLR Fire Department for breaching a further accused Budarick of “attempt- had with the report. She did not wish
municipal fire ban. ing to influence the decision of council to make any public statement about its
After Young-Lovelace introduced regarding the service charges when she contents at this stage. But the Council-
herself prior to presenting her report, participated in the September 4, 2019, lor did say that she was surprised that
Budarick interrupted, “I would like to Council meeting.” Young-Lovelace did not recuse her-
make a point of order.” She pointed out Young-Lovelace concluded by stat- self from this investigation because
that on the first occasion that Young- ing, “We will be applying to a Judge she had previously publicly criticized
Lovelace presented a report to BLR of the Ontario Supreme Court of Jus- Young-Lovelace about the necessity
Council, a copy of it had been provided tice under Section 8 of the MCIA for a for her previous investigation and the
in advance to the person complained determination of whether Councillor amount of her fees. Budarick advised
against so that person could respond Budarick contravened the MCIA and The Current that she had written to
before the report was finalized and re- if so, a decision as to the penalty to be Young-Lovelace asking why she had
leased to the public. Budarick asked imposed.” not recused herself and had not rec-
why she was not given the same oppor- If a judge upholds the Integrity Com- ommended that BLR retain a different
tunity. Young-Lovelace’s response was missioner’s findings, the court can lev- Commissioner for this investigation,
that the earlier report was in the form el one of the following sanctions: but has yet to receive a reply.
of a “preliminary review.”
The reduction of the service charges
was discussed at a Council meeting on
September 4 2019. That meeting was
Opeongo Seniors Centre offers
attended by Budarick, prior to which
she filed a written declaration of her in- coffee and companionship
terest because of her son’s role. Young-
Lovelace found that instead of recusing
herself from the meeting after declaring
a pecuniary interest, Budarick partici-
pated in the discussions with the Fire
Department representative.
As reported by The Current at the
time, fees levied against Budarick’s son
by BLR were later reduced after com-
plaints were made to the Fire Safety
Commission and the Office of the On-
tario Fire Marshal.
Young-Lovelace also found that With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Opeongo Seniors Centre in Barry’s Bay provides
Budarick should not have remained in senior residents with a safe environment to find companionship. Volunteers keep the
coffee pot on and the Centre doors open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
the closed session Council meeting on
Seniors Centre property manager Rob Ellis takes a breather from hanging outdoor
October 8, 2019, because she had de- decorations as volunteer Connie Schwieg rustles up more inside sparkle.
clared a pecuniary interest. The report
www.madvalleycurrent.com
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 9
EDITORIAL
Judge: Improve local government ethics
ROGER PAUL This was confirmed in a report re- and cities, and their elected officials
MADAWASKA VALLEY leased in November by Frank Mar- and staff. He referred to a previous in-
rocco, Associate Chief Justice of the quiry concerning Mississauga Mayor
Regular readers of The Current know Superior Court of Ontario, following a Hazel McCallion where Justice Douglas
that from time to time we report on two-year public inquiry. It investigated Cunningham who led that inquiry said,
perceived breaches of the obligations concerns including “closed door deci- “It is clear that Mississauga and indeed
of accountability, transparency and in- sion making, undeclared conflicts of all Ontario municipalities require a bet-
tegrity on the part of local government, interest, dodgy procurement practices, ter ethical infrastructure.”
not just in Madawaska Valley, but also in and misleading and inaccurate public The report recommends changes to
Brudenell Lyndoch & Raglan and North reporting.” The inquiry was prompted provincial legislation to improve trans-
Algona Wilberforce. Examples of these by complaints arising from two multi- parency and accountability in munici-
have included lack of transparency over million dollar transactions in Collin- pal government. It also recommends
legal cases including justification for gwood “leading to fair and troubling that municipalities enhance their codes
substantial legal expense, Code of Con- concerns from the public.” of conduct for members of council.
duct concerns, cover-ups of councillors’ However, Marrocco expanded his re- The Current reported on the fact that
conduct, non-compliance with procure- port to make it clear that it was a mat- the present Madawaska Valley Council
ment by-laws and improper response to ter of province-wide concern. He stated changed its Code of Conduct shortly af-
freedom of information requests. This that he hoped that his recommenda- ter taking office to make it more restric-
is consistent with our editorial policy tions, which totalled 306, will be useful tive for the public to complain.
of performing a watchdog role which across the province “for any other mu- It is to be hoped that in the public in-
James Di Fiore wrote about last month. nicipalities facing similar issues.” He terest the Province will take heed of the
To be clear, these conduct issues are not acknowledged that he is far from the serious and pressing concerns raised by
limited to our local municipalities, but first to urge the province to plug holes this report and will act promptly to ad-
are common across the province. in municipal rules that govern towns dress them.
