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Le Gleaner (en français) Chateauguay Valley weather Voices from the Valley Where are they now? pages 16-20 page 8 page 10-11 page 22

Autumn beauty abounds through troubled times PHOTO Pat Walsh Symbolism and COVID-19-induced rainbow rage aside, sometimes it is important to take a moment to appreciate the natural wonder of a rainbow, especially when it suddenly appears in the sky in front of you like this one did for Pat Walsh of Elgin. As the Valley now prepares to ride out a second wave of the pandemic and the different hardships that may wash over us along the way, let’s hope we can once again cling to the positive outlook that inspired the ‘everything will be ok’ movement in the spring. More photos of autumn scenery in the Valley on page 21. COVID-19 outbreak at CHCH reaches 12 cases Sarah Rennie In reaction to the outbreak, control the spread of the virus. “We Ormstown (CHO) despite the fact there is now a doctor on site at are monitoring these patients like a some employees work in both the CHCH all day, and on-call hawk,” she maintains, suggesting establishments. A request was at night. “We are providing a COVID is not like other infections filed by the CISSSMO with the The COVID-19 outbreak at the much more intensive medical where it is worse at the beginning. Health Ministry very early on in Centre d’Hébergement du Comté presence,” Bélanger says of the “COVID deterioration happens the outbreak to enact provisions de Huntingdon (Huntingdon care the patients are receiving. between Days 7 and 10,” she says. of ministerial order 007 relating Residential and Long-term Care “Outbreaks in these types of For this reason, Bélanger and the to the Public Health Act, to stop Centre) that started on Sept. 23 with closed environments can be so team at the CHCH are focused at the movement of personnel. In the discovery of two cases has now devastating. So, we have even this time on the quality of life of referring to the staff at the CHCH, spread. As of press time, 12 out more of a duty toward (the their patients despite the outbreak. Bélanger is content with the of 56 residents had tested positive residents),” she explains. “We “Humanity and dignity are at the effort being made to control the for the highly infectious virus. The have put measures in place such centre of their care.” virus’s spread. “I am actually very CHSLD, which is included on the that I feel confident we will be All of the CHCH’s patients and proud of what is happening in government’s list of public long- able to prevent further spread,” their families are being updated Huntingdon,” she says of efforts term care establishments with at she continues, while admitting she on the outbreak as it evolves. The to contain the outbreak. least one case, is now considered to expects there will be more cases outbreak has also been contained be at orange alert, with an infection diagnosed and that there is no way to Huntingdon and did not spread see rate of around 23 per cent. of knowing how many residents COVID to the Centre d’Hébergement page 3 “This is COVID and this is what it may fall ill. “In 10 days, we will does,” says Dr. Catherine Bélanger, know if we have been successful the COVID-19 coordinator for the at containing the outbreak or not.” If you enjoyed this copy of The Gleaner and Haut-Saint-Laurent local health Bélanger worked in three are not yet a subscriber, why not become one? network. “This is not a surprise to CHSLDs with outbreaks of Sign up online at www.the-gleaner.com or me,” she says of the rapid spread of COVID-19 during the first wave using the handy subscription form on page 8! the virus through the Huntingdon- of the pandemic in the spring. She based CHSLD. In fact, she says that the key to containing an Retail price: $2.61 CDN + tax suggests, it is her worst nightmare. outbreak is to respond quickly to

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STARTING AT $1199.99 This and That in Town Fire prevention New restrictions for for the upcoming months, see the Marchés Tradition, 1562 Route just as important Hemmingford library Facebook page Hemmingford 132, Saint-Anicet, or at Matériaux during a pandemic Due to the recent increase in Legion Br. 244. de construction Robidoux inc., COVID-19 cases in Quebec, Halloween activities in 3300, chemin Rivière-La-Guerre, The annual fire prevention the library in Hemmingford has Saint-Anicet Cazaville. and safety demonstration traditionally held at Heritage decided to go back to the restrictions All October long the municipality Call for local artists Elementary School in it implemented in June. As of Oct. of Saint-Anicet will have A call for applications is Huntingdon had to be 3, the hours are Tuesday from 3 to contactless Halloween activities for launched to local performing cancelled this year because 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. those of all ages. Five interactive artists, singers and dancers who of the pandemic. The event, to noon. All book pickups will be Halloween displays will be set up might be interested in performing usually organized each year contactless and by appointment around town where people can at La Factrie, Café Culturel, in by the local fire departments, only. The reserved books will be scan a QR code to summon up a Valleyfield, as part of intimate serves as a stark reminder of placed in a paper bag and put on mystery ghost who’ll tell a spooky concerts and performances. how devastating house fires a shelf for readers to pick up. To story. These interactive panels will Deadline to apply is Oct. 9. To can be. return your books, simply place be up until Nov. 1 and can be found apply, message La Factrie, Café them in a paper bag and drop them at: Culturel, on Facebook or email This year’s fire prevention in the book drop to the left of the theme is Fire Safety in the - 2315 Montée de Cazaville, Cercle [email protected]. library’s entrance. No readers are Kitchen. “I know that many of des loisirs de Cazaville Restricted access to Rigaud allowed past the service desk, only us have been cooped up in our Escapade trails one person at a time is permitted - 1547 Route 132, the library homes due to the pandemic and inside, and community computers - 333 Avenue Jules-Léger, Council Given the recent changes in alert are doing more home cooking are not available. Patrons must wear Chamber levels related to COVID-19 in under this stay-at-home a mask. Reservations can be made Quebec, access to the Escapade directive,” says James Gavin - 1590 Rue Saint-Anicet, Historical by telephone, leaving a message trails in Rigaud will now be of the Constable Volunteer Society at 450-247-0010, or via email at limited to citizens of the MRC de Firemen Inc. [email protected]. - 382 60 Avenue, Quenneville bus Vaudreuil-Soulanges who reside “When cooking, please make garage in municipalities that are part Hemmingford Legion Branch sure you have a clean counter of the orange zone. The city of 244 closes for October Saint-Anicet leaf pickup and stove top before you start Rigaud asks all people living in cooking your meal,” he says, Although not in the red zone, the The municipality of Saint-Anicet the MRC de Vaudreuil-Soulanges noting that cooking is the Hemmingford Legion has decided will have curbside leaf pickup municipalities included in the red number one cause of home to close its doors for the month from Oct. 5 to Nov. 13, but will zone to respect the instructions of fires and home fire injuries. of October in order to ensure the only be picking up leaves in paper Public Health Quebec and to limit Gavin insists that should a safety of its patrons and members. bags. Residents can get paper bags trips that are deemed non-essential. For updates on the Legion’s plans at the following locations; Les cooking fire start in a home, Sûreté du Québec patrollers it is important to get everyone will be present at the Sentiers out of the house and call the Patrick Pietrykowski de L’escapade and elsewhere fire department once all are Certified real estate broker in Rigaud, especially during safe. “Never ever go back into Thanksgiving weekend, to ensure a burning house,” he warns. that the trail regulations are A number of other tips and respected, as well as the directives HOWICK HUNTINGDON reminders that would normally of Public Health Quebec. The trail SOLD SOLD be communicated during the patrol guides will take note of the popular activity includes the origin of the people they meet and creation of an escape plan, inform non-residents that they must changing smoke and carbon Light industrial buildings on 7 arpents, Route High end triplex, handsome revenue, high comply with this new directive. 138 near Hwy 30 and bridge to highway 40, end finishing.SOLD for $265,000 monoxide detector batteries industrial-friendly ground, loading docks, ORMSTOWN with the time change, and cement block building, 40 ft clearance, loading teaching children to know docks, cement slab, work space, truck repair when to call 911. building, pit, storage buildings, Victorian house, Online fermentation far from neighbors etc. SOLD for $600,000 “We are very fortunate in AGRICULTURAL workshop our area to have the many men and women who take the time SOLD Check out this large bungalow with Learn to create your own to volunteer to try and keep waterfrontage, ranch style, large open spaces, probiotic-rich foods our community safe,” Gavin plenty of storage, rustic charm, peaceful Join the live broadcast on Oct. 24, 10 am-1 pm, location, very few neighbors yet near the village or watch the recording at your convenience. says, adding that he hopes services and easy commute to wherever! the fire prevention and safety Close to Rte 30 or Rte 138 $345,000 FOR DETAILS go to: www.eventbrite.ca demonstration will return next FRANKLIN and search for “online fermentation workshop.” Kim L’Ecuyer Bsc, RHN year. For more information Apple orchard on 112 acres with industrial Inspiring folks to love the foods that and safety tips go to www. building etc. SOLD for $1,300,000 will love them back. securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca. 450-601-4188 | [email protected] (SR) MULTI-FUNCTIONAL www.nutritionlecuyer.ca

SOLD Eden lots are wooded or not with a minimum of 30,000 square feet, at $1.6 per square feet, Bungalow with attached recipe processing lower taxes for the first 5 kitchen and storage, orchard on 35 arpents, years, electricity furnished barn, stable. SOLD for $525,000 right up to the lot.

Chartered Real Estate Broker with more than 40 years experience presently looking for properties Dale Raithby / Kirk Feeny for sale – please call or email me! Residential – Commercial – Industrial – Agricultural 450.802.7200 / 450.829.2653 / [email protected] page 2 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 ORMSTOWN Anger boils over into protest of library relocation Sarah Rennie at one of the busiest intersections in councillors “for failing to consult from the Ministry of Culture and the region, is far from ideal. Both its own development committee and Communications for a potential new the petition and the members of properly research the anticipated building (estimated to cost between Anger has been mounting for the Committee for Democracy in move of the present library to any $1.5 and $2 million) to be examined, weeks among Ormstown residents Ormstown question the transparency location … let alone the medical and that the current space is too frustrated with a decision to relocate of the municipality as well as the centre.” At this point, he says, small and badly in need of repairs. the municipal library from its current motives driving the decisions made “I’m just trying to save the actual Ormstown has also addressed safety location on a quiet street to the by the council. The members of the recreation centre,” which currently concerns about the location by ground floor of the new privately committee have gone so far as to houses the library. promising to install traffic lights at owned medical clinic being built on suggest that the agreement to pay On the other hand, there are a the busy intersection of Route 138 Route 201. $70,000 in annual rent for the new significant number of residents and 201 before the end of 2021. library is akin to a “taxpayer-funded A group of residents calling who are pleased with Ormstown’s subsidy to a private business.” themselves the Committee for decision to relocate the library and Democracy in Ormstown staged a Jamie Henderson, a member of upgrade services in the process. “At from drive-thru protest Monday evening the municipality’s development least it is moving to a location with a COVID at the municipal town hall. Residents committee, who was denied access lot of younger children,” writes one page 1 drove past the municipal building to the public council meeting on resident in a comment on Facebook. with lights flashing starting at 7:30 Monday (the meetings are taking The municipality continues to Start of the second wave p.m., as the municipal council place behind closed doors due stress that the library relocation gathered for its regular monthly to the pandemic), expressed his is not permanent, that it offers Dr. Bélanger says that while the meeting. exasperation with the council in a residents improved services while start of the second wave in Quebec letter addressed to the mayor and has come earlier than anticipated, Statements made by municipal allowing for a request for funding it is very clear to healthcare councillor Stephen Ovans on Sept. 20 workers on the ground that we are during an interview with CTV News, indeed at the start of a wave that including allegations that the mayor, is building fast. Locally, however, Jacques Lapierre, was withholding the numbers remain quite low with information and that, when pressed, only 20 active cases as of Oct. 5 he had resorted to threatening Ovans, in the Haut-Saint-Laurent. The only fanned the flames of angry numbers in surrounding regions residents. Ovans’s whistle-blowing are increasing as well, but not at resulted in his removal from caucus an overly alarming rate. There are and he is currently barred from presently 134 active cases in the entering the town hall. “That was Jardins-Roussillon LHN, 31 cases one hell of a gut punch,” he says, in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges LHN, while maintaining he really enjoys and 29 cases in the Suroît LHN. being a councillor. “It’s been rough since the middle of August. I’ve The Barrie Memorial Hospital been fighting as hard as I can to let in Ormstown is still a complete the citizens know what is happening cold zone, and doctors are not and to keep things as transparent seeing an increase in patients as I can,” he explains. Ovans says presenting at the ER with he has spoken with officials at the COVID-like symptoms. “People Ministry of Municipal Affairs and are doing a good job in our area,” Housing about the situation, as well says Bélanger. With that in mind, as about the cost and location of the she says it is important to double new library. Ovan’s comportment down on our efforts and continue as councillor was on the agenda to minimize travel, practise social to be discussed during the council distancing, wear a mask in public, meeting. and wash hands. A petition started by Don Rosenbaum bearing the signatures of over 160 Ormstown residents was PHOTO Sarah Rennie expected to be introduced during Monday’s meeting by Councillor Culture celebrated in Thomas Vandor. The original petition was signed by more than 400 individuals; however, it was the Haut-Saint-Laurent never officially submitted to the For a 12th year, a giant mandala took shape in Ormstown on Sept. 26, with more than 30 Ormstown council out of concern artists of all ages participating in the activity as part of the 2020 edition of Les Journées Artist John Ryan that its legitimacy would be de la Culture. Just down the way, at the Galeries Ormtown, public voting to crown the Paintings, sketches – Commissions accepted questioned. It argues that the cost crowd favourite photograph in the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s annual photo contest 3340 Ridge Road, Godmanchester associated with the relocation, an and exhibition took place. The day before, the group art exhibition Spark was opened at 450 264 2231 the Alfred Langevin Cultural Hall in Huntingdon, and the MRC officially launched its new Facebook “Artist John Ryan” estimated $350,000 over five years, Butterfly Route, featuring 17 giant butterflies located throughout the region. www.johnryan.ca is too high and that the new location,

