The Cornerstone MAY 2021 Emergency Contacts: Township Of O’Connor Medical Emergencies: 911 Fire: 911

PLEASE NOTE: Police: 911 Although the office remains closed to the public, we are still able to provide Municipal Office Hours services. Please call us at 476-1451 to find out how we can meet your needs. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: The Office will be CLOSED May 24th for Victoria Day. 9:00 am to Noon & 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fridays: 9:00 am to Noon COUNCIL MEETINGS Office Phone: 476-1451 Fax: 473-0891 The next regular meetings of Council will be held virtually on Monday, Garage: 476-1453 May 10th and Tuesday, May 25th starting at 7:00 p.m. Please visit Community Centre: 476-1452 the Township website to access the meeting link through the Home page. Website: www.oconnortownship.ca Council welcomes your involvement. E-mail: [email protected]

Mayor Jim Vezina - 577-6735 Fire Permits: Councillors: Required between April 1st & October 31st. Alex Crane - 473-9420 Jerry Loan - 633-5352 You must first register at: https://oconnor.burnpermits.com/ Wendy Handy - 344-2523 Bishop Racicot - 577-2215 Then, you must call each time before you burn. It is mandatory. National Public Works Week To burn: Call 1-833-490-0299 May 16th - 22nd For questions regarding the permits, please call the township office. For questions on The American Public Works Association has announced the theme for the 2021 burning, please call Fire Chief Henry Mattas National Public Works Week Theme as “Stronger Together.” It emphasizes that at 628-3523. by working together, the impact citizens and public works professionals can Disposal Site Hours: have on their communities is magnified and results Please have your disposal site permit with in the ability to accomplish goals once thought you when attending the Disposal Site. unattainable. Summer Hours (Apr 1 to Aug 31) The Township of O’Connor Public Works team Tuesdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm helps maintain our community's strength by Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm working together to provide an infrastructure of Winter Hours (Sept 1 - Mar 31) services in public buildings and spaces, grounds, Tuesdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm emergency management and first response, solid Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm waste, and the best roads driven in all of the Building Permits: District. Public Works also provides By-law Number 2016-12, being a by-law togetherness needed for collaboration with all the respecting Construction, Demolition, stakeholders in capital projects, infrastructure Inspections, and to set out the rates for solutions, and quality of life services. permits within the Corporation of the On behalf of all of the residents and stakeholders Township of O’Connor states that building of the Township of O’Connor, Council and staff permits will be required for the construction, would like to thank our Public Works team for all erection, alteration, repair, removal, their hard work and dedication. relocation and change of use of all Buildings, decks or structures within the Township of O’Connor. If you are building Census Day is May 11, 2021 anything larger than 108 square feet or any

The Census is one of the most important sources of information for Canadians, building with heating and/or plumbing, you are required to apply for a building permit. helping us understand where we came from, where we are, and where we are For more information, please call the heading. Data collected has a direct impact on shaping the future of our Township Office or the Township’s Chief communities, businesses, and country as a whole. Building Official, Ken Yanishewski, at Information from the Census is used by governments, businesses, associations, 708-9944 or email to community organizations and many others to make important decisions for our [email protected] municipality, our province, and the entire country. The data received helps Applications available on the Township determine what funding our Municipality receives. Your responses ensure that website or at the township office. our community has the information it needs to plan services that support our Library Hours: infrastructure. The Census of Agriculture provides information on all aspects of EMAIL LIBRARY FOR UPDATES. the Canadian agriculture industry—from the township, rural or municipal level to Email: [email protected] the national level. Both public and private agricultural organizations use the data http://oliverpaipoonge.olsn.ca/ collected from the Census of Agriculture. COVID-19 INFORMATION Completion of the Census questionnaire is mandatory under the Statistics Act. Health Unit: Statistics Canada places the highest priority on maintaining the confidentiality 625-5900 (ext.1) and security of completed questionnaires. Stringent measures and procedures Toll Free: 1-866-294-6630 (ext. 1) are followed to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times. No one www.tbdhu.com/coronavirus will ever ask for your social insurance number, banking information or for Telehealth : you to send money. Starting on May 3, 2021, you can complete your census 1-866-797-0000 questionnaire online as an easy, secure and convenient option.1 Call Ontario 2-1-1 to find programs and For more information, visit www.census.gc.ca. services in your area. FIRE PERMITS Fire Permits required between Apr. 1st and Oct. 31st New online fire permits!!

