CJRO News May 17 to May 23, 2021

Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on Carlsbad-Vars Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from North Russell.

Over half of all adult Ontarians have now received one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. This week Ontarians who are aged 18 and over can book a vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre, or directly through public health units that use their own booking system.

Individuals who are 17 and turning 18 this year will also be able to book an appointment for the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada for use in youth aged 12 and up.

Youth in Ontario between 12 and 17 years of age will be eligible to make appointments for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine through the provincial booking system as of May 31. There will also be dedicated clinic times for youth during the weeks of June 14th and 21st .

Some good news about vaccines. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends extending the vaccination dose interval up to four months for approved two-dose COVID vaccines. Ongoing studies suggest immunity is strengthened with a longer gap between shots.

The OPP are continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred Saturday, May 15th. An 18-year-old male from Ottawa was shot on Highway 417 just west of Anderson Road in the east bound lane.

He was taken to hospital for a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The incident happened around 11:30 Saturday night. Police said they believe there is no risk to public safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-(TIPS) 8477 or submit your tip on-line at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Police are also seeking help from the public to ascertain what caused a single vehicle collision on Highway 401 in South Stormont Township on Thursday, May 13th. Shortly before 4:30 p.m. officers attended the scene at mile marker 793. (Between Boundary Road and McConnell Avenue).

A westbound motor vehicle with three occupants left the roadway entering the ditch and struck a culvert. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. A 55 year-old female and a 64-year-old male, both from Brampton, were pronounced dead at the scene. The names of the deceased are being withheld until next of kin can be notified. A 46 year-old male from Brampton was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries.

The OPP are asking anyone who observed the crash, or has dash cam footage to contact SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

The Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit is asking for assistance, too. The police charged Jody Royer, age 60, of Ottawa, after investigating separate incidents involving two women, in 2014 and 2019.

Royer was charged with two counts of Sexual assault, one count of Administer noxious substance, one count of Attempt to commit dual procedure offence (Administer noxious substance), one count of Forcible confinement and one count of Obtain sexual services for consideration.

Investigators believe there could be other victims. Royer has used various profile names online, including ‘Craig B’ and ‘Craig Booth’. In a statement the police urge survivors of such violent acts against women to come forward. The statement says the Human Trafficking team has significant resources to support and enable victims to break their silence. They will respect victims’ wishes to pursue or not pursue the matter in court, but reporting of incidents by victims to police is key to identifying suspects and determining crime trends.

Anyone with information regarding such incidents is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5005 or 1-800-292-1168. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.

CJRO Radio had its first AGM last week. The new executive are chairperson Denis Labreche, treasurer Ken Doyle, secretary Manon Allaire, and directors Adrian Becea, Annik Birnie, Denis Tanguay, and me, Candice Vetter. The next meeting will not be held until sometime in the autumn and will be open to residents in our listening area (Vars and Carlsbad Springs and Russell Township). Listeners 16 years and older are automatically members of CJRO Radio and have the right to vote during AGMs. When the CRTC grants our Sarsfield transmitter we will add an executive member from Sarsfield.

The Carlsbad Springs Optimist Club has also named a new executive. Marion Lajoie is president, Shannon Anderson is secretary and Lucie Régimbald will continue as treasurer. Anne Marie Sonier is past president and Elizabeth Tanguay Gingras is a vice-president. This leaves nine positions to fill. If you want to become part of this very dynamic team call Marion Lajoie (613-203-6226), Anne Marie Sonier (613-883-4160), Shannon Anderson (613-614-1408) or Lucie Régimbald (613-821-3431).

In an effort to get improved internet access nearly 60 elected officials in rural eastern Ontario are calling on the federal and provincial governments to further help fund stronger internet in the region.

The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) is asking that the province and federal governments split a $400 million investment for its Gig Project. This is one of many local initiatives to increase internet access in this area.

Nominations for the Navan Community Builders Wall are being accepted until June 30th. To submit names see navan.on.ca. Write 500 words or more summarizes their goals and accomplishments in the community, and provide at least two letters of support. If you think of someone but need help with the

form, you can contact Anne-Marie at anmariegp@msn.com.

CJRO Radio is looking for a Francophone reporter for about ten hours of work per week—a perfect job for someone who wants a long-term, part-time position. To apply send a resume to cjrofm@rogers.com.

Do you have news that matters to our area? Are you a health care worker or advocate? Do you have a local business? If yes, I’d like to interview you. Contact me by emailing newsCJRO@gmail.com.

I’m Candice Vetter. CJRO – Last on the dial, first for local news. Keep well.