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The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 3 EDUCATION NFSB prepared but so far remains virus-free Sarah Rennie certainly making sure that we are don’t wind up there.” Hébert in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, prepared so that, should we end up Across the province there are and both the Dominique- with a class bubble with a case, we now around 630 schools reporting Savio and Des Moissons For the past week, the New Frontiers are able to move quickly to online at least one case of COVID-19, service points of the Centre de School Board has been managing learning,” he says. The Education according to the government’s formation professionnelle Des with the fact that a number of its Ministry has made it abundantly clear rolling list of schools, which is Moissons-Pointe-du-Lac. institutions, including four elementary that schools and centres are expected updated regularly. The NFSB is For Dr. Catherine Bélanger, the schools, Howard S. Billings High to remain open unless dealing with included on the list due to the case COVID-19 coordinator for the Haut- School and the board office itself, are an outbreak affecting multiple class declared at Harmony Elementary Saint-Laurent LHN, the fact that all located in Chateauguay, which is bubbles. “We will deal with cases as School, despite there being no risk surveillance is in place at schools is now a red zone considered to be in they come up,” says Helm, “but so far to students there. There are four reassuring. “The cases in schools partial lockdown to slow the spread we have been very fortunate in that schools included in the Centre de will probably mirror cases in the of the virus. regard.” services scolaire de la Vallée-des- community,” she predicts. If this is the Tisserands (CSSVT) currently case, Valley schools may be able to Two of those schools, Harmony Currently, Grade 10 and 11 students registered on the list, including escape the impacts being experienced Elementary and Saint-Willibrord at Howard S. Billings and those in Arthur Pigeon High School in by more urban schools where there is Elementary, have already dealt with Grade 11 at Chateauguay Valley Huntingdon, École de la Baie- simply more virus circulating in the COVID-19 scares with students Regional High in Ormstown are Saint-François and École Edgar- community. receiving positive diagnoses. Luckily, attending a hybrid form of classes in both instances, the students had not that integrates online learning. been attending classes and there was This, as well as the government School board elections: no danger presented to students or requirement that classes continue staff in those locations. An employee online for students who are isolating at the board office has also tested due to possible exposure to the Nine of 11 positions positive, and there as well, protocols virus, has meant that the NFSB has were followed to ensure all remained been dedicating resources to support acclaimed at NFSB safe. training and equipment since last Registered voters in only two stay on applying to English boards “There is no real change as far as June. electoral divisions in Chateauguay the government’s Bill 40 (“An Act students are concerned,” says NFSB “I think we will have a significant will be called to the polls on Nov. to amend mainly the Education Act assistant director general Mike Helm, number of staff who will be confident 1 to elect representatives to sit as with regard to school organization of the difference between schools with making that switch,” Helm says. commissioners of the New Frontiers and governance”), which aims to in red and orange zones. “We are “But, for everyone’s sake, I hope we School Board. The period to deposit convert school boards into service nomination papers ended on Sept. centres, meant that school board 27, with nine of the 11 positions elections already planned for Nov. 1 ORMSTOWN SAINT-ANICET ORMSTOWN filled by acclamation, including the this year would still take place. chair. The law saw all French school The four candidates running boards in the province converted for election in Chateauguay are into service centres this past June. Lina Chouinard (incumbent) The constitutionality of the Bill House built in 1911, no 5.4 arpent hobby farm, turn- Duplex, two 3-bedroom dwellings. and Mack Leduc in district #3, is being challenged in court, as neighbours. key house, barn. Revenue: $19,200/yr $289,000 $485,000 $289,000 and Andrew Clark and Kenneth the English school boards argue it SAINT-ANTOINE-ABBÉ ELGIN HUNTINGDON Crockett (incumbent) in district infringes on their minority language #4. Those returning for another educational rights as guaranteed by term include Raymond Ledoux, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Karin VanDroffelaar, Howard Freedoms. (Buzz) Gibbs, Abdul Pirani, Dianne Around 295,000 voters in nine Eastwood, Peter Stuckey, Barbara Zoned commercial & residential. Waterfront farm. SOLD English-language school boards 2 bdrm house, garage. $179,000 $499,000 Ednie, John Ryan, and Chair David will go to the polls on Nov. 1. Voter D’Aoust. HINCHINBROOKE FRANKLIN HINCHINBROOKE (Davignon Park) turnout in English-language school The decision by the Quebec Court boards for the last general election of Appeals on Sept. 17 to maintain the in 2014 was 16.88 per cent. (SR)

The team at The Gleaner has been hard at work at many things since the SOLD SOLD SOLD newspaper’s relaunch in 2019, one of which was the creation of a mission statement. The following explains The Gleaner’s purpose, goals and ideals SAINT-ZOTIQUE ORMSTOWN FRANKLIN as we forge ahead in pursuit of continuing success for the organization. Mission statement: The Gleaner At The Gleaner, our mission is to publish news and features reflecting the needs and interests of all those in and from the Chateauguay Valley, in southwestern Quebec, by exploring and reporting on the richness of the social, cultural and economic activities and heritage SOLD SOLD SOLD that make this rural region a unique, diverse community. The Gleaner strives to provide relevant content that adds to the reader’s knowledge, promotes discussion and contributes to the PATRICK well-being of individuals, groups, and businesses while facilitating DANDURAND inc. connections across ‘the Valley’ - and beyond - just as it has since the Independent and autonomous franchisee of newspaper was founded in 1863. RE/MAX Quebec Real Estate Broker

Certain conditions cell: 514-793-4752 apply agency: 514-788-4444 page 4 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 Opinions Hard work ahead to stave off second wave

After making it through the en- ponential increase in cases we tire first wave of the pandemic have seen over the last week is without registering a single case concerning. As are the potential of COVID-19, it came as a shock impacts we might face should the to many this past week to learn numbers jump to the extent that of the severity of the outbreak we are moved from our present at the Huntingdon Residential orange alert status to red alert. and Long-term Care Centre This kind of waiting is unsettling (CHCH). The quick response by at best, though we are starting to the doctors and entire team of become accustomed now to life professionals no doubt helped to in a pandemic. And while the control the situation, but I can second wave seems to be build- imagine that for families of the ing across this country, what is residents these next few days will happening across the border con- be excruciating. tinues to be a very stark reminder In speaking with Dr. Catherine of how far off the rails our efforts Bélanger, the COVID-19 coordi- can run if we are not careful to nator for the Haut-Saint-Laurent continue following public health LHN, it was obvious that the resi- guidelines. dents were top of mind and that the In the days ahead, we will cele- current situation in Huntingdon brate Thanksgiving with our fam- is very far removed from the ap- ilies from a distance. And while palling conditions of some of the this means our tables laden with 90 years ago the scene of a hold-up on Friday residences we were all outraged Valley goodness will be smaller Wednesday, October 8, 1930 afternoon, October 14th, just to learn of during the first wave. this year as we refrain from shar- Auto Roads to Montreal this Winter before 2:45 p.m. Our thoughts at this time are with ing our traditional turkey dinner, The possibility of the Malone- Four men wearing hoods went the residents, their families, and stuffing, and pumpkin pies, we Montreal Highway being kept open into the bank and demanded the the exceptional staff and medical can all be thankful that, so far, this winter from Trout River to cash from the bank officials. At the teams working day and night to the second wave has largely been Ormstown and from Ormstown to time there were three customers contain this outbreak. kept at bay. Let’s keep it that way. Montreal via Valleyfield is a matter in the bank and these together upon which diversified opinions are with the employees of the branch Certainly, the seemingly ex- Sarah Rennie expressed. Last week Mr. O. Prieur, were herded into the vault and president of the Valleyfield Chambre commanded to stay there. With de Commerce, in company with Mr. this the bandits scooped up the From the archives J. A. Racicot, interviewed a number cash and fled in a car which was Gleaner of men on the subject. [They] waiting. Someone outside got the stated that [they] had arranged for 150 years ago terms. [Signed] Robert Maw, licence of the car, N. 745-333, an sufficient money to be subscribed Thursday, October 13, 1870 Manufacturer, Howick, QC. Oldsmobile, and reported this to Dominion Threshing Mills to this work to keep the road the police. open from Ormstown to Montreal (Advertisement) 120 years ago It was reported that at least one via Valleyfield. If Ormstown, of the men had a machine gun, Threshing Mills made on the October 18, 1900 Godmanchester, and Huntingdon Brasher Falls pattern, with all Covey Hill but no violence was used. While could raise $2200 for this work a report has it that about $15,000 the latest improvements, and Last week Mr. S. Orr, while the road would be kept open from warranted to give satisfaction. driving along the road, was thrown was stolen, the bank would not Trout River lines thereby, creating verify or deny the amount, saying Having held long experience in from his buggy by his horse an entrance for American tourists to the manufacture of Agricultural taking fright at a cart standing that several thousand dollars had enter Canada and get to Montreal. been taken. Machinery, farmers are requested by the roadside and used as a A local committee was appointed to to call and examine before milk stand. Mr. Orr was seriously see what money could be subscribed As a further development, the purchasing elsewhere. The injured, but is recovering. This is for this work, and also interview the get-away car was discovered partly subscriber will defy competition another instance of the danger of municipal councils on Monday. hidden in the bush, near Rockburn, for durability and cheapness. leaving anything on the highway on Sunday. The Provincial Police Also, in addition to the Threshing likely to frighten horses. Another 60 years ago are still investigating the case. Mills, the subscriber keeps public nuisance is animals Wednesday, October 19, 1960 From the description of the bandits constantly on hand grubbers, straying on the road, especially Four Men Held Up Bank at St. and the way they worked, it is fanning mills, and horse rakes. pigs. The council should see Chrysostome Last Friday thought they may be the same Repairs of all kind done with that such animals should not be The Canadian Bank of Commerce gang which held up the bank in dispatch, and on reasonable allowed on the road unattended. branch at St. Chrysostome was Ormstown, earlier this summer.

E-mails The Gleaner is owned and published by the Chateauguay Contributing writers: Wendy Ayotte, Iris Delagrange, Callan Valley Community Information Services, a community- Forrester, Chantal Hortop, Yvonne Lewis Langlois, Rachel News items: [email protected] owned social enterprise to provide information, news and Patenaude, Sarah Rennie Advertising: [email protected] features on topics that are important to the communities General Inquiries: [email protected] within and neighbouring the MRC Haut St-Laurent. Translators: Pascale Bourguignon, Rachel Patenaude, Iris Delagrange, Sarah Rennie Webmaster: [email protected] CVCIS President: Lynn McWhinnie The Gleaner/Le Gleaner CVCIS Executive Director: Hugh Maynard Cartoonist: John Ryan Chateauguay Valley Community Information Services Distribution: 3000 copies. Copyright 2020: All text, drawings and photographs, including News editor: Sarah Rennie design and layout created by our volunteers, may not be P.O. Box 250 Copy editing: Martha Chodat Printed by: Hebdo Litho Inc., Saint-Léonard, Québec reproduced without express written consent of The Gleaner. Ormstown, Quebec J0S 1K0 Advertising sales: Lorelei Muller, Callan Forrester Each author is responsible for the accuracy of her/his article. 844-450-5055 Subscriptions: Please refer to the ads on pages 8 Where opinions are expressed, they are those of the author, and Layout/ad design: Chantal Hortop www.the-gleaner.com / www.le-gleaner.com and 17 or to our website www.the-gleaner.com do not necessarily reflect those of The Gleaner / Le Gleaner. Webmaster: Stacey Pennington