• Fire Permits are required for ALL outdoor burning, including fireworks and incinerators, with the exception of small campfires for cooking or warmth, • Permits may be revoked at anytime at the absolute discretion of the Township’s Fire Chief, Henry Mattas, • Fire Permits are now valid for the entire fire season and can be obtained through the following steps below  STEP 1: Register online at: https://oconnor.burnpermits.com/ to create an account.  STEP 2: Once you are registered, you will need to apply for a permit each year.  STEP 3: For every time you wish to burn, you must call 1-833-490-0299 to activate your permit. Calling this number before you burn is mandatory to ensure the Township is aware of all active burns, while providing you with the necessary risk level information.

If you’re unable to register online or apply for your yearly fire permit, you may call the Township Office at 476-1451 and staff will help get you set up so that each time you burn, you need only call the number in Step 3 above.

THINK BEFORE YOU BURN, PRACTICE SAFE OUTDOOR BURNING!

Fire Department News O’CONNOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT NEEDS YOUR: Since the last newsletter, the O’Connor Fire Department received one Fire call and one First  POP CANS Response call.  BEER CANS

A quick reminder from our Volunteer Fire Department:  BEER BOTTLES  LIQUOR BOTTLES Keep up that fire and safety maintenance! Please ensure that you: DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN HELP OUR LOCAL  Sign up for your fire permit account and create your FIRE DEPARTMENT RAISE MONEY BY PUTTING YOUR permit. CANS AND BOTTLES IN THE SPECIALIZED BINS FOR

 Call the 1-833 number on your fire permit EVERY O’CONNOR?? TIME you are going to burn, The O’Connor Fire Department Auxiliary has Pop Can,  Check wind conditions before burning, Beer and Liquor Bottle bins at the O’Connor Disposal Site,  Watch weather alerts for storm activity, the O’Connor Fire Hall, Public School and Green Acres Variety. Using these bins, rather than the  Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide regular recycling bins, helps raise money for the O’Connor detectors once a month. Volunteer Fire Department equipment thus reducing the tax For questions on volunteering for the O’Connor Fire dollars needed during budget time. Department, First Response and Auxiliary, please call: FEELING EXTRA CHARITABLE?? Henry Mattas at 628-3523 Remove your pop can tabs and drop them off at the Fire Department O’Connor Township Office for charity.

Leanne at 475-5828 PLEASE NOTE: These bins are ONLY for pop and beer First Response cans, beer and liquor bottles. All other recyclables should be placed in the regular recycling bins at the Cheri at 621-5768 Disposal Site. Thank you to all who have donated to date. Fire Department Auxiliary

Fire Department & First Response applications can be found on the O’Connor website. Simply click on the quick Report a bear problem link on the left labelled “Be a Volunteer in O’Connor.” For emergency encounters, call 911 or local police if a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety: SMOKE DETECTORS & CARBON • enters or tries to enter a residence MONOXIDE ALARMS SAVE LIVES • kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site • stalks people and lingers at the site The O’Connor Fire Department has for For Non-emergency encounters, Please call the Bear purchase; Wise reporting line: 1-866-514-2327 (Apr. 1 - Nov. 30).

Kidde Smoke Alarms……………………….……..$25.00 Kidde Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms……….....$25.00 Kidde Combination Smoke/CO Alarms…...... $35.00 These units can be picked up at the O’Connor Township Mother’s Day is Office during regular office hours. For more information on fire safety, please check the Township website at www.oconnortownship.ca or ask the Township office Sunday, May staff for available information pamphlets. 2 9th. Disposal Site

2021 Day of Action on Litter - May 11th

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are actions all of us can still take to put litter in its proper place while staying at home and physically distancing. You can do this by: • Reducing waste: giving old products new life instead of throwing them away. For example, using old containers for storage. • Diverting waste: recycling or composting materials when and where possible to divert waste away from landfills. For example, by using your blue and green bins. • Preventing waste: stopping waste before its created. For example, by choosing to buy goods with less packaging. • Properly disposing waste: making sure anything that does belong in the trash, such as disposable gloves and masks, is placed in properly tied or sealed garbage bags to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe.