Contact tracing graphic shows impact of one COVID-19 case
Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Renfrew County and District (RAD), provided a sobering example in his
Winter Update on YouTube on November 23. Using the infographic above, he explained how a single positive case of COVID-19
affected nearly two hundred people in RAD. More information is available from Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
www.madvalleycurrent.com
10 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
Fireworks and cannabis
cultivation spark
MV Council into action
DANIELLE PAUL works in MV to weekends and statutory
MADAWASKA VALLEY holidays between the May Long Week-
end and Thanksgiving would allow fire-
At the November 17 Madawaska Valley works on approximately 60 days next
Council meeting, Council directed staff year and concluded his presentation
to proceed towards new by-laws on two with the hope that MV modernizes by
Classified Ads topics: the use of fireworks and the pro-
duction, cultivation and processing of
implementing tighter restrictions that
may include permits.
Employment opportunities cannabis in the municipality. Mayor Kim Love thanked Best and
Real estate • Birth notices encouraged questions. In response,
Death notices • Personals Councillor Carl Bromwich said he had
“problems with a formal shutdown,”
Place an ad now! 613.639.1524
madvalleycurrent@gmail.com agreed there is abuse of fireworks that
could be controlled with a tighter by-
law to enforce noise and dates, but
that Council should “let the cottagers
have their fun.” Bromwich said MV has
FIREWORKS no control over fireworks over water-
Al Best, President of the Carson Trout ways which is regulated by Fisheries,
Lepine and Greenan Lakes Associa- to which Best responded that MV could
Range of quality
tion (CTLG), provided Council with regulate fireworks on the Shoreline
feedback from CTLG members includ- Road Allowance (SRA). Councillor Mark
homeware and
ing the results of a recent survey about Willmer agreed control was needed by
fireworks. He said about 67 percent of reducing the number of days, hours
gift items for
CTLG members were in favour of more and type of products but that more
restriction, 45 percent wanted a total regulation meant MV had to deal with
adults and children.
ban on fireworks with 43 percent op- how to enforce it. Love agreed with Best
posed to a total ban. Best said it was not that education is critical if the By-Law
just a question of the noise from fire- is changed and invited him to hear the
works, or even the threat of fire; it was report from Fire Chief Corwin Quade.
Monday to Saturday also the issue of environmental damage In his report, Quade said most com-
to our waterways. He had researched plaints related to fireworks being set off
11am to 4pm; other lake associations and municipali- late at night during the work week, and
Sunday 12 to 4pm. ties, and pointed to the Highlands East continuing for up to three hours. He
By-Law that restricts fireworks to cer- said the existing Noise By-Law prohib-
19492A Opeongo Line,
Barry's Bay ON K0J 1B0 tain statutory holidays. its excessive noise after 1 a.m. and that
613-756-1832 Best pointed out that the MV Fire fireworks are completely banned under
Chief’s report suggested limiting fire- Burning By-Law 2019-22 during a Level 2
Fire Ban and Total Fire Ban. He said some
municipalities in Renfrew and Hastings
Counties prohibited fireworks except on
certain statutory holidays or weekends
and that most set a limit of 20 minutes for
a fireworks event to be conducted dur-
ing a three-hour period e.g. between 8
p.m. and 11 p.m. He said most townships
impose a $500 fine for violation. Quade
said he didn’t believe in a complete ban
as local businesses sell fireworks, but he
thought some control should be imposed
www.madvalleycurrent.comTHURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 11
to allow fireworks a couple of days a week ing to cannabis. This would give MV
madvalleycurrent.com
between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. perhaps just a year to conduct a study to develop 613-639-1524
during the summer. regulations to fit the municipality’s
CAO/Clerk Suzanne Klatt said it was comprehensive Zoning By-Law once
time to review the 2011 Noise By-Law, approved. She further proposed that
but any review should contemplate County of Renfrew Planning Depart-
times when a statutory holiday e.g. ment conduct the study and review
Canada Day falls on a weekday and also of the comprehensive Zoning By-Law
address restricted products such as fire and County Official Plan.