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 5 NEWS Citizens persist with questions about wharf sale Chantal Hortop citizens’ communications were precautionary measures that might meeting of the council of mayors met with an acknowledgement of be taken by the MRC in the sale on August 26, 2020, the decision receipt and that those who submit process. was effectively taken by 74.4 per At the monthly meeting of its questions prior to the meeting In response to a question related cent of the population of the MRC council of mayors on Sept. 16, the receive a follow-up afterward to the resolution to sell the wharf (since the decision was made by the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent once directing them to the answers having passed with a majority population’s elected officials). again received questions from contained in the recording. In despite the concerns expressed by Further questions were addressed citizens concerned about the sale answers that followed, the MRC professionals consulted during the with statements from Poirier of the Port Lewis wharf. Since stated that all the decisions taken proceedings and by citizens, Poirier saying that the MRC had hired meetings are not currently open to by the members of the council of responded that the resolutions related professionals to advise it on the the public due to health restrictions mayors “are based on the necessary to the file passed by the council of process, and that the MRC wanted related to COVID-19, all questions information and are informed mayors were “legal, legitimate and to assure the population that the were submitted in advance and those decisions.” executory,” and said that the mayors “sale would be made in respect of wishing to hear the proceedings Poirier also confirmed that all the “based their decisions on complete the law ... while taking into account could access the recordings though mayors had received a copy of the and satisfactory information” and the concern expressed by citizens the MRC’s website. letter, mentioned by St-Pierre and that they are “free and independent over the past month.” He added that All the questions presented at Quenneville, that was sent to the in their choices and their vote.” “we are at the stage of executing September’s meeting came from MRC by Maître Sébastien Dorion Poirier repeated that since nine this decision.” Sonia St-Pierre and Francois of the law firm Dunton Rainville of the 12 mayors voted in favour The recording of the most recent Quenneville. In the first question, in response to questions about the of the resolution to “carry out the meeting of the MRC’s council the citizens asked why the MRC had Port Lewis wharf dossier submitted mandate of transfer of ownership, of mayors, along with previous not responded to their phone calls to the firm by MRC director general verification of titles and drafting of recordings and minutes, can be and requests for meetings. Acting Laurent Lampron in June. The documents to complete and carry accessed at http://mrchsl.com/ prefect Pierre Poirier said, “We letter remarked that the situation is out the transfer of ownership of the seances-et-echos-du-conseil. The take into account all the questions “problematic” and offered a number Quai de Port-Lewis,” according next meeting of the council of submitted by citizens,” adding that of observations and suggestions of to the minutes from the MRC’s mayors will take place on Oct. 28. Young entrepreneurs can apply for bursaries The MNA for Huntingdon, Claire be considered during the evaluation IsaBelle, extends a special invitation of the application. It is therefore to young entrepreneurs in her riding. intended to be a summary of a As part of the Government Action standard business plan. PHOTO Courtesy of Plan for Entrepreneurship 2017- the office of Claire All applications must be submitted IsaBelle 2022, honour bursaries of a maximum before 4 p.m. on Oct. 14. value of $25,000 each are being Huntingdon MNA Claire IsaBelle offered to young entrepreneurs in the “I sincerely hope that many of our young entrepreneurs in the county will encourages young region. The goal of these bursaries is people in her riding register and apply, as such financial to support young people in starting who are planning their businesses. There are a total of support can only be beneficial when to start a business 75 bursaries to be awarded this year, starting a new business. I therefore to apply for this invite municipalities and other financial help from with one to 10 bursaries per region. the government. To qualify, entrepreneurs must be organizations to be very active in between 18 and 35 years of age, and publishing this announcement,” have a project that aims to develop IsaBelle said. MRC calls for proposals to a business. Applicants are invited to For all eligibility criteria and to apply online by filling out the form submit your application, please visit improve living environments provided in the link below. There the Honour Bursaries page at the you can also find the full list of following link: www.economie.gouv. The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent has The total amount available is eligibility criteria. This registration qc.ca/bibliotheques/programmes/ launched a call for social development $120,000, to be allocated to projects form is the only document that will aide-financiere/bourses-dhonneur/(RP) projects, after an agreement with the that will have an impact throughout Minister of Municipal Affairs and the MRC, as well as support the Housing as part of the second phase implementation of more localized We want your of the Regions and Rurality Fund. projects within the region. This agreement aims to strengthen The deadline for applications is feedback! development efforts in various fields Oct. 23. Assistance will be available and will support the mobilization of to all those interested in submitting The Gleaner has been back in business for just over a year, community organizations to carry out a proposal. Direct any questions to and now we are busy planning for the future. projects that can improve the quality the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent’s Help us out by providing feedback on The Gleaner – good, bad or indifferent – we need to hear your thoughts on what of life of citizens. social development officer, Julie we can do to move The Gleaner forward. Non-profit organizations and social Charbonneau, 450-264-5411, ext. 227, or [email protected]. COMPLETE THE SURVEY IN ENGLISH: economy enterprises are invited to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GleanerENG describe their project’s contribution The terms and conditions for IN FRENCH: and corresponding budget estimates submitting a project proposal are https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GleanerFR on the available forms. Eligible outlined in the Support Policy for projects must relate to one or more Development Projects to Improve For a print copy of the survey, of the following sectors of social Living Environments. For more please call 844-450-5055 ext. 714 Win one of development: educational and social information and to access the and we’ll mail it to you! five free annual success; food security; housing; application form as well as the terms subscriptions to sports, recreation and culture; and and conditions, go to http://mrchsl. The Gleaner! the coordination, accessibility and com/en/news/ and click on “Fonds promotion of services. régions et ruralité.” (RP) page 6 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 NEWS POLICE BLOTTER Kidnapping charges laid, cyclists injured, speeders fined

Hinchinbrooke resident charged kidnapping his grandparents in an The next day, officers caught a imported contraband tobacco in in connection with kidnapping of attempt to demand payment from 28-year-old man from Huntingdon bulk. The evidence collected during elderly U.S. couple Helm. driving on Route 138 in the investigation established that Seven men have now been Arnold was to have appeared Godmanchester at 171 km/h in a 90 the organization had brought in 88 arrested in connection with before the court on Tuesday. km/h zone. He was handed a ticket loads of bulk tobacco between May the kidnapping and forcible for $1,534 and 18 demerit points. 10, 2018, and May 27, 2019, confinement of an elderly couple Cyclists victims of a hit-and-run His licence was also suspended for amounting to an estimated $450 from Moira, N.Y., last week, in Hinchinbrooke 30 days, since this was not his first million in lost tobacco duties and including Hinchinbrooke resident According to a report in the offence. taxes. Gary Arnold. The couple was Journal Saint-François, two cyclists As part of this investigation, two found on Sept. 29 in Magog. were badly injured when they were Fraud charges laid in connection loads of around 18,000 kg of bulk hit from behind by a motorist on with criminal contraband tobacco each were intercepted Arnold was pulled over and tobacco network arrested by the Sûreté du Québec’s Route 202 in Hinchinbrooke around on Sept. 2, 2017, at the St-Bernard- (SQ) tactical intervention group 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28. The driver The Canadian Border Services de-Lacolle border crossing, and on around 11 p.m. on Oct. 1. He fled the scene of the accident. Agency (CBSA) announced on May 27, 2019, at the Herdman appeared the following day at Both victims were transported to Sept. 29 that charges had been crossing. In the first seizure, the the Montreal courthouse to face a hospital where they were treated laid against 13 individuals at the bulk tobacco had been declared as charges of kidnapping, forcible for serious but not life-threatening Longueuil courthouse after a major a load of fruit, and in the second, it confinement, and attempting to injuries. Both cyclists were reported contraband tobacco investigation was concealed under a load of wood force the couple to pay a certain to have been wearing helmets, and called Project Butane. chips. amount of money. He was also the bicycles were equipped with The following people now face Additionally, on June 5, 2019, charged with conspiring to carry reflectors and flashers. Route 202 charges of fraud upon the gov- more than 100 CBSA officers, out the kidnapping along with four was closed until around 1 a.m. ernments of Canada and Quebec, supported by the Sûreté du Québec other men, who were arrested and while a reconstructionist analyzed contraband tobacco, possession and some municipal police forces, charged earlier in the week. the scene of the accident. of unstamped tobacco products, executed 26 search warrants in the According to a report by the and conspiracy to move contra- Montérégie and Centre-du-Québec Speeders fined in the band tobacco and to possess un- regions. The operation resulted U.S. Attorney’s Office, which was Haut-Saint-Laurent obtained by CTV News, James stamped tobacco products: Martin in eight arrests and the collection Helm Sr., 76, and Sandra Helm, Several drivers have been pulled Bessette, Éric Landry, Alfred of several pieces of evidence that 70, were smuggled into Canada over recently in the region for Binette, Serge Bourque, Étienne allowed for these charges to be by way of Tsi Snaihne (Snye), speeding violations. Demers, Kedryc Girouard- filed, including 38 cell phones and Que., in the Mohawk territory On Sept. 19, officers from the Fournier, Pierre Leblanc, Michel 12 computers. of Akwesasne, and were then Sûreté du Québec’s MRC du Haut- Savoie, Michel Frédéric The CBSA and its officers transported to mainland Canada by Saint-Laurent station stopped a Riendeau, Mathieu Dinnigan- are very attentive to contraband boat and driven to a home in the minor with a probationary licence Lanthier, Reynald Jacques, Christos tobacco, in particular with regard to Eastern Townships, where they for travelling in excess of 150 km/h Georgaros and Curtis Lewis large-scale contraband strategies in were found two days later by the in a 90 km/h zone on Route 202 in Thompson. commercial vehicles. This type of SQ. Hinchinbrooke. The young driver According to the CBSA activity harms Canada’s economy The investigation involved a received a ticket for $958 and 14 investigation, which began in 2018, by encouraging the black market. concerted effort by the FBI and demerit points. the accused are believed to be part All offenders are subject to officers of the RCMP, SQ, New A few days later, on Sept. 21, of a criminal organization that sanctions and legal proceedings. York State Police and Akwesasne officers intercepted a motorist on Mohawk Police. Route 201 in Ormstown driving at In a story published by La Presse, 143 km/h in a 90 km/h zone. The Acknowledgement of Support it is alleged that the kidnapping driver was issued a ticket for $811 took place as an attempt to and 10 demerit points for the offence. The Chateauguay Valley Community Information Services, owner of put pressure on the couple’s Additionally, his driver’s licence The Gleaner, would like to gratefully acknowledge the Government grandson, Macenzie Helm, said was suspended for seven days. of Canada for the following support: to have worked as a drug mule On Sept. 24, around 1:10 p.m., The “Reinventing the Gleaner” business planning project (2020- for a trafficking operation. He officers stopped a 61-year-old 2021) has been made possible by the Community Media Strategic had recently been arrested during motorcyclist from Franklin who Support Fund offered jointly by the Official Language Minority a drug deal gone bad in South was travelling on Route 209 in Community Media Consortium and the Government of Canada Burlington, Vt., where around $3.5 Saint-Chrysostome at 142 km/h in (#CommunityMedia, #CMSSF). million worth of cocaine was seized a 90 km/h zone. The man was fined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement $811 and 10 demerit points. His The engagement of an intern for 2020 has been provided through Administration. His arrest had driver’s licence was also suspended the domestic internships component of the “Young Canada Works at not been made public, and it is for 30 days, as this was not his first Building Careers in English and French” program, made possible by alleged the traffickers resorted to serious speeding violation. the Community Media Strategic Support Fund of the Government of Canada. If you have been with us since we first began publishing The engagement of a summer student for 2020 has been provided regaularly again in January 2020, through the Canada Summer Jobs program made possible by the Thank you, dear readers! Government of Canada. Also, the time to RENEW your subscription is here – please do so using the form on page 8 or on our website at www.the-gleaner.com.

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 7 AGRICULTURE Huge new coop forms in Quebec grain sector Founded this year, the Sollio sector in Quebec. The new grouping “The Coop Unifrontières is proud St. Lawrence Seaway. & Grains Québec agriculture will offer Quebec grain producers to be part of this partnership that will The deployment of the partnership cooperative is one of the largest greater market access for their crops be beneficial for our members in will continue gradually through 2021. organizations ever seen in the grain while meeting the needs of the many ways and our provincial clients, “It is by consolidating the main grain various players in the industry. by taking advantage of the group’s marketing activities of the member SPRAY FOAM This provincial partnership for strength while maintaining proximity cooperatives and Sollio Agriculture CELLULOSE grain marketing in Quebec and on the ground with producers,” said that this new organization will make SOUND Eastern Ontario brings together Jean-Sébastien Leblanc, the Coop’s it possible to develop new markets,” PROOFING all the activities of 10 founding general manager. explained Richard Villeneuve, INSULATION REMOVAL cooperatives and Sollio Agriculture As part of this partnership, the general manager of Sollio & Grains RBQ 5774-6802-01 on the territory of these cooperatives. Sollio & Grains Québec coop Québec. “With the consolidation of TYLER 514-567-4655 - KENT 514-796-0727 Its ultimate mission is to offer better benefits from its close relationship risk management, [the new body] marketing conditions to Quebec with Sollio Agriculture’s grain will be able to better position itself grain farmers, to find outlets for their sector, which handles 4.2 million in the commodities market while harvests and to meet the needs of tonnes of grain per year, and gives it achieving major operational and processing customers. access to multiple facilities along the financial gains.” (RP) UPA fall consultation moves online