Why it matters - We generate nearly one tonne of waste per person every year in Ontario. It is estimated that almost 10,000 tonnes of plastic debris enter Ontario’s lakes and rivers each year. In Ontario: • almost 50% of waste is diverted through blue box or green bins • 70% of general waste materials from residential, commercial and industrial locations end up in landfills When food and organic waste breaks down in landfills it produces harmful greenhouse gases. Ontario’s greenhouse gases from solid waste in landfills totaled 3.4 million tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2018 . Waste that doesn’t get recycled or go to landfills ends up as litter in our environment, which can have a negative effect on local ecosystems. Litter along our shorelines, in our green spaces and on our roads can spill into our waterways and break down into micro-plastics in the environment, which can hurt or even kill wildlife and damage ecosystems. What you can do - Your actions matter. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours, or one game of hockey. Almost every plastic item we’ve made since the 1950s is still in our environment . Consider: • donating gently used plastic toys instead of throwing them away • using your own dinnerware instead of plastic or paper plates • swapping your plastic water bottle for a reusable one when you’re on the go Tips for around the house • Become an expert on what goes in the green bin and blue box in your municipality. • Reuse or properly wash and recycle take-out food containers. • Use up leftover produce in your fridge by making a batch of soup or stir fry. • To cut down on paper towel waste, use a dishcloth with soap and water to clean your surfaces. • Make a zero-waste air freshener with a few simple household ingredients. • Upcycle your old jeans into a DIY dog toy. Tips for around your backyard: • Create your own compost station outside for your garden soil. • Use old towels to clean your outside windows, table tops and chairs. • Create a seed nursery with toilet paper rolls before planting. • Reuse cracked or damaged ceramics as flower pots. • Create a “bee hotel” using things from around the house. • Prevent food waste by growing what you need. Learn how to grow your own sprouts. During the COVID-19 outbreak, If you need to go out, here are some tips: • Avoid food waste by planning your meals in advance and buying groceries for your weekly recipes. • Purchase beeswax food wraps instead of plastic wrap. • Purchase reusable straws instead of plastic straws. • Mason jars are handy and can be reused for multiple purposes.

LOAD RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT Commemorative Plaques

(Half Loads) Celebrate a family member, friend or loved

Load restrictions for all municipal roads within the one and order a plaque TODAY! Township of O’Connor will continue during the period The Township of O’Connor offers plaques to commemorate designated by the Township of O’Connor. The Township the special anniversary of 50 years or longer and birthday of O’Connor reserves the right to extend the load celebrations of 75 years or older for present and past restrictions due to the weather and/or road conditions after residents of the Township. If you know anyone who would the MTO has lifted their restrictions. MTO has also placed be celebrating either of these special events in 2021, load restrictions on Highways 595 & 588. please contact the Township office three weeks prior to the date and a plaque will be ordered at no charge.

3 National Nursing Week - May 10th to 16th For Dog Owners Commemorate Nurses this week! Prevent Puppy Poop Pollution! Support your Nurses by:

As the snow melts to reveal the grass and the leaves • Following Canadian Nurses Association on Facebook, leftover from last fall, it also brings a show of all the poop Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube your little darlings left all over the yard. That poop • Using #IKnowANurse to share stories of exceptional presents a risk of pollution! nurses, because everyone knows a nurse who has left a lasting impression! Dog poop is high in bacteria, nitrogen, and phosphorus. As • In all your social media posts, use #CNA2021 the spring snow melt flows across trails, yards, and roads; #WeAnswerTheCall #IKnowANurse it eventually can lead into our wells and creeks. Take the #NationalNursingWeek #IND2021 #Nurses2021 opportunity to pick up that poop before the grass starts to grow and hide that poop pollution.

Don’t forget to do your due diligence in safety measures. O’Connor’s History Book Keeping your dog’s leashes and fences maintained, as “First Hundred Years Of Country Living the harsh weather over winter may have caused some At It Best” damage, can help protect your furry loved ones from harm. The Township of O’Connor has copies of the O’Connor Also, please be mindful of your dogs whereabouts at all History Book which commemorate the first 100 years of times. For their safety, always make sure that they remain O’Connor’s Country Living At Its Best. Copies of the book on your own property, or on a leash if out for a walk. are available in hardcover for $40.00 and can be Enjoy the spring! Get those critters out for a walk and take purchased at the O’Connor Township Office during regular care of their health, as well as your own. office hours.

