CJRO News September 4 to September 10, 2023
Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I’m Candice Vetter, reporting from Embrun.
First, a reminder that kids are back at school this week, and the fine for failing to stop for a school bus is $400 to $2000 plus six demerit points for the first offence, and fines of $1000 to $4000, with demerits and potential jail time for subsequent offences. Drivers should be alert for student pedestrians and cyclists, and parents of students are encouraged to talk to them about the rules of the road.
Housing and Municipal Affairs minister Steve Clark resigned over the weekend after calls for his resignation from MPPs, municipalities, environmental and farm organizations, a large group of First Nations, and members of the public, over the Greenbelt scandal which benefited developers of 15 properties. Clark is the same minister who just approved the official plan of Prescott Russell, which will allow the most development in the united county to be in Russell Township, most on lands owned by developers or by the township itself. He is also the same minister who approved the controversial Tewin subdivision in rural Ottawa. In a media conference Tuesday morning Premier Doug Ford announced a provincial facilitator will review the whole process including over 700 development applications. Asked if the review would mean the province was pausing development Ford said the facilitator, who was not named, will continue to work with landowners and builders. He also said this may open new lands for development. In his speech Ford often repeated that the previous government changed land designations and didn’t consult with anyone. Asked how Ontarians can trust the government, Ford replied, “We’ve admitted numerous times, we’re correcting the process,” and “Results speak for themselves.” He also said he was the “most accessible premier that ever existed.” The premier’s office has not responded to requests for information or interviews from CJRO.
Work has begun on the building of a new roundabout on St-Guillaume Road at the commercial development (between Route 300 and Notre-Dame Street) in Embrun, closing that part of St-Guillaume until November. The road is open to local traffic for homes and access to Ultramar with a detour in place via Notre-Dame Street, St-Pierre Road and Route 300. The New York Central Fitness Trail adjacent to Bay Street will remain open but caution around the work activities is advised. Intersection changes are to benefit a new commercial development. A Farm Boy will be located on the former farmland.
The Russell Community Concert Band is looking for new band members of any age or level of playing to those who can play and read music. The band starts meeting again on Thursday September 14th in the auditorium at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Russell. The band is also seeking instrument and music stand donations. For more information see the band’s Facebook page.
The Taggart Group of Companies and the Algonquins of Ontario have sent out invitations to an online information session about the Tewin subdivision planned for Carlsbad Springs. It is only open to residents and businesses within the Tewin study area, which has not been defined, but some residents along Anderson Road and Piperville Road who are close to the proposed project reported not getting an invitation. To ask for an invitation email adefranco@urbanstrategies.com.
Community participation is also being requested by Russell Township. A budget survey is online at Russell.ca. To find it click the “your township” tab then “budget and finances”. Also, to be put on the stakeholders’ list for Russell Township’s upcoming environmental assessment for the entire township provide a valid mailing address or email address to francoislandry@russell.ca or bradley.young@cima.ca.
The demolition derby that had been postponed from the Navan Fair has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 7th at 2 p.m. at the Navan Fairgrounds.
In Russell the annual Heritage Festival runs Saturday, September 16th starting at 10 a.m. and finishing with live music in the afternoon.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has reported an increase in job opportunity frauds coming via text message, WhatsApp, email or Messenger. It suggests job seekers conduct research and confirm the legitimacy of organizations or transactions before continuing online, and remember, legitimate agencies will never pressure you for information over the phone or demand money from you. If an employment agency is asking for money up front, stay clear of them. To report cybercrime or fraud contact local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
The United Counties of Prescott and Russell invites the public to submit nominations for the J.P. St. Pierre prize. Nominations close October 27th. The award is in memory of late Russell Mayor Jean Paul St. Pierre and is to honour individuals’ exceptional contributions in arts and culture, business and professions, charitable work, health, education, public service, media and communications, sports and recreation, agriculture, the environment, or anything that contributes to the well-being of UCPR’s residents. A nomination form must be submitted electronically. For information visit the UCPR’s website.
Check our website for videos and photos. Send the News you want included in this weekly report to newscjro@gmail.com by Monday mornings. Don’t forget—Facebook may not allow Canadian News, but we’re all about it. Get the local news that matters to you anytime on cjroradio.com, or tune in to 107.7 or 107.9 FM, or the Tune-In and Radio Player Canada apps. I’m Candice Vetter for CJRO News. CJRO, last on the dial, first for local news.