CJRO News January 18 to January 24, 2021

Hello, bonjour, and welcome, et bienvenue, to CJRO News on Carlsbad-Vars Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from near Carlsbad Springs.

The City of Ottawa has changed positions on the opening of outdoor skating rinks and toboggan hills during the stay-at-home order. Rinks and hills are allowed to stay open after all, with a 25-person limit. People from different households should stay a minimum of two metres apart. Everyone within 15 metres of the rink or hill must wear face masks and masks are recommended while skating. There is no hockey or shinny equipment allowed on the ice.

The puddle rink for skating is open at the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre parking lot. It is for younger kids and families to safely skate. Now that there’s been a major snowfall and colder temperatures the big rink should be open soon.

Skaters can use the washrooms at the community centre only during the supervised hours. The supervised hours are Tuesday and Wednesday (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.); Thursday and Friday (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.); and Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m). If you have questions, call 613-821-3431.

Stayed tune for an update regarding the scheduled bottle drive on January 30th. Next week we’ll report if it is going ahead at this time.

Rogers Communications recently applied to the Universal Broadband Fund with the goal of installing fiber optic internet service to 160 homes in Carlsbad Springs. The project requires about $1 million. The roads affected are the north end of Boundary Road, Leitrim Road, Thunder Road (near Amazon), Russell Road (from east of the village to chemin Foubert) and Foubert (near Leitrim and Highway 417).

If Rogers receives the funds it will start the project this spring for completion by November. More details are expected in February or March. The project was started by the Carlsbad Springs Community Association, with help from local resident Jean Ménard.

The draft of the City of Ottawa’s new official plan has been put online for public input. To see the full plan, the one-pagers describing how the draft plan addresses topics, and to comment, see engage.ottawa.ca. The surveys are open until Feb. 17th.

In a recent Le Reflet news article Louis Prévost, planning and forestry director for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, said that usage of the Larose Forest trails has increased substantially during the pandemic. Because the forest has different types of trails, he advised that visitors should check the information kiosks at the trailheads to make sure they’re on the right trail. Snowshoers and hikers should not go on trails marked for cross-country skiing. No one should go on the snowmobile or ATV trails unless they are riding a snowmobile or an ATV.

Here’s a roundup of some local fundraisers.

First of all, don’t forget to play CJRO radio Bingo, starting in February, with three games twice a month. The first set of three games will be live on February 11th at 7 p.m. on air and on CJROradio.com. Prizes are up to $1,000. Bingo cards will soon be available at Rene’s Corner, Carlsbad Variety or Vars Gas Bar for $5 each. Funds raised will go to support the Carlsbad Springs and Vars’ Optimist Clubs. Hear my upcoming interview with Denis Labreche about the game on Local First on CJROradio.com.

The Russell Agricultural Society has launched their second truck raffle. To have a chance to win a silver 2021 Ford F-150 4 by 4 buy a ticket soon. Tickets are $100 each and they are 75 percent sold. There are two early bird prizes of $1000 left with draws on Easter Sunday and on Canada Day. To buy tickets, pay by email transfer to rastruckraffle@gmail.com, by credit card at russellfair.com, contact any Ag Society board member, or pick them up at Russell Foodland. You can hear my Local First podcast with Reeann Slater onm CJROradio.com.

The Russell Kin Club’s Catch the Ace lottery draw is postponed again due to the provincial stay-at-home order. However, tickets can still be purchased, and the club reports that many participants are still buying tickets every week. It is hoped the next draw will be held by Sunday, February 28th. The jackpot will be over $180,000. Go to kinclubofrussell.ca to play. In person sales are also available in some local stores. Catch my Local First podcast with Kin Club member Doug Anthony about the contest on CJROradio.com.

Do you have news that matters to our area? If yes, contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com. I’m Candice Vetter. Stay well. CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news.