4 Oliver Paipoonge Library

Beyond Books: Curbside Pickup Days Connecting Through the Pandemic Rosslyn Library Murillo Library Submitted by Beverly Ball 939-2312 935-2729 on behalf of the Oliver Paipoonge Library Board Tuesday 2:00 – 7:00 Wednesday 2:00 – 7:00

Many special celebrations with family and friends have been Email [email protected] or visit our web page put aside for a future time when we can safely connect with http://oliverpaipoonge.olsn.ca phone, email or visit our others. Whether honouring a loved one’s memory or joining webpage to place holds for pickup. a family member at their wedding or celebrating the birth of a new grandchild, we all have had to rethink how to Ontario Parks’ Permits Now Available at acknowledge these important times in our life. Oliver Paipoonge Libraries!

One way that residents can commemorate a significant Oliver Paipoonge Library is excited to bring you your next event is to donate to the Library. The Oliver Paipoonge adventure! There are so many beautiful places in Ontario Public Library Gift and Memorial Fund provides a way to that you may have yet to explore. Luckily, you can now honour and remember friends and family members on checkout free Ontario Parks day-use permits from both special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, the Murillo and Rosslyn libraries! There are many parks graduations, and marriages. Items that are purchased with spectacular views and activities just a short drive through the Gift and Memorial Fund will have a bookplate away! This is a great opportunity for those in the placed in the item in honour or in memory of your loved community who enjoy getting outside and spending time ones. Last year, donations were made to the Library in with nature and their loved ones. These Ontario Parks memory of Al Brescia, John McAra, and Jack MacMillan. permits provide complimentary day-use access for one Our many thanks to family members and friends who made vehicle and its occupants at more than 100 provincial these donations. parks where fees are normally applicable. If you are as Not only will your donation be a way to memorialize events excited as us about this new service offered at our library and individuals, but we know that books in themselves and can’t wait to checkout your own permit, simply provide many benefits which, now more than ever, we may contact the Rosslyn or Murillo Library, and we will let you need during these challenging times. Research has shown know if or when one is available. The permit will be yours that reading helps reduce stress; strengthens our brain for a week, giving you lots of time to explore many (much like physical activity helps the body, reading beautiful destinations! In addition, the first time you check exercises the mind); helps prevent cognitive decline; and out a permit, you will be given a coupon for $5 off to can help prepare us for good night’s sleep. purchase your own day-use permit at Ontario Parks! You During this time, it is even more important that we have can find a map of operating park locations near you at access to books. Your public library ensures that all ontarioparks.com/park-locater. You can also use the residents can have free access to books and other items in Ontario Parks’ website to their collection. Contact the Library if you are interested in explore the different learning more about the Gift and Memorial Fund, to make a activities and experiences donation to the Fund, or if you wish to become a member. each park has to offer. This opportunity will be available from January 1, 2021 until December 31, 2021.

RURAL CUPBOARD O’CONNOR BLESSING BOX

FOOD BANK The "Blessing Box" is a community pantry open to and supported by the residents of O’Connor. In tough times such as these, residents are able to use Neighbours Helping Neighbours items from the pantry as needed and others are able to show their compassion in their neighbours’ time of need. What better way to show your community that Conmee Municipal Complex you care than by donating an item or two to the blessing box. If you have any 19 Holland Rd, Kakabeka Falls questions regarding the Blessing Box, please contact Shelley at 629-2851. P0T1W0 Thank you to all who have placed items in the Blessing Box. Items are still 807-285-0836 being purchased through donations made by the O’Connor Free Methodist Church and from the 2020 O’Connor Christmas Parade.

PLEASE NOTE: As this is a community pantry, it is being used by many others. We sincerely thank all those that Please take full precautions as you would anywhere else. Wipe down and continue to support us during sanitize items as you take them. Sanitize your hands COVID-19. before and after using the box and wash them with soap Your donations enable the food and water as soon as possible. bank to remain open. As these are tough times for so many, please take only what is needed on an immediate basis and leave items Next Food Bank is for others that may also be in need. Should you need more assistance than what the Blessing Box can Wednesday, May 19, 2021 provide, please call The Rural Cupboard Food Bank at Registration 9 am to 11 am 285-0836. The Blessing Box can be found outside of 5 the O’Connor Community Centre at 330 Highway 595. DON’T GET TICKED!!