AGRICULTURAL The Haut-Saint-Laurent local French will focus on the same Those wishing to attend the & RESIDENTIAL of the Union des Producteurs subjects. The first meeting took virtual meetings can access them Metal roofs Agricoles (UPA) is taking the place on Oct. 6, while the second via the Zoom video-and-audio- Asphalt shingles pandemic in stride and moving its is scheduled for Oct. 13. conferencing platform. To register, MAX CLARKE Low-pitched roofs annual fall consultation with area “The online format means the click on the Haut-Saint-Laurent Fascia/soffits (450) 802-7972 farmers online. meetings are more accessible,” UPA meeting from the main page 163 Alexandre, Valleyfield 24/7 ROOF says Ian Ward, who serves as of the regional UPA website: [email protected] REPAIRS “Just because we can’t see each other in person doesn’t mean we the administrator representing http://www.upamonteregie.ca/ shouldn’t see each other virtually,” vegetable producers (small scale). consultations-dautomne-aga- says Michel Hébert, union local “The hope is that more farmers 2020/#AGA2. president, in the official invitation will be able to participate this For more information, contact sent out to farmers. way. The only potential snag is Valérie Plante by telephone at 450- There are two virtual meetings our rural internet and connectivity 454-5115 or by email: vplante@ issues.” upa.qc.ca. (SR) Tel: (450) 829-3001 scheduled to take place in English, 8-B Church St., Ormstown (Qc) with two in French as well. The first meeting, on Oct. 14, will Chateauguay Valley weather report include speakers and a question period focused on the subjects of by Peter Finlayson, municipal taxation and the new farm property tax credit, as well Ormstown weatherman as access to services in rural areas, with a discussion around the three- phase electrical network, high The killing frost at the end off what had been looking like speed internet, and natural gas. of the third week of the month a more promising year than the Metal roofing The second meeting, on Oct. 20, was the big news for September. last one. & siding will feature a presentation on the Arriving three weeks early (the Drainage Environmental Quality Act and Some vegetable producers also normal for a killing frost in the pipe how to react during an inspection. got hit hard, with late season Valley is around mid-October), Both meetings will start at 7 p.m. veggies coming to an early end, the frost hit the corn crop hard, and dairy and beef farmers are Dale & Ronald Ness The meetings taking place in 5 Mill Road, Howick, Qc J0S 1G0 with no room to recover. looking at poorer quality corn Tel: (450) 825-0002 Fax: (450) 825-0005 The shock treatment from the silage, while soybean producers killing frost dropped the average were able to get started on SUBSCRIBE TO THE GLEANER temperature for the month down harvesting earlier than expected. by returning this coupon to the address below, or sign up to 15.0 degrees C, with the The last few days of September online at www.the-gleaner.com normal being 16.2 C. It was the Name: ______did bring some much-needed second earliest killing frost in the rain, with 43 mm falling at the tail Address: ______last 45 years, and much harder end of the month. Along with the Apt/Unit #: ______City : ______than the series of lesser frosts 12 mm of rain in the first three that when combined eventually Province: ______Postal Code:______days of October, an otherwise become a killing frost that the very dry September turned out Phone: ______Valley has become accustomed much closer to normal than to over the last 15 years. Email : ______seemed possible only a week Consequently, the heat unit or so ago (74 mm precipitation 24 print issues and complete online access $60 (sales tax included) count stopped at 2999 HU, over 33 days; normal is 75-85 I have included a donation with my subscription fee. Amount: $______only a few more than the tally mm for 30-31 days). I am renewing an existing subscription reached in 2019, which was a On the bright side, it’s been poor year for corn yield and one of the most colourful years TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED : $______*Price for Canadian subscriptions only, for international, please email [email protected] quality. This year’s crop will for fall foliage — the reds and be 336 HU short of a normal oranges of the maple trees have Return this coupon with cheque or money order to: The Gleaner, P.O. Box 250, Ormstown, QC, J0S 1K0 year, which has taken the shine been spectacular. page 8 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 NEWS Job Huntingdon Legion goes forward with Poppy Campaign offers The Huntingdon Legion Branch Branch Poppy Campaign will #81 closed in March due to the run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 11, with To advertise here, please contact Lorelei pandemic and in the process lost significant changes from years past at 844-450-5055, extension 712 or [email protected] much of its ability to generate any imposed by the pandemic. income. Now open two days a week Trays of poppies will be sold for members only, the branch is in area stores, but there will be struggling. no person-to-person canvassing. “Because we deal with seniors and There will be no Armistice supper, we cater to elderly people, we can’t and the traditional Remembrance open our hall fully,” says Lorraine Day service at the Cenotaph in Arthur, the poppy chairperson and Huntingdon will not be open to 1st vice-president of the branch. the public. Instead, the Legion “We play it week by week,” she will be inviting all to participate says, adding there is a possibility in the ceremony virtually by the Legion will have to cease its watching a live broadcast on their activities, but that they are far from Facebook page. “It’s sad. We having to make that decision. would be commemorating the 75th An easier decision for the Branch anniversary of the ending of World was whether to go ahead with its War II, but we can’t do that this Poppy Campaign for this year. The year,” Arthur explains. Royal Canadian Legion decided at She suggests she is concerned the national level that the annual that Remembrance Day will not be campaign would take place; it as visible this year, and about the was left to individual branches impact this may have on people to determine whether they would observing its significance. “I want participate. “Remembrance is the the community and municipalities foundation of what we do,” says to know that we are not forgetting Arthur, and so the Huntingdon about it.” (SR)

PHOTO Sarah Rennie The Huntingdon Branch #81 of the Royal Canadian Legion will begin its annual Poppy Campaign on Oct. 30. Valley Goodness: THANKFUL FOR A LOCAL HARVEST

We are thankful for local support!

We are open 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 9-5 with many apple varieties, pears and fresh apple juice! Please call ahead to place an order for easy pickup! We are open until December 24 - we look forward to seeing you. (450) 827-2461 Is your Gleaner missing something? If you have a story idea you’d like to see in an upcoming edition of The Gleaner, why not pitch the idea and write it yourself? Email [email protected] to contact our news department. Possibility of paid freelance work in the future for the right candidate.

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 9 VOICES FROM THE VALLEY: COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC E-commerce and the small business Serenplicity finds happy medium and then some

Yvonne Lewis Langlois free delivery within 20km helped too. Since the store reopened, the website has been quieter as customers are, once In recent years, buying trends again, visiting the store. Facebook have seen a dramatic shift towards has been a constant presence in this e-commerce. When COVID-19 hit business. “It’s our primary source of in March, consumers, who were promotion,” says Sullivan. now literally cut off from malls and Never one to take it easy, Sullivan shops, turned to the internet for even is embarking on a new adventure: more purchases. From groceries Rêves d’Artisans, a new store, to pharmaceuticals and everything is opening for the months of in between, online buying soared. November and December. Sullivan, According to Statistics Canada, her Serenplicity partner Diane between February and May of this Strader, and longtime friend Ali year online purchases in Canada Boyle are starting a gift shop in rose by 99.3 per cent, while over the original Serenplicity location that same period many bricks-and- at 50 Lambton St. COVID-19 has mortar businesses closed their doors caused the cancellation of all of this and overall sales were significantly year’s craft fairs, so Sullivan saw down. Throughout the pandemic the need to open a bigger venue to our government has encouraged accommodate crafters. “We will be consumers to support local PHOTO Yvonne Lewis Langlois offering a space … for artisans of the enterprises. Grants have been created The three musketeers at work preparing the location of Rêves d’Artisans: (from left) Ali Boyle, Mary Sullivan and Diana Strader. Valley who don’t have any place to to support their use of e-commerce. display their wares. Christmas is one We decided to check in with some At the new place, Serenplicity also available for fresh baked goods and of the artisans’ biggest seasons,” she local entrepreneurs to see if their grew to include a café run by Alice refreshments. says. The grand opening is on Nov. businesses were embracing online Packard. The store itself showcases Serenplicity has a mixed business 3; Sullivan is unsure if the store will shopping or going it alone. local wares from a variety of local strategy. When COVID-19 shut continue in the new year. “It’s not a artisans. Sullivan is the queen of down the store, Sullivan decided that time to be leaving our community Serenplicity soap- and candle-making, selling since her customers could no longer … this could be a chance where the “We found our Goldilocks place: her products at the store. In the past, enter, she would come to them. She community and artisans could have not too big, not too small,” Mary soap-making and candle-making moved from a simple “landing page” a win-win situation,” she says. Sullivan says about Serenplicity’s workshops were offered to the public, on the web and devoted her time to Serenplicity sends a shoutout to move to 29 Lambton St. in Ormstown. but COVID has changed all that for an e-commerce site. With the help all local artisans who are looking for The relocation took place in February the time being. The pandemic also of Cyber Rooster Websites, she a place to display their wares. For 2019 while at the same time Sullivan closed the café part of the store, which rebuilt the store’s online presence. further information, contact Mary was partnering up with Diana Strader. has not reopened although takeout is Serenplicity sales took off, and the Sullivan via Facebook.

Summer makeover turns church into antique store Iris Delagrange Sainte-Martine, the reimagined use of old stone church will Translated by Sarah Rennie also include an educational and Thanksgiving weekend is fast community component. Besides the approaching and Erick Ouellet, antique store, previously located in the owner of the La Chaise Rouge Beauharnois, the former church of antique store, is ready to unveil his the parish of Très-Saint-Sacrement new location on Saturday, Oct. 10. (1909) will also become a heritage After purchasing the Très-Saint- site for cultural exchanges. Sacrement Catholic Church in In an interview with the Journal Howick last June, Ouellet spent the Saint-François, the new owner of summer selling the church furniture the church explains that screens and transforming the premises into an will be installed on site displaying innovative antique store. According scenes of rural and urban life, as to an article recently published by well as information relating to the Journal Saint-François, Ouellet regional history. explains that, “everything happens Throughout the summer, young in life for a reason. The church is in families, residents and former fairly good condition, I want to keep parishioners came to see Ouellet it as intact as possible. I don’t want out of curiosity and to express their to deface it.” gratitude. Unfortunately, many Ouellet founded La Chaise places of worship are abandoned in PHOTO La Chaise Rouge Rouge about 15 years ago with Quebec due to a lack of parishioners The sign outside the former Très-Saint-Sacrement Catholic Church in Howick now includes his wife, who sadly passed away and funds. These churches are then a red chair. The Chaise Rouge antique store will open in the building over Thanksgiving suddenly last fall. Ouellet felt it was condemned and destroyed. The weekend. important that he continue on with revival of the Très-Saint-Sacrement 1909. Parishioners over the years restored in 1984 for the centennial their project. Church has therefore been very well have enjoyed the sounds of the of the parish. The last mass in the In accord with the former owner received by local residents. Casavant Opus 39 organ installed church was celebrated on Dec. 28, of the church, the Fabrique de The church was originally built in in the church. The building was 2019. page 10 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 VOICES FROM THE VALLEY: COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC A Roxham Road refugee’s story: for her daughter’s sake Wendy Ayotte FGM before she was 10 years old. Kemi’s mother-in-law also insisted, and when Kemi Since 2017, volunteers from the refused, her husband hit her. She group Bridges Not Borders have felt emotionally abused in her met hundreds of asylum seekers marriage and unable to protect her who came to Roxham Road near daughter from eventually being Hemmingford to seek refuge in ‘cut.’ Although FGM was banned Canada. Every Sunday until the in Nigeria in 2015 it continues to border closure last spring, we take place and changes in attitude went to Roxham Road on the will take much longer. Police tend U.S. side to welcome people. to treat it like a family issue and do We also organized two refugee not intervene. So Kemi could not picnics in the summers of 2018 look to the police for protection. and 2019, sadly not repeated this She considered getting a work year due to COVID-19. Two of transfer to a different part of the the refugees who attended were a country, but northern Nigeria Nigerian woman called Kemi and was not safe due to Boko Haram her delightful daughter Iri. (These terrorism – which has killed are pseudonyms to protect their thousands and displaced 2.3 identities.) million people — and it would The Safe Third Country have been culturally unacceptable PHOTO Ruth Kaplan Asylum seekers are seen crossing in 2019 from the U.S. into Canada at Roxham Road (Saint- Agreement between Canada and for her to live there as a single woman with a child. Had she Bernard-de-Lacolle), where RCMP are stationed. Although they would likely be turned back at the U.S. means that people seeking an official entry point between the two countries, those who enter via an ‘irregular’ crossing asylum in Canada at a land border tried to move to the south of the are permitted to ask for refugee status here. Port of Entry will be sent back to country, her husband could easily the U.S. unless they meet one of have traced her. So, learning about that ‘’the treatment of health then, she has felt safer. the exceptions to the agreement. Roxham Road from friends in complications of FGM in 27 high the U.S., she made the difficult After taking a training course, People entering Canada irregularly prevalence countries costs $1.4 Kemi started to work for an agency at points such as Roxham Road decision to come to Canada. She billion US per year.’’ applied for a U.S. visa, as time was as a personal care assistant, and she are not covered by this agreement Kemi told her husband she wanted recently started a new job in that and are able to make a refugee running out: Iri was approaching her 10th birthday. Applying for a to take Iri for a two-week visit field. So, she is one of our anges claim. Kemi brought her daughter with friends in the United States gardiens in the time of COVID-19. here to protect her from female Canadian visitors’ visa would have taken too long, and there is no such for Christmas. Once they landed in Iri is a very enthusiastic student genital mutilation (FGM), a New York City, they boarded the who loves books and going to the practice still widespread in many thing as an ‘asylum seeker visa’ to any country. bus to Plattsburgh and from there library and dreams of becoming countries. I recently interviewed shared a taxi to Roxham Road. As a pediatrician. However, Kemi Kemi in order to share her story in Some 200 million women and they stood waiting to cross into and Iri still have no date for their detail. girls alive today in countries of Canada, Kemi was shivering with refugee hearing and, nearly three Having been for 20 years a Africa, the Middle East and Asia the cold and very afraid of being years after arriving, it is a long manager in a large Nigerian have been subjected to FGM. arrested and sent back to Nigeria. and difficult wait. In Canada and company, Kemi’s life was Each year about 3 million girls But the RCMP officers were not other countries, the threat of FGM materially comfortable. She worldwide are at risk of this hostile and even helped with her constitutes what is called ‘’Gender belonged to the Yoruba ethnic practice, which dates as far back luggage. Based Persecution,’’ and I hope that group. Her husband, whom she as ancient Egypt. Different claims After going through the Kemi and Iri will be recognized as married in the early 2000s, was also are made for it, but in cultures preliminary process with Canadian refugees on this basis. They both Yoruba, but from a different tribe where it is prevalent, girls are not immigration at the Saint-Bernard- have so much to offer their new whose marital customs diverged considered marriageable without de-Lacolle port of entry, Kemi and country. from hers. He told her that in it, and it is thought necessary Iri stayed a month at the Montreal When I asked Kemi how she his culture, intercourse did not for family honour, to prevent YMCA on Tupper Street, and then felt about coming to Canada she take place for the first seven days female ‘promiscuity’ and in moved into a small apartment. replied that it was a mixed bag. She after marriage. The reason for this order for families to receive the Since Kemi had nothing to furnish has lost her job, family, friends and became evident on their wedding ‘proper bride price.’ Many suffer it with, the landlord kindly waived homeland, but she feels strongly day when, after the ceremony, discrimination and pressure if the first month’s rent allowing that: “Going against a tradition elders from his tribe were waiting they have not been ‘cut.’ Kemi to purchase basics like a that is cruel would have meant to perform a ritual which turned FGM involves the partial or fridge and stove. A local refugee fighting a senseless battle with out to be FGM. In Kemi’s tribe complete removal of external support group helped with other no chance of winning. Having to FGM was not the norm and she female genitalia and is normally needed household items, and it watch a child go through such pain adamantly refused and threatened carried out by women of the was through this group that we and yet be helpless (to stop it), and to annul the marriage. Her husband child’s family or community met Kemi. During her first year the guilt I would feel for the rest accepted this, but afterwards the with no medical training, using here, Kemi lived in fear that her of my life, would definitely have elders said that she must undergo crude implements and without husband might show up and take taken me over the edge.’’ And, FGM after conceiving a child. In pain relief. It can have very Iri back to Nigeria, where she although she has had to start over the end Kemi and her husband serious impacts including: severe would be forced to undergo FGM. again from scratch to make a new adopted a five-month-old baby girl. bleeding, difficulty urinating, Kemi was constantly looking life in Canada she says: “My joy Kemi assumed that her daughter cysts and infections, childbirth over her shoulder and sleeping is found in giving my child hope. would be safe because: ‘’I thought complications, and heightened risk poorly. PRAIDA, a service for I think I am living a good life. If I that whatever they did not do to of maternal and newborn death. asylum seekers, referred her to a had to do it all over, for my child or me, they would not do to Iri.’’ For many women there is ongoing psychologist and this helped to any child, I would.’’ As time went on, social pressure suffering that can deeply affect stabilize her emotions. A lawyer Wendy Ayotte is a member of from the elders grew and Kemi’s their mental health. The World helped her get a divorce which Bridges Not Borders – Créons des husband said that Iri must undergo Health Organization estimates granted her custody of Iri. Since ponts: www.bridgesnotborders.ca

