FREE 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.

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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 [email protected]. Most listings are free.

Just in time for the holiday season, Nature of Design installed new signage at the BARRY’S BAY 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 Bay in what SFHF calls its Holistic ago in a 48 sqft space, St. Francis 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 [email protected] of construction. PHOTO: COURTESY FACEBOOK/ST. FRANCIS HERB FARM

www.madvalleycurrent.com 2 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT 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 MADAWASKA VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY sides. The panels will be mounted with Facebook 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 • [email protected] • 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 Hamnet and Judith Forest Green tally fragile because of child- 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 Violette, the caretaker of a BY JOHN BANVILLE BY ANNE TYLER DONOGHUE Shuggie Bain cemetery in France, is visited Near Christmas in 1957, an Micah Mortimer lives alone, BY DOUGLAS STUART Set in Dublin during the 1918 by a man wanting to under- 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 4 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT THURSDAY DECEMBER 3, 2020 | 5 MV Food Bank announces no present need for donations

TERRY NEWCOMBE Remembrance Day observed MADAWASKA VALLEY

In what may be a surprising statement at Barry’s Bay Legion 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 6 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT 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 University of Minnesota Duluth, The Current is published here in the Valley by residents Roger and Danielle Paul 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 Fetzer achieved particular notoriety Please address letters to [email protected] or The Madawaska 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 making, in a recent high profile case he Association of Journalists; it follows the principles of accuracy, fairness, 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, [email protected], 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 health as well as those they come into unless you give them notice of, and they agree to accept, those same obligations. 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 Integrity Commissioner Peggy Young- ing the meeting for comment. She said 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 8 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT 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 topics: the use of fireworks and the pro- implementing tighter restrictions that Classified Ads duction, cultivation and processing of 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 Place an ad now! 613.639.1524 “problems with a formal shutdown,” [email protected] 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 tion (CTLG), provided Council with regulate fireworks on the Shoreline feedback from CTLG members includ- Road Allowance (SRA). Councillor Mark ing the results of a recent survey about Willmer agreed control was needed by Range of quality fireworks. He said about 67 percent of reducing the number of days, hours CTLG members were in favour of more and type of products but that more homeware and restriction, 45 percent wanted a total regulation meant MV had to deal with ban on fireworks with 43 percent op- how to enforce it. Love agreed with Best gift items for 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 adults and children. 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- 11am to 4pm; to our waterways. He had researched plaints related to fireworks being set off 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 said the existing Noise By-Law prohib- 19492A Opeongo Line, By-Law that restricts fireworks to cer- its excessive noise after 1 a.m. and that Barry's Bay ON K0J 1B0 tain statutory holidays. 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.com 10 | MADAWASKA VALLEY CURRENT THURSDAY 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 Councillor Ernie Peplinski suggested costs of the review to be undertaken the municipality implement permits so by the County planners, about factors permit holders are responsible for any such as noise, light, manufacturing is- BAYBERRY 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- DESIGN 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 CARDS, PRINTS & POSTERS but did not favour a total ban. mitted four cannabis plants, resulting BAYBERRYD ESIGN.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 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY She added it should include a provision By-Law - to Prohibit the Cultivation of Permanent Part-time and Casual for a “municipally significant event” if Cannabis (for one year). Registered Nurses andPosting Registered Number: 20-40 designated by Council. Klatt asked about Practical Nurses for Date:the EmergencyOctober 22, and 2020 a setback from the waterways, but Love Vacancy & Social Worker Medical Departments demurred saying that a lot of people did Classification: Permanent Full Time BARRY’S BAY Located in Barry’s Bay, St. Francis Memorial not have very deep properties along the Summary: The Social Worker functions as a member of Rainbow Valley Community Health water and a setback might mean the only Centre’s primary health team in the provision of assessment,Hospital isindividual offering andRegistered family counseling, Nurse and case place they would have “to set off fire- management, and facilitation of groups operating withinRegistered the values Practical and objectives Nurse of positions the Centre. for Crisisthose intervention services, in partnership with the other mental health programs in the County, are also an works is in the middle of their cottage.” element of the position. The Social Worker works closelyinterested within inthe making inter-disciplinary a difference team, in healthproviding She requested more information consultation to members of the team. care delivery within a rural setting. This small, Thanks for supporting the Legion. from staff about setbacks, permits, fees, QUALIFICATIONS: rural, fully accredited hospital offers both enforcements. Klatt amended the Rec- medical in-patient care, emergency care and Happy1. A Registered Holidays! Social Worker with a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and two to four years of ommendation to read: That council di- counseling experience (or an equivalent combinationa full range of education of diagnostic and experience). and clinical Master’s services rect staff to draft a Fireworks By-law for PANCAKEdegree preferred.BREAKFAST Qualified applicants must have: current council consideration as well as the re- SUNDAY2. Extensive DECEMBER assessment and 20 counseling skills; 3. Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in currentcertification assessment with and the psychosocial College of Nurses counseling of lated changes to the Noise By-Law and/ 8techniques; am to 12 pm Ontario and well developed interpersonal and or fire-related by-laws. 4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Adults:5. $12Ability •to Kids work effectively 6 to 12: within $6 an inter-disciplinarycommunication team; skills (Emergency position 6. CommitmentUnder 6: tofree and knowledge of community-based health care, preferably in a rural setting; CANNABIS INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW 7. Sensitivity to people with a variety of health, social,may require cultural additional and economic qualifications needs. such as Klatt reviewed her report to Council, Social distancing regulations in place. ACLS and PALS). saying she had consulted with Renfrew CLUBStart ROOM: Date: to Open be determined Monday, Wed. If you are interested in joining our professional, County and various municipalities. caring staff that is committed to providing She proposed that MV hire Cunning- and Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm Apply in writing to Human Resourcesexcellent at [email protected] patient care in a friendly, family ham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham and Friday 2 pm to 8 pm. Closed on environment, please submit your resume LLP to draft an Interim Control By-Law December 25, 26, 31 and January 1. to: Mary-Ellen Harris, C.N.E. and Director of (ICB) for MV that would put a tempo- Follow us on Facebook Patient Care Services, [email protected] rary “freeze” on certain land uses relat- Greg McLeod www.madvalleycurrent.com Chief Operating Officer

St. Francis memorial offers a competitive salary scale and benefit package with a flexible work schedule. St. Francis Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and respectful environment for our patients, staff and visitors and will not tolerate any form of violent, abusive or aggressive behavior. Although we appreciate all responses, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 12 | 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 [email protected] 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.com