The City of Thunder Bay and immediately surrounding area are now considered a risk area for Lyme disease. About 10% of the blacklegged ticks in this area are infected with Lyme disease bacteria. These bacteria can be transmitted to humans after a female blacklegged tick has fed for 24 or more hours. Most ticks found in the Thunder Bay District are wood ticks and do not carry the Lyme disease bacteria. PREVENT THE BITE 1. Cover up. Protect yourself when you are active outdoors. Wear long sleeves, tuck pants in socks and wear light coloured clothing so ticks are more easily noticed. 2. Use bug spray. Follow the directions and use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on clothes and exposed skin to keep bugs away. 3. Check yourself and your pets. Do a tick check before heading indoors (home, camp, tent). Look in warm, hidden areas on the body including armpits, in and around the hair and ears, between the legs, and the back of the knees. Don’t forget the family pet; in and around the ears, on the belly and between the toes. KNOW THE TICK - Ticks can range in size from a poppy seed in the nymph stage to a pea when they are engorged and full of blood. Wood (dog) ticks are larger than blacklegged (deer) ticks. For example, an adult female wood tick is about 0.5 cm long and an adult female blacklegged tick is about 0.3 cm long. REMOVE THE TICK - Ticks bite, draw blood, engorge and then drop off. The tick’s mouth will be under the skin but the head and body will be sticking out. Follow these steps to remove: Use fine-tipped tweezers (don’t burn off or smother with Vaseline©). Grab the head as close to the skin as possible. Pull up slowly until the tick is completely removed. Do not twist or turn. Put it in a clean container and mark the date and geographic location of where the tick was picked up. Wash the area with soap and water OR apply rubbing alcohol. Monitor for unusual symptoms; see a health care provider if concerned. Bring it to the Health Unit for identification from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, 999 Balmoral St., Thunder Bay.

6 Victoria Day is Monday, May 24th. Hymers Fair News Please remember to check and follow Provincial and By Shannon Dodd-Smith Regional guidelines before making your plans this Long Weekend. Stay safe! Soil is often taken for granted.

It's a non-renewable resource; and according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, its preservation is essential for food security.

I watched an inspiring and informative documentary from the US Soil Health Institute called "Living Soil" available on YouTube.

Farmers all over are focusing on soil health. More and more are opting for their grandparents' way of taking care of soil, which in turn results in "(the soil) taking care of us".

The Lakehead Region Conservation OMAFRA is offering a program that helps with soil preservation and health Authority is excited to present our and it's being delivered through the Ontario Soil and Crop Association. new Superior Stewards webpage. Superior Stewards offers programs and So, farmers, if you haven't already, you may wish to see if this is resources for Lakehead Watershed something for you; and consider "feeding your soil livestock" (also known residents so together we can achieve and as microbes) for a healthy crop and more secure future. maintain the optimal health of the For folks like me who have room for improvement: consider interplanting Watershed. Whether planting trees or (attracts beneficial beasts), cover crops, companion planting, and mulching shrubs, implementing low impact to replace as much tilling, plastic fibre covers, chemical fertilizers and development on your property, or pesticides as possible. educating yourself about the best ways to maintain your property, it is all our My garden will look different this year for sure. No more tilling. Way more responsibility to be Superior Stewards. mulch. Old bed sheets instead of plastic fibre frost covers. Better attention to who grows where and with whom. And hopefully, I will have Our new Stewardship webpage is full of something to show-off at this year's on-line Hymers Fair activities. resources on the best ways to naturalize your property and protect our watershed. Plans are still in the works for how exactly the Fair will be celebrated this year; but it's safe to say most of it will be on-line. Browse our new guides on Northwestern Ontario native plants for your backyard, an Membership meets monthly. Call Debbie 475-8586 or check us out online: invasive species guide, and a ‘How To’ hymersfair.com, Instagram, and Facebook if you'd like to get involved. guide to revegetate the lake, river, or Don't forget the May 29 Seedling & Seed Exchange at the Gillies streambank on your property. Community Centre parking lot; covid-permitting, of course. If you have a lake, river or stream running through your property, check out our new Superior Stewards Shoreline Protection Program! The Superior Stewards Shoreline Protection Program is a shoreline assessment and educational program supporting private landowners with up to 100 plants to enhance shoreline and riparian zones, rehabilitate shoreline habitat, offer erosion protection, and improve water quality. The Shoreline Protection Program is focused on lands within the Thunder Bay Area of Concern to address fish and wildlife related to beneficial use impairments and is funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Learn more about the program here: Shoreline Protection Program. Please note that the 2021 Private Landowner’s Tree Seedling Assistance Program has been cancelled; the program is set to return in 2022. Additionally, the 2021 Wine Tasting & Dinner fundraising event has been cancelled. Keep an eye on the LRCA’s website and social media channels for more information about possible events, workshops, and other programs throughout 2021. 7 8 Hasselback Fajita Chicken - Serves 4 Homemade Fajita Spice Mix

