CJRO News - June 30, 2025

Hello, this is Rose Grzela and this is this week's news on CJRO Radio.

Casselman’s Bird’s Eye View Park is set to become a unique destination for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, following a $1 million investment from the federal government and the municipality. Announced on June 26, 2025, by MP Giovanna Mingarelli and Mayor Geneviève Lajoie, the project will include a bird observatory and sanctuary, a park space, and an accessible walking trail along the Nation River. Bilingual signage will highlight local flora and fauna, while cultural and tourism activities aim to enrich the visitor experience.

Funded in part by $800,000 from the federal Natural Infrastructure Fund and $200,000 from the Municipality of Casselman, the initiative focuses on protecting biodiversity and supporting climate resilience. The development will involve planting native species, removing invasive plants, and monitoring bird activity to help preserve the area’s natural habitat. Bird’s Eye View Park is part of a broader federal effort to promote access to nature while using natural and hybrid infrastructure to address environmental challenges.

The Duck and Feather Festival, traditionally held at the beginning of June in St-Isidore, was cancelled this year, leaving many in the community hoping for its return. A few weeks after the planned festival dates, CJRO reached out to the organizers to learn more about their plans and the possibility of reviving this beloved event in the future. 

According to Stéphanie Quesnel, president of the Optimist Club, the event was called off primarily due to the closure of the St-Isidore Optimist Club, which had been responsible for organizing the festival. Stéphanie Quesnels says that no other local group or organization has stepped forward to take over the festival’s organization. At this time, the fate of the Duck and Feather Festival remains unclear.

The Nation’s three public library branches reopened their doors on June 17, following an almost six-month closure. The temporary shutdown, announced in December, came after former Chief Executive Officer Jeanne Leroux retired in the wake of a major budget cut from $600,000 to $100,000. While the libraries were originally expected to reopen in April, the closure extended until mid-June. 

Christina Gratto, the new Library Manager, says she’s thrilled to see the libraries welcoming residents once again. Christina Gratto adds that while full programming has not yet resumed, all three branches will once again offer core services, including borrowing, returns, and general inquiries. The library’s programs are expected to return at a later date. 

Because of limited staffing, the library’s operations are currently reduced. With only two employees on staff, Nicole Fontaine, chair of the library board, explains that the three branches must rotate their opening days. This means that only one branch is open per day. There is still no set date for when full programming will return or when all three library branches will be open simultaneously. 

The Township of Russell is hosting the third edition of Meet Me on Main Street in Russell. The event will take place on July 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission to this community gathering is free. Food & beverage kiosks, local music, craft breweries, face painting, fire safety drill, outdoor fun, etc. will be available to all. New this year, a teen zone will be organized by the Teen Advisory Committee at the Russell Public Library as well as tables from community organizations. 

Concession Street will be closed from Maple Street to York Crossing from 2:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., with access to pedestrians only. A detour will be in place. In case of rain, the event will take place in the Russell Arena. For more information on this event, including a list of vendors and organizations, visit www.russell.ca/MeetMe, or contact the Economic Development Department at ecodev@russell.ca.

The Vars Community Association is inviting residents to a Canada Day celebration at Alcide Trudeau Park on July 1st. The festivities will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature live music, fireworks, bouncy castles, a food vendor, family-friendly activities, and more. The event promises a full day of entertainment for all ages.

That wraps up this week’s news. If you’d like to contact us or share a news story, feel free to send us an email at nouvellescjroradio@gmail.com. I also invite you to visit our website at www.cjroradio.com for the latest news.