lanterns. Love requested a single fire- Klatt said that MV would need to pay
works by-law that would incorporate the lawyers an estimated $500 for draft-
both noise and fire regulations, saying ing the ICB and suggested the costs be
it would be simpler for the public to paid out of the Ontario Cannabis Le-
have it in one place. Quade added that galization Implementation Fund. She
it could list fireworks products that are also hoped to join with other munici-
banned in Canada; e.g. cherry bombs. palities in Renfrew County to share the
BAYBERRY
Councillor Ernie Peplinski suggested costs of the review to be undertaken
the municipality implement permits so by the County planners, about factors
DESIGN
permit holders are responsible for any such as noise, light, manufacturing is-
damage. Shulist said in the days be- sues, odour said Klatt. Love asked that
fore environmental consciousness, fire it consider the issue of communal grow-
safety was paramount so letting off fire- ops; i.e. numerous individuals getting HIGH QUALITY
ART REPRODUCTIONS
works over water was considered the together on a single plot of land where
WATERCOLOUR & CANVAS GICLÉE
safest place. He agreed with education each of them cultivates their own per- ART C ARDS, PRINTS & POSTERS
but did not favour a total ban. mitted four cannabis plants, resulting BAYBERRYDESIGN.CA
By then Bromwich and Willmer had in potentially hundreds of plants on a
left the meeting, so Love summed up by single property. Klatt agreed, saying that
asking staff to provide a draft fireworks some municipalities used separate defi-
by-law that all members of council could nitions such as cannabis production fa-
discuss. She requested a compromise cility and cannabis production personal.
“not totally banned, not a free-for-all” At the Council in Committee meeting
that would allow year round residents on Dec.1, MV Council passed By-Law ST. FRANCIS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
and cottagers to “all live here together.” 2020-96 to Establish an Interim Control EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
She added it should include a provision By-Law - to Prohibit the EMPLOYMENT
Cultivation of OPPORTUNITY
Permanent Part-time and Casual
for a “municipally significant event” if Cannabis (for one year). Registered Nurses and Registered
Posting Number: 20-40
designated by Council. Klatt asked about
Practical Nurses for Date:
the Emergency
October 22,and
2020
a setback from the waterways, but Love Vacancy & Social Worker
Medical Departments
demurred saying that a lot of people did
not have very deep properties along the
BARRY’S
Summary:
BAY
Classification: Permanent Full Time
Located in Barry’s Bay, St. Francis Memorial
The Social Worker functions as a member of Rainbow Valley Community Health
water and a setback might mean the only Hospital isindividual
Centre’s primary health team in the provision of assessment, offeringand
Registered Nurse andcase
family counseling,
management, and facilitation of groups operating within the valuesPractical
Registered and objectives
Nurse of the Centre.
positions for Crisis
those
place they would have “to set off fire- intervention services, in partnership with the other mental health programs in the County, are also an
works is in the middle of their cottage.” interested
element of the position. The Social Worker works closely within in
themaking a difference
inter-disciplinary in health
team, providing
She requested more information consultation to members of the team. care delivery within a rural setting. This small,
from staff about setbacks, permits, fees,
Thanks for supporting the Legion. rural, fully accredited hospital offers both
QUALIFICATIONS:
enforcements. Klatt amended the Rec- Happy Holidays!
1.
medical in-patient care, emergency care and
A Registered Social Worker with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and two to four years of
ommendation to read: That council di- a full range of diagnostic and clinicalMaster’s
services
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
counseling experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
rect staff to draft a Fireworks By-law for degree preferred.
Qualified applicants must have: current
council consideration as well as the re- SUNDAY
2.
3. DECEMBER
Thorough knowledge of 20
Extensive assessment and counseling skills;
certification
and proficiency in current assessmentwithand
thepsychosocial
College of Nurses of
counseling
lated changes to the Noise By-Law and/ 8techniques;
am to 12 pm Ontario and well developed interpersonal and
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
or fire-related by-laws. Adults:
5. $12
Ability •toKids 6 to 12:
work effectively $6an inter-disciplinary
within communication
team; skills (Emergency position
CANNABIS INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW 6.
7.