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 11 An approach adapted to the different regions to limit transmission of the virus

It is now more important than Progressive regional alert ever that we follow health measures to limit the spread and intervention system of the virus. It is essential that The Progessive regional alert and intervention system specifies which additional each of us remains vigilant measures each health region must take to slow the transmission of the virus. and adopts good habits. Since These depend on the alert level reached and are intended to limit the health, the virus is not spreading social and economic impacts of COVID-19, protect those who are most at risk and avoid overburdening the healthcare system. everywhere at the same rate, a new tool has been The alert levels are established based on the recommendations of public implemented to show how the health authorities who regularly review the situation, taking into account situation is evolving in each the epidemiological situation, transmission control and the capacity of the Quebec region. This four-level healthcare system. alert system will make it easier for you to keep track of the government’s interventions. Don’t forget that everyone must adopt behaviours that limit transmission of the virus. We do it to ensure that our children can keep going to school, to protect our seniors, to ensure the safety of our healthcare workers and We must contain the spread to revive our economy. Follow the basic measures at all times: of the virus throughout Quebec. This is how we can retain some level of normalcy over the next few months. Each region can make a big difference in limiting the spread of the virus. Let’s Keep your distance continue to protect each Wear a face covering other. Cough into your elbow

Wash your hands

Adapt your greetings

septième 2110, rue Drummond, 3e étage 18/09/20_10:56 production Montréal (Québec) H3G 1X1 client : MCE Nº 111167522-3 format PAP : 100 % @ 300 dpi description : Paliers d’alerte trim fermé : 10’’ x 16’’ pièce : Hebdos - DPP - EN trim ouvert : X’’ x X’’ version : visible : X’’ x X’’ infographiste : EV bleed : X’’ nom fichier : MCE_Paliers_DPP_EN_Hebdos_10x16.indd

PMS PMS PMS Check Les sorties laser ne reflètent pas fidèlement les couleurs telles qu’elles paraîtront couleur CMJN 2002 2002 2002 List √ sur le produit fini. Cette épreuve est utilisée à des fins de mise en page seulement.X FOUR ALERT AND INTERVENTION LEVELS

LEVEL 4 LEVEL 3 Maximum LEVEL 2 Alert Alert LEVEL 1 Early Vigilance Warning

Level 1 requires constant This level is imposed when Level 3 introduces Level 4 selectively applies attention amid the the level of transmission additional measures that more restrictive measures COVID-19 pandemic. starts to increase. The target specific areas of up to and including It corresponds to a low basic measures are activity and settings where ceasing non-essential level of transmission in reinforced and further the risk of transmission activities for which the the community. It requires actions are taken to is deemed higher. These risk cannot be sufficiently that the basic measures promote and encourage areas are subject to controlled, while established be followed compliance. For example, selective restrictions, avoiding the generalized in all settings (physical there might be more prohibitions and closures. confinement that was distancing, respiratory inspections and crowd experienced during the etiquette, hand washing, control in some settings first wave of the pandemic etc.). Special measures to facilitate physical as much as possible. may also apply to certain distancing. activities or settings.

To find out the alert level in your region, consult the Map of COVID-19 alert levels by region at Québec.ca/alertlevels

Québec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545 Une approche adaptée aux différentes régions pour limiter la propagation du virus

Plus que jamais, nous devons Système d’alertes régionales respecter les mesures sanitaires pour limiter la et d’intervention graduelle propagation du virus. Il Le système d’alertes régionales et d’intervention graduelle précise pour chacune est essentiel que chacun des régions sociosanitaires les mesures additionnelles à déployer pour ralentir d’entre nous demeure la transmission du virus. Celles-ci dépendent du palier d’alerte atteint et visent vigilant et adopte les bons à limiter les conséquences sanitaires, sociales et économiques de la COVID-19, à protéger les personnes les plus vulnérables et à éviter de surcharger le système comportements. Puisque la de soins. transmission du virus ne se fait pas partout de la même Les paliers d’alerte sont établis selon les recommandations des autorités de façon, un nouvel outil a été santé publique, qui font une analyse régulière de la situation en tenant compte mis en place afin de vous de la situation épidémiologique, du contrôle de la transmission et de la capacité permettre de mieux connaître du système de soins. Selon les tendances observées, les paliers seront révisés chaque semaine par les autorités de la santé publique. l’évolution de la situation dans chacune des régions du Québec. Ce système d’alerte à quatre paliers facilitera N’oubliez-pas, chaque personne doit adopter des comportements permettant de limiter la transmission du virus. Faisons-le pour que nos également pour la population enfants puissent continuer d’aller à l’école, pour protéger nos aînés, pour le suivi des interventions du assurer la sécurité de nos travailleurs de la santé et pour relancer notre gouvernement. économie. En tout temps, respectez les mesures de base :

Il est nécessaire de contenir la progression du virus partout au Québec. C’est ainsi que nous réussirons à maintenir une certaine normalité dans Gardez vos distances les prochains mois. Chaque région peut faire une grosse Portez un couvre-visage différence pour limiter Toussez dans votre coude la propagation du virus. Continuons de bien nous Lavez vos mains protéger. Adaptez vos pratiques de salutations

septième 2110, rue Drummond, 3e étage 18/09/20_11:00 production Montréal (Québec) H3G 1X1 client : MCE Nº 111167522-3 format PAP : 100 % @ 300 dpi description : Paliers d’alerte trim fermé : 10’’ x 16’’ pièce : Hebdos - DPP - FR trim ouvert : X’’ x X’’ version : visible : X’’ x X’’ infographiste : EV bleed : X’’ nom fichier : MCE_Paliers_DPP_FR_Hebdos_10x16.indd

PMS PMS PMS Check Les sorties laser ne reflètent pas fidèlement les couleurs telles qu’elles paraîtront couleur CMJN 2002 2002 2002 List √ sur le produit fini. Cette épreuve est utilisée à des fins de mise en page seulement.X QUATRE PALIERS D’ALERTE ET D’INTERVENTION

PALIER 4 PALIER 3 Alerte PALIER 2 Alerte maximale PALIER 1 Préalerte Vigilance

Le palier 1 appelle à la Ce palier s’impose lorsque Le palier 3 introduit des Le palier 4 applique vigilance constante qui est la transmission commence mesures additionnelles en de manière ciblée des requise dans le contexte à s’accroître. Les mesures ciblant certains secteurs mesures plus restrictives de la pandémie de la de base sont renforcées d’activité et milieux où pouvant aller jusqu’à faire COVID-19. Il correspond et davantage d’actions le risque de transmission cesser les activités non à une transmission faible sont déployées pour est jugé plus élevé. Ces essentielles pour lesquelles dans la communauté. promouvoir et encourager secteurs font l’objet de le risque ne peut pas être Il exige le respect des leur respect. Par exemple, restrictions, d’interdictions contrôlé suffisamment, en mesures de base mises davantage d’inspections ou de fermetures de façon évitant autant que possible en place dans l’ensemble peuvent être réalisées et sélective. un confinement généralisé des milieux (distanciation un plus grand contrôle de comme lors de la première physique, étiquette l’achalandage peut être vague de la pandémie. respiratoire, lavage des fait dans certains lieux mains, etc.). Des mesures de manière à faciliter la particulières peuvent distanciation physique. également s’appliquer à certaines activités ou à certains milieux.

Pour connaître le niveau d’alerte dans votre région, consultez la carte des paliers d’alerte par région sur Québec.ca/paliersalerte

Québec.ca/coronavirus 1 877 644-4545 Vente du quai Port-Lewis COMMENT NOUS page 17 JOINDRE: Fermiers Canadiens se [email protected] mobilisent page 18 (844) 450-5055 Relocalisation de la www.le-gleaner.com bibliothèque page 19 mercredi le 7 octobre 2020 Histoire d’une réfugiée page 20 The Gleaner / Le Gleaner 24 pages

