CJRO News June 5 to June 11, 2023
Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from Embrun.
First, fires. Although we have not been hit by major fires yet, and haven’t had too much smoke to deal with, that is changing as fires move closer. Smoke from the fires in northwestern Quebec is forecast to be quite heavy here this week. Already the sun looks orange. West of Ottawa, near Calabogie on Centennial Lake, a fire started on an island and jumped, prompting an evacuation warning. In nearby North Dundas, between Winchester and Chesterville, a fire which started as a slash-and-burn of newly cleared land has been burning in the peat there since mid-May. The North Dundas Times reported a resident suggested the original fire was set in March and flares up when the wind does. In Ottawa a fire ban ended recently but a return to hot, dry weather could change that. Forest fires are burning across Canada from Nova Scotia to B.C., and firefighting crews are stretched thin and moving from one severe fire to another.
The confusing detour on St-Guillaume Road where Highway 417, St-Pierre Road and Burton Road meet it for roundabout construction is estimated to be completed in August. Southbound traffic on St-Guillaume is routed through the industrial park and northbound traffic is routed towards the Park and Ride.
The City of Ottawa is beginning to update its zoning by-law, and the first step of consultation is beginning. The surveys close in July This is the opportunity for listeners in Carlsbad Springs, Vars, Navan, etc. to comment before Council’s consideration of the first draft, which will occur in early 2024. The surveys can be found at engage.ottawa.ca.
The Sound of Music red carpet gala dinner is June 17th at 8 Blais Street, at the Camille Piche Community Centre. The event is not the play, it is instead a celebration of different music including Burundian drummers, Columbian dancers, Russell Rocks and DJ Biko. Proceeds will benefit the Good Neighbours Food Bank. Get tickets at Eventbrite.ca. For more about the event listen to my interview with organizer DJ Biko on Local First.
The Wendover Country Music Festival starts Thursday, July 13th and runs until Sunday, July 16th featuring over 20 musical acts. For information and tickets email info@festivalwesternwendover.ca.
Also on July 13th is Russell’s first Meet Me on Main Street. Parts of Concession Street in the village will be closed to traffic and open to pedestrians, with tables, food, entertainment and the chance to reconnect with old friends and neighbours. Meet Me on Main Street was started in North Dundas several years ago and last year included Marionville, which sits astride three municipalities, North Dundas, Russell Township and Ottawa. Its success prompted an expansion to Russell this year.
The Russell Kin Club’s Catch the Ace lottery is down to four remaining cards and the Ace of Spades has still not been drawn. This week the jackpot is estimated at $1,177,000 and the weekly prize at $70,000. Purchases can be made at 26 retail locations or online at kinclubofrussell.ca.
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We have additional content and Local First podcasts at CJROradio.com. Hear us at 107.7 or 107.9, follow us on Facebook, listen to our podcasts on cjroradio.com or on the Tune-In and Radio Player Canada apps. I’m Candice Vetter for CJRO News. CJRO, last on the dial, first for local news.