CJRO News January 4, 2021 to January 10, 2021
Hello, bonjour, and welcome, et bienvenue, to 2021. This is CJRO News on Carlsbad-Vars Radio and I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from near Carlsbad Springs.
First, let’s get the COVID news out of the way. Unfortunately, the case numbers in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have continued to rise, with more cases expected to start showing up a week or two after the Christmas season. Both Ottawa's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches and Eastern Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis recently stated they were disappointed in the increased case counts. They both expressed doubt that the 28-day lockdown which started on Boxing Day will be long enough.
The Loblaw’s grocery chain has announced three employees in three separate stores had COVID-19 in Eastern Ontario since Jan. 1st.
One employee worked at the Real Canadian Superstore at 190 Richmond Rd. in Ottawa until Dec. 29th. Another worked at Shoppers Drug Mart at 6491 Jeanne d'Arc Blvd. in Orléans and was last at work on Dec. 30th. The third worked at the Asselin Your Independent Grocer at 1560 Cameron St. in Hawkesbury and was last at work on Dec. 27th.
A message on the Loblaw’s website says “…we are prepared for all possible situations, including a positive test for COVID-19 in our stores. In these cases, we work closely with public health and follow their guidance to ensure proper notification of close contacts and required cleaning and sanitization in our stores." The website lists all cases reported in all Loblaw’s stores in Canada.
An OC-Transpo driver, who last worked December 28th, reported having COVID. The driver drove the following routes that day. Route #39: Blair Station 1 p.m. to Orleans Station 2:04 p.m., Route #39: Orleans Station 2:05 p.m. to Blair Station 2:17 p.m., and Route #11: Elgin and Sparks 6:29 p.m. to ashore Station 7:29 p.m.
People needing a COVID-19 test for travel can get one at the clinic at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex on Tenth Line Road. The centre is operated by the Montfort Hospital and the cost per test is $185. It is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Now to important local news. Hold onto to those empties!
The Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club is holding a bottle drive on Saturday, January 30th, from 10a.m. to noon. You can drop off the bottles and beer cans at the Carlsbad Springs Community Center, at 6020 Piperville Road. Residents of Carlsbad Springs, Ramsayville or Edwards, can also arrange for pick up by emailing cluboptimistecarlsbadsprings@rogers.com. Give your name, address and an estimate of how many empties you have. Contributors who provide a phone number will also be included in a draw for a $50 LCBO gift card.
On a personal note—this is the best way to return bottles and cans without waiting in line at the beer store, while supporting community activities. I may see you there.
Also in Carlsbad Springs, there is a new pad to skate on at the community centre parking lot. A puddle rink is being prepared on the flat gravel service, which requires less of a snow base compared to the grassy area inside the boards. The usual rink will also be built, but the puddle rink is for younger kids and families to safely skate. The big rink will be prepared as soon as there is sufficient snow for the base.
Russell County OPP have provided two community safe zone areas for residents conducting online sales and purchases. Both are in OPP detachment parking lots, one in Embrun and one in Rockland.
The detachment said Project Safe Trade is a way for “moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas” and into a public area. Buying and selling from strangers can be dangerous, so conducting business in these new zones will be safer. The OPP said it “does not monitor or mediate the use of these premises for these purposes.” There will be designated safe space parking spots and no appointment is needed. Police also suggest that buyers and sellers meet in a busy public place, bring a friend or family member along as a witness, keep transactions during to daylight hours, and do not erase emails, texts or voicemails between yourself and the seller/buyer.
The Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Child and Youth Program is doing a needs assessment of parents and legal guardians the Eastern Ottawa region, including Gloucester, Orleans, Cumberland, Carlsbad Springs, Sarsfield, Navan and Vars.
This is the last week to fill out a ten-minute online survey which ends January 11th. The online survey is at bit.ly/YouthParentsSurvey2020
On January 13th and 16th there are also bilingual virtual coffee meets. To register, contact Tanya: tanya@crcoc.ca or 613-830-4357, ext. 140. Participants also have a chance to win a $50 gift card for Skip the Dishes.
The Russell Kin Club’s Catch the Ace lottery jackpot has not been won and is now estimated to be over one hundred and sixty-three thousand dollars ($163,000.00). The weekly prize is estimated to be over $8,000.00. There are 16 envelopes remaining. Online ticket sales end at 11:59 PM Saturday, January 9th. Go to kinclubofrussell.ca/catch-the-ace-tickets to play. In person sales are also available in some local stores.
Catch my interview with Kin Club member Doug Anthony about the contest on Local First this week.
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.
Nationally, the Bank of Canada has removed legal tender status from the $1, $2, $25, $500 and $1,000 bank notes. Canadians may no longer be able to use them in transactions, but banks will accept them for deposit at face value. However, before you cash them in, check to see if they have collector value. Some, particularly the $25 and $500 notes can be worth much more than their face value.
Do you have news that matters to our area? If yes, contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com. I’m Candice Vetter, sending best wishes for the new year to you and yours.
CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news.