La beauté de l'automne en abondance malgré les temps difficiles actuels

PHOTO Pat Walsh Mis à part le symbolisme et la fatigue de l'arc-en-ciel induite par COVID-19, il est parfois important de prendre le temp d'apprécier la merveille naturelle qu'est l'arc-en-ciel, surtout lorsqu'il apparaît soudainement dans le ciel devant vous comme c'était le cas pour Pat Walsh d'Elgin. Alors que la région se prépare à affronter une deuxième vague de la pandémie et les différentes épreuves qui pourraient nous accabler en cours de route, espérons que nous pourrons une fois de plus nous accrocher à la vision solidaire qui a inspiré le mouvement "ça va bien aller" au printemps. Voir d'autres scènes de beauté automnale dans la Vallée, à la page 21. Le nombre de cas de COVID-19 au CHCH augmente Sarah Rennie d’infection d’environ 23 pourcent. situation sous contrôle, » dit-elle, que prévue au Québec, a démarré admettant qu’il est probable que dans plusieurs régions, les chiffres Traduit par Iris Delagrange « C’est le COVID et c’est ce qu’il fait, » dit la Dr Bélanger, d’autres cas se déclarent et qu’il locaux restent bas: 19 cas actifs L’éclosion de COVID-19 au coordonnatrice COVID-19 pour la est impossible de prévoir combien dans le Haut-Saint-Laurent en Centre d’Hébergement du Comté région. « Ce n’est pas une surprise de résidents vont tomber malade. date du 5 octobre. Les chiffres des de Huntingdon (CHCH), qui a pour moi, » poursuit-elle en « Dans 10 jours, nous saurons si régions voisines augmentent aussi, démarré le 23 septembre dernier faisant référence à la propagation l’éclosion est sous contrôle. » mais pas de façon alarmante: 133 avec la découverte de deux cas, rapide dans le centre de soins de Tous les résidents et leurs familles cas dans les Jardins-Roussillon, 34 s’est maintenant étendue. Au Huntingdon. C’est même son pire ont été prévenus et seront tenus au à Vaudreuil-Soulanges et 27 dans moment d’écrire cette mise à jour, cauchemar. courant des mises à jour au fur et le réseau de santé du Suroit. 12 des 56 résidents avaient reçu un à mesure. L’éclosion semble s’être test positif au virus. Le CHSLD, Afin de gérer l’éclosion, il ya L’hôpital Barrie Memorial maintenant un médecin sur le site limitée à Huntingdon et ne s’est pas à Ormstown demeure une qui est maintenant sur la liste du répandue au Centre d’hébergement gouvernement des établissements du CHCH toute la journée et sur- zone froide et les médecins ne appel la nuit. « Nous fournissons de Ormstown (CHO) malgré que voient pas d’augmentation de ayant au moins un cas actif, est plusieurs membres du personnel en alerte orange avec un taux une présence médicale beaucoup cas s’apparentant au virus du plus accrue, » explique la médecin. travaillent aux deux endroits. Une COVID-19 aux urgences. « Tout « Les éclosions dans les endroits requête a été placée très rapidement le monde fait une bonne job ici, » Injection - Silencieux - Freins comme ceux-ci peuvent être par le CISSSMO afin de limiter le ajoute Bélanger. Il est tout de Suspension - Air climatisé dévastatrices. Nous avons un déplacement des employés et cela même essentiel, elle souligne, de devoir envers les résidents, » semble avoir fonctionné. continuer à être vigilant en limitant explique-t-elle. « Nous mettons en La deuxième vague a commencé ses déplacements, en gardant ses T: 450.829-4227 F: 450.829.4248 place des mesures afin de stopper la La Dr Bélanger explique que distances, en mettant son masque [email protected] propagation et je suis confiante que même s’il est évident qu’une en public et en se lavant les mains 1471 Route 201, Ormstown Qc nous serons capable de garder la deuxième vague, survenue plus tôt le plus souvent possible.

SANI- Si vous avez apprécié cette copie du Gleaner VRAC Fleurs et vous aimeriez vous abonner, vous pouvez et le faire à www.le-gleaner.com ou avec la Location de toilettes et Cadeaux formulaire à la page 17! nettoyage de fosses septiques Prix de détail : 2,61$ CDN + taxes (450) 264-4844 450-264-2048 ou 1-877-264-2048 131 Chateauguay, Huntingdon NOUVELLES Citoyens s’interrogent toujours sur la vente du quai Chantal Hortop par les citoyens », ajoutant que les précaution qui pourraient être prises août 2020, la décision a effectivement communications des citoyens ont fait par la MRC dans le cadre du processus été prise par 74,4 % de la population de Traduit par Rachel Patenaude l’objet d’un accusé de réception et de vente. la MRC (puisque la décision a été prise Lors de la réunion mensuelle que ceux qui soumettent des questions En réponse à une question portant par les élus de la population). de son conseil des maires le 16 avant la réunion reçoivent un suivi par sur la résolution de vente du quai D’autres questions ont été abordées septembre dernier, la MRC du Haut- la suite les dirigeant vers les réponses ayant été adoptée à la majorité malgré avec des déclarations de Poirier Saint-Laurent a de nouveau reçu contenues dans l’enregistrement. Dans les préoccupations exprimées par comme quoi la MRC avait engagé des des questions de la part de citoyens les réponses qui ont suivi, la MRC a les professionnels consultés lors des professionnels pour la conseiller sur préoccupés par la vente du quai de Port déclaré que toutes les décisions prises procédures et par les citoyens, Poirier le processus, et que la MRC voulait Lewis. Comme les réunions ne sont par les membres du conseil des maires a répondu que les résolutions relatives rassurer la population que « la vente pas actuellement ouvertes au public en « sont basées sur les informations au dossier adoptées par le conseil des serait faite dans le respect de la loi ... tout raison des restrictions sanitaires liées nécessaires et sont des décisions maires étaient « légales, légitimes en tenant compte des préoccupations au COVID-19, toutes les questions ont éclairées ». Poirier a également et exécutoires », et a déclaré que les exprimées par les citoyens au cours du été soumises à l’avance et les personnes confirmé que tous les maires avaient maires « basent leurs décisions sur une dernier mois ». Il a ajouté que « nous souhaitant entendre les débats ont pu reçu une copie de la lettre mentionnée information complète, satisfaisante » en sommes au stade de l’exécution de accéder aux enregistrements sur le site par St-Pierre et Quenneville, qui a été et qu’ils sont « libres et indépendants cette décision ». web de la MRC. envoyée à la MRC par Me Sébastien dans leurs choix et de leur vote ». L’enregistrement de la dernière Toutes les questions étaient Dorion du cabinet d’avocats Dunton Poirier a répété que puisque neuf des réunion du conseil des maires de la présentées par Sonia St-Pierre et de Rainville en réponse aux questions douze maires ont voté en faveur de la MRC, ainsi que les enregistrements François Quenneville. Les citoyens ont sur le dossier du quai de Port Lewis résolution visant à « réaliser le mandat et procès-verbaux précédents, sont notamment voulu savoir pourquoi la envoyées en juin au cabinet par le de transfert de propriété, de vérification disponibles sur http://mrchsl.com/ MRC n’avait pas répondu à leurs appels directeur général de la MRC, Laurent des titres et de rédaction des documents seances-et-echos-du-conseil. La téléphoniques et à leurs demandes de Lampron. La lettre fait remarquer que pour compléter et réaliser le transfert prochaine réunion du conseil des réunions. Le préfet par intérim, Pierre la situation est « problématique » et de propriété du Quai de Port-Lewis », maires aura lieu le 28 octobre. Poirier, a répondu que « nous prenons offre un certain nombre d’observations selon le procès-verbal de la réunion du en compte toutes les questions soumises et de suggestions de mesures de conseil des maires de la MRC du 26 Église transformé en boutique à Howick Iris Delagrange décédée subitement à l’automne venus voir Ouellet tout au long de dernier. Il ne s’est pas démonté et a l’été pour exprimer leur gratitude, continué leurs projets. car beaucoup de lieux de culte sont La fin de semaine de l’Action de Avec l’accord de l’ancien malheureusement laissés à l’abandon grâce approche à grands pas et Erick propriétaire, la Fabrique de Sainte- au Québec, faute de paroissiens et Ouellet, propriétaire de la boutique Martine, la transformation de d’argent, et doivent être condamnés d’antiquité La Chaise Rouge, est fin l’ancienne église comportera un et détruits. La reprise de ce lieu pret à dévoiler son projet, le samedi volet éducatif et communautaire. En connu localement a donc été très 10 octobre prochain. Après avoir plus de la boutique d’antiquité, dont bien accueilli par les habitants des acheté l’ancienne Église du Très- l’ancien siège social se trouvait à environs. Tel: (450) 829-3001 Saint-Sacrement à Howick en juin Beauharnois, l’église de la paroisse Voici quelques données recueillies 8-B rue Church, Ormstown (Qc) dernier, Ouellet a passé l’été à vendre de Saint-Sacrement (1909) deviendra par Mario Pitre du Journal Saint- le mobilier et à transformer les lieux un lieu patrimonial d’échanges François concernant l’Église du avec l’aide d’une équipe compétente. culturels. Dans une entrevue accordée Très-Saint-Sacrement à Howick: Selon les propos recueillis dans au Journal Saint-François, le nouveau construite en 1909 ; possède une le Journal Saint-François, Ouellet propriétaire de l’église explique orgue Casavant Opus 39 ; restaurée explique que : « Y’a rien qui arrive que des écrans y seront installés en 1984 pour le centenaire de la pour rien dans la vie. L’église est en pour illustrer des scènes de la vie paroisse ; dernière messe célébrée le assez bon état, je veux la garder la rurale et urbaine, et de l’information 28 décembre 2019 ; pouvait accueillir plus intacte possible ; je ne veux pas sur l’histoire régionale sera mise à environ 150 personnes. la dénaturer. » disposition pour les clients et passants. Ouellet a fondé la Chaise Rouge il Les curieux étaient également Reconnaissance du soutien y a une quinzaine d’années avec sa au rendez-vous: jeunes familles, conjointe, qui est malheureusement résidents et anciens paroissiens sont Les Services d’information communautaire de la Vallée de la Châteauguay, propriétaire du Gleaner, tiennent à remercier le ABONNEZ-VOUS AU GLEANER gouvernement du Canada pour le soutien suivant: en envoyant ce coupon à l’adresse ci dessous Le projet de planification des activités «Réinventer Le Gleaner» (2020- ou en vous inscrivant en ligne sur www.le-gleaner.com 2021) a été rendu possible grâce au Fonds d’appui stratégique aux Retourner ce coupon avec une chèque ou un mandat-poste au: médias communautaires offert conjointement par le Consortium des Gleaner, P.O. C.P. 250, Ormstown, QC, J0S 1K0 médias communautaires des langues officielles en situation minoritaire Nom : ______et le gouvernement du Canada (#CommunityMedia, #CMSSF). Adresse : ______L’engagement d’un stagiaire pour 2020 a été assuré dans le cadre du Apt/Unité # : ______Ville : ______volet stages nationaux du programme «Jeunesse Canada au travail pour Province : ______Code postale :______une carrière en français et en anglais», rendu possible par le Fonds d’appui stratégique aux médias communautaires du gouvernement du No. de téléphone : ______Canada. Courriel : ______L’engagement d’un étudiant d’été pour 2020 a été assuré dans le 24 éditions imprimées et accès complèt au site web 60$ (taxes incluses) cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada rendu possible par le J’inclus un don avec mes frais d’abonnement. Montant : $______gouvernement du Canada. Je renouvelle un abonnement existant TOTAL INCLUS : $______*Les prix sont uniquement pour des abonnements au Canada. Pour des abonnements hors du Canada, veuillez envoyer un courriel à [email protected]

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 17 Offres AGRICULTURE d'emploi Entre transition climatique et pandémie: les fermiers Pour faire de la publicité ici, veuillez contacter Lorelei Canadiens se mobilisent au 844-450-5055, poste 712 ou [email protected] Iris Delagrange Canada, dans un secteur qui peinait déjà à composer avec l’impact des changements climatiques. La saison C’est en août dernier que la coalition des récoltes a été très difficile pour Fermiers pour la transition climatique beaucoup de fermes au Québec, et a dévoilé son plan d’action. La saison sans plan clair et efficace, la situation estivale a été compliquée: sècheresse, risque d’empirer. Les fermiers grêle et pandémie ont forcé bon souhaitent bâtir un secteur agricole nombre de fermiers dans l’ensemble plus résilient, mais nous n’y arriverons du pays à revoir leurs pratiques pas seuls. Les décideurs doivent suivre agricoles. nos recommandations. » Sur le site d’Équiterre, un Les défis que rencontrent les des principaux organismes fermiers au pays et au Québec ne environnementaux du Québec, on sont par ailleurs pas tous d’ordre peut lire que le plan d’action du climatiques mais aussi économiques. groupe, intitulé “L’avenir passe par En effet depuis le début de la crise la ferme : Recommandations pour la sanitaire, selon la coalition, bien reprise dans l’agriculture canadienne que le gouvernement du Canada post COVID-19”, présente cinq ait répondu rapidement à l’appel à gestes concrets pour protéger l’aide des agriculteurs et agricultrices l’approvisionnement alimentaire du en leur offrant un accès accru au Canada: crédit et l’option de reporter le Aider les fermes à devenir des remboursement de la dette, le groupe producteurs d’énergie verte; estime que ce type d’aide financière Mettre en place des incitatifs à court terme ne fait ultimement permettant aux fermiers de pratiquer qu’accentuer le problème déjà criant une agriculture respectueuse de de l’endettement dans le secteur l’environnement et du climat ; agricole. « Au Canada, l’endettement Mettre en lien les fermiers agricole total frise les 115 milliards proposant des solutions innovantes de dollars, le double de ce qu’on avec d’autres fermiers ; observait il y a 20 ans, » a ajouté Récompenser ceux qui mettent en Anastasia Fyk, fermière de quatrième place des mesures concrètes pour génération chez FFF Farms au réduire l’impact sur le climat ; Manitoba. « Le statu quo n’est plus Soutenir une relève d’agriculteurs une option, et c’est pourquoi les plus conscientisés des enjeux actuels. fermiers se regroupent aujourd’hui Selon Mélina Plante, fermière pour proposer des solutions. » et co-propriétaire de la ferme Les Afin de témoigner leur soutien pour Bontés de la Vallée à Havelock, « La cette approche, les fermiers et citoyens pandémie actuelle met en lumière la peuvent signer l’engagement sur le site nécessité d’améliorer la résilience de fermierspourlatransitionclimatique. l’approvisionnement alimentaire au ca/passez-a-laction. Saveurs de la Vallée: UNE RÉCOLTE LOCALE, C’EST GÉNIAL!