4 Chicken Breasts 1 Onion, sliced 1 t. cumin 1/2 t. coriander (opt.)

2 T. Fajita Spice Mix 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced 1/2 t. chili powder 1/8 t. cayenne pepper 1/2 t. garlic powder 1/2 t. salt 3 T. Salsa 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced 1/2 t. onion powder 1/4 t. sugar 50g Cheddar Cheese, grated 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced 1/2 t. paprika 1/2 T. cornstarch 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 1/2 t. oregano 2. Slice into the chicken several times, about 1/4” apart, but only Whisk ingredients together, working out any lumps. about 85% of the way through, leaving the bottom intact. 3. Cook the onions and peppers over a medium heat until softened, then stir in the fajita mix. 4. Stir in the salsa and sprinkle the cheese over. Mix together until the cheese is melted. 5. Allow to cool to the touch, and then fill each segment of the chicken breast with about 1 teaspoon of the mixture. 6. Bake in the centre of the oven for 18-22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE VICTORIA DAY? QUEEN VICTORIA! (WORD SCRAMBLER answers on page 15)

1. YMA DIABYHRT ERTCOBAEILN ______2. EQNUE FO EHT DUTNIE ONIMGKD ______3. ERSESMP FO DIIAN ______4. SHIBTIR ONCMHAR ______5. GISKNEOTNN LEAPCA ______6. OSHUE FO ANEHROV ______7. CIRPEN RBLATE ______8. SEAOTISAPN ______9. TOSGNR LWIL ______10. LXIARNAENAD TVIIRCOA ______

9 Summer Employment Opportunities - Ontario Public Service

The Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) provides up to 5,000 students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through supervised summer employment in the Ontario Public Service. To be eligible to participate in the program, students must be currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary New Local Food institution, be at least 15 years old, be living in Ontario during the summer and be legally entitled to work in Directory Website Canada. Positions for the summer of 2021 will be NOW LIVE! posted until June 1, 2021. The 2021 employment period for students is from May to September. To A new online directory participate, students must apply online at developed by the Thunder Bay www.ontario.ca/careers. As the COVID-19 situation & Area Food Strategy lists continues to evolve, the Ontario Public Service will be local food producers, processors and retailers, as monitoring what program adaptations may be well as restaurants cooking with local ingredients. necessary for the summer of 2021. We continue to Qualifying businesses will receive a directory listing remain flexible in our approach. To the extent and profile at no charge. https://tbayinseason.ca/ possible, proposed changes will be communicated Among the current list, you will find listings from prior to the screening and hiring of students. O’Connor!

10 11 12 13 Cornerstone Advertising

SUPPORT The following fee structure for advertising in the Cornerstone has been set by Council;

─ Business Ad - $ 10.00 ─ Full Page Ad - $ 30.00 LOCAL ─ Personal/Classified Ads (ie. Garage sale, Parties, Funeral or Celebration of Life) - $ 5.00 ─ Announcements (ie. birthday, anniversary, baby) - $ 2.00 BUSINESS ─ Death Announcements - Free of Charge for the Township of O’Connor past or present residents. (This does not include funeral advertisements)

DEADLINE FOR AD SUBMISSIONS IS THE 23RD OF EVERY MONTH.