Under
Commitment 6: free
to and knowledge of community-based health care, preferably in a rural setting;
may require additional qualifications
Sensitivity to people with a variety of health, social, cultural and economic needs. such as
Klatt reviewed her report to Council, Social distancing regulations in place. ACLS and PALS).
saying she had consulted with Renfrew
CLUB ROOM:
Start Date: toOpen Monday, Wed.
be determined If you are interested in joining our professional,
County and various municipalities.
She proposed that MV hire Cunning-
and Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm caring staff that is committed to providing
Apply in writing to Human Resources at pecarskiej@sfmhosp.com
and Friday 2 pm to 8 pm. Closed on excellent patient care in a friendly, family
ham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham
December 25, 26, 31 and January 1. environment, please submit your resume
LLP to draft an Interim Control By-Law
to: Mary-Ellen Harris, C.N.E. and Director of
(ICB) for MV that would put a tempo-
rary “freeze” on certain land uses relat-
Follow us on Facebook Patient Care Services, harrism@sfmhosp.com
Greg McLeod
www.madvalleycurrent.com Chief Operating Officer12 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT
Countdown to Christmas with the Library
MADAWASKA VALLEY LIBRARY ENTERTAINS THE WHOLE FAMILY IN DECEMBER
THE CURRENT CHRISTMAS CARD CHALLENGE
BARRY’S BAY This program encourages children
to share the seasonal joy by sending
The lead-up to the holidays usu- Christmas cards to our Valley Manor
ally includes some Saturday and Residents. Kits to make cards will be
holiday craft and story times for ready for pickup on Saturday, Dec.
children at the Madawaska Valley 5. Please return completed cards to
Public Library, but this year the Li- the Library by December 18.
brary staff in Barry’s Bay are going Cards will be quarantined before
all out to ensure youngsters (and delivery to the Manor.
their families) have extra opportu-
nities for fun times at home. ZOO TOUR VIA ZOOM
Don’t worry if you missed regis- December 12 at 2:00 p.m. Spaces
tering for some of the earlier pro- are limited for this unique program,
grams; there are plenty more that so please register by December 9.
appeal to a range of ages. Plus Participants will receive a private,
scroll down for some gift sugges- virtual, 30-minute guided tour of an
tions for those hard-to-buy-for area of the Toronto Zoo (to be an-
folks on your list. nounced).
During the video conference, kids
ADVENT BOOK PROJECT
can meet some of the animals and
You might have already picked up will be able to pose questions to To-
your book bundle from the library. ronto Zoo personnel.
The project offered schools and
families the chance to sign up for GINGERBREAD COOKIE KIT
a bundle of wrapped books to be For the little bakers in your house-
opened over the holidays. All that hold, this kit contains a gingerbread
was needed for families to partici- cookie and all you need to decorate
pate was a library card. Books were it! Register by Friday, December 18.
checked out for an extended holi- Pickup date for your kit is Wednes-
day loan. day, December 23.
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS KIT VIRTUAL STORY TIME
FOR CHILDREN Check out the MV Public Library
Kit contains everything children Facebook page for updates about
need to put together a Santa Calen- the December 24 Story Time with
dar: a Santa face image, 24 cotton Sir Monkton and Friends.
balls, backing for the image, and
some ribbon to hang the calendar. ORNAMENT KITS
The instructions begin with: Each kit contains two Christmas
“Santa’s beard is very bare; On his balls and everything needed to
chin there is no hair.” Each day lead- decorate them. The kits cost $8
ing up to Christmas a cotton ball is each and proceeds go toward li-
glued to the image of Santa’s beard, brary programs.
and by Christmas Eve Santa will GIFT IDEAS
have a full beard. Library t-shirts and book bags for
MOVIE NIGHT KIT, FREE, YOU JUST friends and family. The t-shirts are
NEED YOUR LIBRARY CARD $15 each and the book bags are
Each kit will contain a surprise $20 each.
Christmas movie (to borrow) and
Call 613-756-2000 or email
popcorn, along with a keepsake
mvpl.programs@gmail.com
movie ticket. Register by Saturday,
December 12. Movie Night kits will
be ready for pickup on Friday, De- PHOTOS: COURTESY FACEBOOK/MADAWASKA
cember 18. VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY, BARRY’S BAY
www.madvalleycurrent.comYou can also read