Nous sommes reconnaissants du soutien local ! Nous sommes ouverts 7 JOURS SUR 7 DE 9H À 17H avec de nombreuses variétés de pommes. des poires et du jus de pomme frais ! Veuillez nous appeler pour passer une commande afin de faciliter le ramassage ! Nous sommes ouverts jusqu’au 24 décembre – nous vous attendons avec Manque-t-il quelque chose dans le Gleaner? impatience ! Si vous avez une idée d’article que vous aimeriez voir figurer dans une prochaine édition du Gleaner, pourquoi pas la présenter et l’écrire vous-même ? Envoyez un (450) 827-2461 courriel à [email protected] pour contacter notre département des nouvelles. Possibilité de travailler comme pigiste rémunéré à l’avenir pour un bon candidat. page 18 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 NOUVELLES Relocalisation de la bibliothèque de Ormstown: la colère monte Sarah Rennie remise en question. Elle précise que le coût de 350,000$ sur cinq Traduit par Iris Delagrange ans est trop élevé et que l’endroit, De la colère se fait sentir depuis qui est très passant, n’est pas idéal. plusieurs semaines parmi des La pétition et le Comité pour la résidents de Ormstown frustrés Démocratie à Ormstown remettent de la décision de relocaliser la en question la transparence de la bibliothèque municipale, qui se municipalité dans le dossier ainsi trouve actuellement sur une rue que les motivations derrière cette calme du village, dans un bâtiment relocalisation. Certains membres privé situé à une intersection du comité suggèrent même que achalandée sur la Route 201. Un la nouvelle bibliothèque est «une groupe de résidents, le Comité subvention de 70,000$ par an sous pour la Démocratie à Ormstown, a forme de loyer, payée par l’argent organisé une manifestation roulante public à une entreprise privée. » lundi soir devant l’hôtel de ville. PHOTO Sarah Rennie La municipalité continue de Les habitants sont passés devant le Un groupe d'habitants d'Ormstown a prévu d'organiser une manifestation en voiture à dire que cette relocalisation n’est bâtiment en faisant clignoter leurs l'hôtel de ville le 5 octobre pour montrer leur frustration face au projet de la municipalité de pas permanente et qu’elle va phares à partir de 19h30 alors que relocaliser la bibliothèque municipale au rez-de-chaussée de la nouvelle clinique médicale permettre d’améliorer les services privée en construction sur la route 201. le conseil municipal commençait sa aux citoyens tout en laissant du réunion mensuelle. et présentement, il ne peut plus des personnes du Ministère des temps à la demande de subvention Une entrevue donnée à CTV mettre les pieds à l’hôtel de ville. Affaires Municipales à propos de la faite au Ministère de la Culture et News le 20 septembre dernier par le « Je l’ai vécu comme un coup de situation. des Communications pour un autre conseiller municipal Stephen Ovans, poing terrible dans le ventre, » a-t-il Une pétition initiée par Don bâtiment (au coût estimé de 1,5 à 2 incluant des allégations à propos du précisé, tout en ajoutant qu’il aime Rosenbaum, comportant 160 millions de dollars) de se faire. Le maire Jacques Lapierre qui aurait son rôle de conseiller municipal. signatures de résidents de Ormstown, local actuel est trop petit et requiert caché certaines informations et « C’est difficile depuis la mi- devait être présentée au conseil de des rénovations importantes. La ville aurait réagi, lorsque questionné sur août. Je me bats chaque jour pour lundi soir par le conseiller Thomas de Ormstown a également précisé le sujet, en menaçant Ovans, n’a essayer de faire la lumière sur tout Vandor. La pétition originale que les questions de sécurité seront fait que jeter de l’huile sur le feu cela afin que les habitants soient comportait plus de 400 signatures adressées avec l’installation de feux pour les résidents déjà en colère. La au courant et que tout soit le plus individuelles; celle-ci n’a jamais été de circulation à l’intersection de la dénonciation de Ovans a eu comme transparent possible, » explique-t- soumise au conseil officiellement Route 138 et la Route 201, avant la conséquence son renvoi du caucus il. Ovans suggère qu’il a parlé avec par inquiétude que sa légitimité soit fin de l’année 2021.

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.09.23 page 19 L’histoire d’une réfugiée du chemin Roxham : pour protéger sa fille

Wendy Ayotte l’aide d’instruments bruts et sans soulagement de la douleur. Elle a des Traduit par Pascale Bourguignon impacts très graves, notamment : des Entre 2017 et le début de la saignements sévères, des difficultés fermeture de la frontière des États Unis à uriner, des kystes et des infections, due à la pandémie de COVID-19, des problèmes d’accouchement et un les bénévoles de Créons des ponts risque de décès maternel et néonatal, (Bridges Not Borders) ont accueilli ainsi que des problèmes de santé des centaines de demandeurs d›asile mentale. L’Organisation Mondiale de qui sont entrés au Canada via le la Santé estime que les complications chemin Roxham à Saint-Bernard- sanitaires coûtent 1,4 milliard USD de-Lacolle. L’une d’elles, Kemi, dans 27 pays à forte prévalence. une Nigériane, a amené sa Kemi a dit à son mari qu’elle voulait fille Iri au Canada pour la protéger emmener Iri visiter des amis aux États- des actes de mutilations génitales Unis pour Noël. De New York, elles féminines (MGF). Leurs prénoms ont pris le bus pour Plattsburgh et sont des pseudonymes pour protéger de là, un taxi pour le chemin leurs identités. Roxham. Après le processus initial, Kemi et son mari appartenaient elles sont restées au YMCA de au même groupe ethnique, mais Ruth Kaplan Montréal, puis ont emménagé dans un étaient issus de tribus distinctes En 2019, les demandeurs d'asile sont vus en train de passer des États-Unis au Canada à appartement. Au début, Kemi vivait dont les coutumes matrimoniales Roxham Road (Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle), où la GRC est stationnée. Bien qu'ils soient dans la peur que son mari se présente différaient. Kemi travaillait et susceptibles d'être refoulés à un point d'entrée officiel entre les deux pays, ceux qui entrent et ramène Iri au Nigeria. Un avocat occupait un poste bien rémunéré. par un point de passage "irrégulier" sont autorisés à demander le statut de réfugié ici. l›a aidée à divorcer, ce qui lui a Le jour de leur mariage, les aînés permis d’obtenir la garde d›Iri, et elle de sa tribu décrétèrent qu’elle devait qu’Iri devait subir des MGF avant Unis, sauf si elles correspondent à s›est sentie plus en sécurité. Après subir des MGF. Suite à son refus l’âge de 10 ans. Kemi se sentait l’une des exceptions prévues par une formation, Kemi a commencé catégorique de s’y conformer et à sa incapable de protéger sa fille. Bien l’entente. Les personnes traversant à travailler en tant qu›assistante de menace d›annuler le mariage, son que les MGF aient été interdites irrégulièrement à des points tels soins personnels, faisant d’elle l’une mari accepta, mais, par la suite, les au Nigéria en 2015, elles continuent que le chemin Roxham ne sont pas de nos anges gardiens du COVID. d›avoir lieu. La police considère incluses dans l’entente et peuvent aînés réclamèrent qu›elle consente Cependant, après près de trois ans aux MGF après la conception. que c’est un problème familial et faire une demande d’asile. n’intervient pas. Kemi envisagea d’attentes, elles n’ont toujours pas de Kemi et son mari ont adopté une Quelque 200 millions de femmes date pour leur audience. La menace d’obtenir un transfert de travail et de filles en vie aujourd’hui ont petite fille. Kemi supposait que sa dans une autre ville, mais le nord de MGF est considérée comme fille serait en sécurité parce que été victimes de MGF et chaque une « persécution fondée sur le sexe du Nigéria n’était pas sécuritaire année, environ 3 millions de filles : « Je pensais que tout ce qu’ils ne en raison des actes de terrorisme », et nous espérons qu’elles seront me faisaient pas, ils ne le feraient sont à risque. Les filles ne sont pas reconnues comme réfugiées sur perpétrés par Boko Haram. En partant considérées comme pouvant se pas à Iri.» Mais la pression sociale dans le sud, elle pouvait facilement cette base. Kemi a résumé ce qu’elle des aînés et de sa belle-mère marier sans ses mutilations ; elles ressentait en venant au Canada. « J’ai être retrouvée. Alors, en apprenant sont jugées nécessaire à l’honneur des augmentant, le mari de Kemi déclara l’existence du chemin Roxham, elle tout perdu, mon travail, ma famille, familles, empêchent la « promiscuité mes amis et ma patrie, mais ma joie est RÉSIDENTIEL prit la difficile décision de venir au » féminine et sont incontournables & AGRICOLE Canada. de redonner espoir à mon enfant. Si je à l’obtention du « prix de la mariée devais tout recommencer, pour mon Toiture métallique Une entente conclue en 2002 convenable ». La MGF implique enfant ou pour n’importe quel enfant, Bardeaux d’asphalte entre le Canada et les États-Unis l’ablation partielle ou complète des MAX CLARKE Toit pente faible je le ferais. » Fascia/soffit prévoit que les personnes demandant organes génitaux externes féminins (450) 802-7972 l’asile au Canada à un point d’entrée et est normalement pratiquée par Wendy Ayotte est membre de Créons 163 Alexandre, Valleyfield RÉPARATION des ponts, www.creonsdesponts.ca. [email protected] TOITURE 24/7 frontalier seront renvoyées aux États- des femmes de la communauté, à

L’équipe du Gleaner a travaillé fort sur de nombreux projets depuis la Nous voulons relance du journal en 2019, dont la création d’une déclaration de mission. Ce qui suit explique le but, les objectifs et les idéaux du Gleaner alors que nous votre opinion ! allons de l’avant dans la poursuite du succès continu de l’organisation. Déclaration de mission : Le Gleaner Le Gleaner est de retour en activité depuis un peu plus d’un an, et nous sommes maintenant engagés dans la planification de l’avenir. La mission du Gleaner est de publier des actualités et des reportages reflétant les besoins et les intérêts de la population du sud-ouest Aidez-nous en nous donnant votre opinion sur Le Gleaner - qu’elle soit de la Montérégie en exploitant la richesse des activités sociales, bonne, mauvaise ou indifférente nous avons besoin d’entendre vos culturelles, économiques et patrimoniales qui font de cette région réflexions sur ce que nous pouvons faire pour faire avancer Le Gleaner. rurale, une communauté unique et diversifiée. RÉPONDEZ À NOTRE SONDAGE EN FRANÇAIS : Le Gleaner s’engage à livrer du contenu pertinent qui fait https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GleanerFR progresser les connaissances des lecteurs, créer des discussions et EN ANGLAIS: contribuer au bien-être des individus, groupes et entreprises en https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GleanerENG facilitant les échanges à travers la région - et au-delà - depuis son établissement en 1863. Pour obtenir une copie imprimée de ce sondage, veuillez appeler le Gagnez l’un des 844-450-5055, poste 714 cinq abonnements et nous vous l’enverrons par la poste. annuels gratuits au Gleaner !

page 20 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 AGRICULTURE Grimshaw Orchard: For the Photos of the Week, October 7, 2020: L’histoire d’une réfugiée du chemin The colours of the Valley love of a good old apple A Facebook post to The Gleaner’s page this week featured a maple tree in its full fall brilliance. We invited followers to show us your Sarah Rennie fragile and can’t hold up to being Roxham : pour protéger sa fille trees, and the photos that came in were a stunning reminder that we transported long distances. live in one of the most beautiful corners of the world. Here are three Christian Lussier, the owner of th images selected from the 27 photos we received that stood out due to This season marked the 10 harvest Pomi Inc., once commented to Ward their perspective and blazing colour. for Brodie Ward and Judy Bernert of that he thought they were likely the Grimshaw Orchard in Franklin. The only orchard in the area to be growing couple bought the 5-acre orchard the pommes blanches. He paused, with around 1,000 apple trees nine then suggested they were likely one years ago. Since then, they have of the very few in Quebec to still be been careful to add to the orchard growing this variety. each year with new varieties that Heritage orchard are readily available, however they The orchard was first planted have also found a surprising niche by Milton Sharpe, and it was market for older varieties of apples then purchased by André Lussier long forgotten or replaced by modern (Christian’s brother), who is known as types like Honeycrisp. one of the first apple growers to plant “We’re trying to revive the old the Honeycrisp variety in the Valley. varieties,” says Ward. “People are The trees currently in production are really getting turned on to that,” he all semi dwarf varieties, except for says of trends in several different the older trees. Ward still has a few of practices of growing fruits and the original Lobo and McIntosh trees PHOTO Amber Thompson vegetables that see clients seeking still in production. Amber Thompson snapped this amazing view of freshly harvested fields with fall colours out heritage varieties. Grimshaw orchard is entirely in the background from atop the silo at Edgeview Holsteins, in Hinchinbrooke. Ward’s fascination with the more family-run. Ward says his two sons traditional varieties started when help out when they can, but otherwise a neighbour cut down an orchard, everything is done by himself and including a crab apple tree. He took Bernert. “We have a nice little some cuttings and grafted them to clientele that comes to the orchard,” an existing Cortland tree. “We’ve he says. Last year, they started to had some success with grafting,” he work on building a kitchen and admits, of the fairly common practice producing a line of apple-inspired of combining a bottom rootstock baked goods, including doughnuts. of one tree to the scion, or budding The couple also built a kiosk in one branch, of another tree. “We’ve done corner of the orchard. Unfortunately, Melba, crab apple, Wolf River, and the pandemic quashed some of we have a few lined up to do over their expansion plans as marketing the winter,” he says, while noting possibilities closed down due to they are especially on the lookout for health measures in the spring. Sunset-tinted clouds set Duchess apples. Ward has been a staple at the off the deep reds in this As a smaller producer, Ward Valleyfield Public Market for 7 tree and golden apple says he is able to dedicate time and seasons, and this year began to sell crates, as captured by Serena Frier at her energy to growing older varieties. at the Huntingdon County Farmers’ family’s orchard in For example, the orchard specializes Market, and their scrumptious apple Rockburn. in the yellow transparent apple (also doughnuts will be available at the known as pommes blanches). They Amigos depanneur in Franklin are the first summer apple to be throughout the winter. PHOTO Serena Frier ready for harvest, usually around late “As farmers, we are not strangers June or early July. “We have clients to social distancing,” he laughs, for every phase of the ripening of referring to the long hours spent in these apples,” says Ward. But, he the orchard. At the same time, he admits, they are not for everyone, appreciates the opportunity to meet and they are simply not feasible for with those who share his passion for commercial growers as they are quite older apple varieties.