14

O’Connor Free Methodist Church O’Connor-Conmee Fellowship Baptist Church

293 Sitch Road

PLEASE CALL 473-9362 FOR MORE INFORMATION Due to the Stay at Home Order

being extended in Northwestern Ontario, O’Connor-Conmee Fellowship Baptist Church The church will be closed and the services will 3 Holomego Rd, corner of Hwy 595 continue online through Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:45 until it is deemed safe to reopen. Pinegrove United Church

100 Hwy 130, Rosslyn Facebook: O’Connor Free Methodist Church (next to the Tbaytel tower)

Please email, call or text for updates or if you SERVICES SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER have any other inquiries. NOTICE. SEE WEBSITE BELOW TO JOIN OUR LIVE STREAM. Pastor Chris Fiorito Reverend Rob Smith, Minister

Cell 624-6579 Church 577-2363

Email: [email protected] For Pastoral Care call Church office Office: 939-1364 Email: [email protected] www.oconnorfreemethodist.org Website: www.PinegroveUC.org

St. James’ Anglican Church RSVP Thunder Bay After 5

Please visit our website at countrywarmthinchrist.ca RSVP Thunder Bay After 5 is cancelling their events until

to view online services every Sunday during the directives for COVID-19 are amended. COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to do our part and reach out to our Rector: Reverend Gordon Holroyd neighbours and family by phone, email, social media etc. 807-939-1103 [email protected] For more information, please call Rose: 767-8461 or Connie: 630-0774 Affiliated with www.rsvpministries.com St. Mark’s Anglican Church

Please visit our website at countrywarmthinchrist.ca to view online services every Sunday during the COVID-19 pandemic. O’CONNOR COMMUNITY CENTRE Rector: Reverend Gordon Holroyd

807-939-1103 [email protected] PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the Thunder Bay and District area Stay at Home Order, no events will take place at the Community Centre until further notice. Redeemer Lutheran Church 13 Marion Street, Kakabeka Falls, ON For updates, please refer to the Township website at For information, please contact Pastor Bradly Julien www.oconnortownship.ca. 473-9164 or check the website at www.redeemerlcc.ca

Answers to Word Scramble: St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church 10 Porter St., Kakabeka Falls 1. May Birthday Celebration

For information, please contact Parish Priest: Fr. Randal 2. Queen of the United Kingdom 3. Empress of India Morrisseau at 935-2898 (Rectory) 4. British Monarch 5. Kensington Palace www.directorydotb.ca/augustine/#2 6. House of Hanover 7. Prince Albert 8. Passionate 9. Strong Will 10. Alexandrina Victoria

15 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK MAY 2 - 8, 2021

HAVE AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN - BE READY FOR ANYTHING #EPWeek2021 / #SemainedelaSC2021

Local authorities issue evacuation alerts and orders when disasters threaten. Residents are encouraged to listen to local radio and television reports and if local authorities ask you to leave, do so immediately. The amount of time you have to evacuate will depend on the disaster. Making an Evacuation Plan for you and your family will relieve some of the stress you might experience when being ordered to evacuate. When you are ordered to evacuate is not the time to decide what to do and what to take.

Immediate Evacuation

In an immediate evacuation make sure that you are ready with the following: • Medical supplies (i.e., medications, eyeglasses, dentures, etc.), • Family members and pets, • Disaster kit and supplies (including flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit and bottled water), • Clothing including raincoat, windbreaker, or parka, depending on season, • Bedding (a sleeping bag, bedroll or air mattress and pillow for each member of the family), • Enough ready-to-eat food to last at least 12 hours, • Thermos bottle of hot beverage depending on season, • Soap, towel, personal toilet, or hygiene articles, • Car and house keys, • Carry sufficient money to meet contingencies.

Adults with small children should include special need items as required: • Infant formula in thermos bottle, • Disposable diapers, • Toys.

Evacuation Alert

If the disaster is not imminent and you have been placed on “alert”, do the following: • Bring things indoors (lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, etc.) • Look for potential hazards around your home, • Turn off electricity and water. • Turn off propane gas, • If high winds are expected, cover the outside of all windows of your home, • If flooding is expected, consider obtaining sandbags to keep your residence safe and dry.

Protect Your Valuables

• Move objects that may get damaged to safer areas of your home, • Make a visual or written record of all your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers.

Important Papers to Take With You (or copies)

• Driver's license or personal identification • Social Insurance card • Proof of resident • Insurance policies • Birth and marriage certificates

If you are issued an Evacuation Order, use specified travel routes. Do not use shortcuts – they may be impassible. Be alert for unsafe roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines. Stay out of fire hazard areas until you are advised it is safe to return. Follow return instructions issued by the local authority. 16 Twitter @OntarioWarnings and @ONsafety