A classic fall photograph snapped by Lindalee Brown shows a beautiful display of colour reflected in the tranquil waters of the Mitchell Brook, a tributary to the Rivière aux Outardes Est, located near the Rang 3, in Ormstown.

PHOTO Lindalee Brown

PHOTO Grimshaw Orchards If you would like to see your photo featured as our “Photo of the Week,” please submit it to [email protected]. The new sales kiosk at Grimshaw Orchard in Franklin.

The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 page 21 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Vets from the Valley: the Duheme sisters Callan Forrester dedication to their careers goes way back. Kim and Darra Duheme With all that is happening in our graduated from high school world right now, it can be a relief 10 years ago, and each was to hear about some success stories class valedictorian. How is this in the Valley. Recently, sisters possible? The sisters attended Kim and Darra Duheme graduated different high schools: Kim was at from the veterinary program at the Chateauguay Valley Regional and Université de Montréal’s Saint- Darra went to Arthur Pigeon. They Hyacinthe campus. The story of both started in the French system these two and their hard work and and when their parents offered for

PHOTO provided Kim and Darra Duheme, who were valedictorians at CVR and Arthur-Pigeon respectively, have now graduated from the renowned veterinary science program at the Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe Campus.

them to either continue in French and ended up with none. or move into the English system, The vet program that the the sisters separated. Duheme sisters attended is highly The main reason for this, as cited competitive, as it is the only one in by both Darra and Kim, was that Quebec. Most people apply to this they had different friend groups program multiple times before who were attending different getting in, and the Duhemes are schools. Another factor was that no exception. However, even after they were two of three triplets applying a number of times, Kim (the third is a brother) and it was and Darra were accepted the same nice to be at different schools in year. (This was the first time that order to have more individuality. siblings were in the program at the They went to different CEGEPs same time.) They were thrilled to but eventually ended up at McGill have one another there. Unversity together (where they Growing up, the two always would fight over who got the pushed each other to do well highest grade, according to Darra) in school. According to their and eventually in the same vet father, Titus, they always worked course in Saint-Hyacinthe. incredibly hard to get the grades Darra and Kim agree that they that they had, and this sense of wanted to be veterinarians from sisterly competition helped them PHOTO Courtesy of Angela Beauregard Jockey Shannon Beauregard, shown here with one of her young fans, was badly injured in the time they were children. achieve their academic success. a race on Sept. 19. Her sister has created an online GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds Growing up on a dairy farm, they This didn’t stop when they were she will need through her long and painful recovery. were fascinated by the animals in vet school. Though there was around them. They spent lots of always the sense of competition, time interacting with the animals Kim and Darra were just grateful Racing community and friends and with the vets that would to be able to attend such a rally around injured jockey come check up on them, with the demanding program together. Ormstown Veterinary Clinic and Both agree that having a sister Professional jockey Shannon racing community as well as her Deborah Nash Veterinary Clinic in the program was an amazing Beauregard, who was raised in friends and supporters have jumped being among those who most experience. Given that the Ormstown, suffered serious injuries in to help, pledging a total of $17,092 inspired the sisters. They watched program was so difficult, it was in a race on Sept. 19 when her horse as of press time. The comments and saw how much good vets can great to always have someone stumbled and fell near the finish line section of the fundraiser page is filled do and were inspired to follow in around who was going through and she was then trampled by the with notes about Beauregard’s sunny their footsteps. the same thing. When one didn’t horse coming up behind them. With personality and steely determination, Kim thought for a long time that understand a concept she could a fractured pelvis, tailbone and hip, including one from the racetrack at she would be a cow vet, but she is go to the other for help figuring Beauregard required a complicated which the accident occurred, which now working with Deborah Nash it out — or at least laugh about surgery and has a long and painful speaks to the hopes of all the jockey’s and has decided to devote herself it together. The two made it very recovery ahead, with at least three supporters: “Shannon, we wish you to a career in small animals. clear that the best part was that months of recovery before she can all the best in your recovery journey. Darra also rode horses growing there was always someone in even hope to walk. We know that we will see your up, which was another reason she your corner who you could lean Angela Beauregard, the jockey’s smiling face back in the winner’s was drawn to this career. She is on no matter what. This sense sister, and her mother Rhonda circle soon!” currently doing an extra year of of community pushed them to Madsen have set up a GoFundMe Those wishing to contribute to education to pursue an internship do their best and graduate this campaign online to raise funds to the campaign may do so at www. with the goal of specializing in program ready to be vets much support Beauregard through her gofundme.com/f/help-shannon- horses. Kim jokes that her father like those who inspired them recovery, and members of the horse beauregard. (CH) was supposed to get two cow vets growing up. page 22 The Gleaner • Le Gleaner 2020.10.07 Beechridge Presbyterian prepares to celebrate congregation's 200th anniversary

The Beechridge Presbyterian from the St. Gabriel Street Church, baptisms, marriages and funerals ministers. For the past 20 years, congregation in Sainte-Clotilde in Montreal. In 1822, services were in the area, with some coming the minister-worship-leader has will be celebrating its 200th year of conducted by Norman McLeod, a from nearby Hemmingford and been Evie Kerr of Howick. worship in 2021. Services are held Gaelic-speaking Church of Scotland Georgetown. In 1836 a petition The year 2020 has been a difficult every second week in the summer teacher-catechist. Services were was presented to the Presbytery of one for all Valley churches. from May to October, with 15 to 20 sometimes held in his own home in Quebec for a permanent minister, Beechridge was limited to holding people in attendance on average. the Scotch settlement. stating that he must be bilingual, only four services, ending on Oct. The congregation was established According to the Historical English and Gaelic. Rev. Thomas 4 with agape communion. A bright in 1821 with services taking place and Statistical Report of the MacPherson answered the call and note for this difficult year was the in a schoolhouse on lot 25 in the Presbyterian Church of Canada, served until 1843. joining of the church by Lyndsay Scotch settlement at what is now the Beechridge church was built For the 177 years between 1843 Eleanor MacKay, daughter of Saint-Urbain-Premier, under the in 1831. Between 1822 and 1836, and 2000, Beechridge was served Shawn and Jennifer, which brings guidance of Presbyterian ministers supply ministers performed by many good and dedicated the membership to 20. (SR)

Between climate solutions and pandemic: Died Canadian farmers step up to take action Iris Delagrange The challenges faced by farmers in Canada and in Quebec do not Died Translated by Sarah Rennie relate solely to climate change. There In August, the Farmers for Climate are economic issues as well facing Solutions coalition unveiled an farmers, made only worse by the action plan. The summer season was pandemic. The Coalition contends complicated: drought, hail and the that while the Government of Canada pandemic forced many farmers across has responded quickly to the call for the country to review their farming help from farmers by offering them practices. Equiterre, one of Quebec’s increased access to credit and the leading environmental organizations, option of deferring debt repayment, recently posted the group’s action the group believes this type of short- plan, titled A better future starts term financial assistance ultimately OBITUARY on the farm: Recommendations only exacerbates the already crippling ROACH, Pauline for recovery from COVID-19 in issue of debt in the agricultural Passed away in Huntingdon on Tuesday, Canadian agriculture. The plan sector. “Total farm debt in Canada September 29, 2020 Mrs. Pauline Roach aged 67 years. She leaves to mourn her two outlines five concrete actions to be is approaching $115 billion, double sons Daniel (Jessica Duheme) and Jason, her taken now to protect Canada’s food what it was 20 years ago,” added only daughter Amanda, her grandchildren supply moving forward, including the Anastasia Fyk, a fourth-generation Tyson, Van, Peyton, Liam, Brynn, Jason Jr. Logan, Dawson, Ravon, Abby and Zoey. encouragement of on-farm renewable farmer with FFF Farms in Manitoba. Survived by her siblings Sally (Raymond OBITUARY energy generation, fuel switching “The status quo is no longer an option, Viau), Jimmy (France Saumier) and George MERLIN, Ivan Charles and building retrofits; the scaling up and that’s why farmers are coming (Tammy) also many relatives and friends. October 25, 1939 - September 25, 2020 Predeceased by her brothers William of agri-environmental incentives; together today to propose solutions.” Passed away peacefully at Chateauguay’s and Kenneth, her sisters Georgina and investing in agri-environmental Farmers and citizens can Anna-Laberge Hospital. He leaves behind Janet. Due to the circumstances, the agrology services, especially sign the pledge as a farmer for his loving wife Jean, their sons Gary and Funeral will be held in the intimacy of through farmer-to-farmer training, Don (Verna), his granddaughter Melissa the family. Following the Public Health climate solutions online: https:// and her daughter Scarlett, his grandsons announcement, the wearing of a mask will demonstrations and mentorship; farmersforclimatesolutions.ca/ Nicholas (Denika) and Zachary (Emily), be mandatory in our branches, all while adapting risk management programs take-action. Ivan’s sister Linda and his brother-in-law respecting social distancing and preventive to encourage risk-reducing practices; Calvin Lamb. He was predeceased by measures. In lieu of flowers, donations his son Randal, his sister and brother-in- may be made in her memory to S.A.B.E.C and finally offering support for a law Erna and Andrew Somerville and his Funeral Entrusted to Rodrigue Montpetit et generation of young and new farmers Born brother-in-law Ken Lamb. He will be sadly Fils Inc. 170 Châteauguay St., Huntingdon, who are more aware of current missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins and Quebec J0S 1H0, 450-264-5331 Online many friends in the community. condolences and tributes may be made at environmental issues. The family wish to express their profound www.rodriguemontpetitfils.com. According to Melina Plante, a Birth Announcement gratitute to those who visited him at home, farmer and co-owner of Les Bontés Michael Soesbergen and Shannon Lamb the staff from the C.L.S.C, the nurses and de la Vallée farm in Havelock, “The are pleased to announce the birth of their doctors who were involved in his care at current pandemic highlights the need daughter Beckett Ann on September 26, the Barrie Memorial Hospital, the Charles- Flowers 2020. Baby sister to Hendrik, Danica, and Lemoyne Hospital and the Anna-Laberge to improve the resilience of Canada’s Hospital. We are grateful for the love, hugs, Finley and granddaughter to William & and food supply in a sector that was interesting conversations, jokes and reminders Lois Soesbergen and Jack & Brenda Lamb. already struggling to cope with the of memories spent together. This helped to Gifts She is also a great grandchild to Johanna pass the time and to live in the moment. impact of climate change.” She goes Soesbergen, Dorothy Anderson, and Donations in his memory may be made (450) 264-4844 Eleanor Lamb. on to say, “The harvest season has to the Hemmingford Fire Department, 131 Chateauguay, Huntingdon been very difficult for many farms to the Canadian Cancer Society or to an in Quebec, and without a clear and organization of your choice. A Celebration McGerrigle of Life and his burial will take place at an effective plan, the situation is likely Rodrigue Montpetit et Fils undecided date. Funeral Home Inc. to get worse. Farmers want to build Funeral Home Serre & Finnegan Cremation a more resilient agricultural sector, Serving Huntingdon and area since 1951 Hemmingford Pre-arrangements but we won’t be able to do it alone. 1-800-263-3074 450-264-5331 Decision makers must follow our www.serrefinnegan.com Owner: Ilse Laliberté www.rodriguemontpetitfils.com recommendations.” 70 Lambton, Ormstown Qc • (450) 829-2214 Huntingdon ~ Saint-Anicet www.mcgerrigle.com Charles Robert Courtier immobilier – Real Estate Broker HERITAGE 514.346.3908 [email protected] charles-robert.com

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