Letters_dec8

Jeff Green | Dec 08, 2005

Home | Local Weather | Editorial Policy

Feature Article

. | Navigate | .

ArchiveImage GalleryAlgonquin Land Claims

Gray MerriamLegaleseGeneral information and opinion on legal topics by Rural Legal ServicesNature Reflectionsby Jean GriffinNight Skiesby Leo Enright

Letters to the Editor

Re: Tichborne RinkI would like to set the record straight in regards to the rink in Tichborne. This outdoor rink is fully operational and every bit of the praise goes to the members of District #4 recreation committee and neighbours who are out there at 2 am when the temperature dips to -20, because as we all know – this is the best time to flood the rink, and to those who break out the shovels and snow blower after receiving 4 feet of snow to make room for those that are itching to lace up those skates. To you, I say Thank You and without you I would not be able to hear the laughter of children learning to skate, the sound of the puck being shot at the boards, over and over and over again at 11 pm, and the cheers when a child scores his first goal! This is music to my ears, knowing that those in the community and surrounding area are enjoying these facilities.

Mr. Guigue – did you realize that you can’t actually see the Tichborne rink from the road? Last winter you would have been hard pressed to find a day when there wasn’t at least one person on the rink. In fact, from my kitchen window I have full access to see the rink full of both the young and old enjoying these facilities. This is a great site for the residents of Tichborne and now with the help of the recreation committee putting in a much needed change facility (with the hopes of having bathrooms in the future!) it will be a great pleasure for me to keep tabs on the number of people who use this…..try for yourself – ask the Thompsons, Hannahs, Raymonds or Goodfellows – they all enjoy it and for that I praise the work of those who take pride in keeping the rink alive. People have come from far and near to use this – a couple of years ago a group of high school students from Sydenham came and had a great time…so next time you are feeling the winter blues, pack up the family and the skates and come on down and enjoy the outdoors.

The cost…..absolutely nothing….children can skate at anytime, day or night, for no charge. This is a wonderful advantage for the small community of Tichborne.

A proud Tichbornian!

- Christine Teal

Dombrowsky on agricultureI appreciate the opportunity to inform your readers of the approach the provincial government is taking to address the issues raised by Mr. Scott Reid, MP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington in his letter published on September 29 with regard to the sale of farm products at farmers' markets.

As a life-long resident of a rural community, I recognize that farmers and farmers' markets have long been significant contributors to the province's economic and social well being. There are a number of excellent farmers' markets across Ontario, and I know these markets are pleased to have their consumers' support.

As the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, I would like to assure Mr. Reid and your readers that my ministry is strongly committed to the development of our agri-food industry in both rural and urban settings. My ministry is working to ensure that consumers receive safe food while, at the same time, allowing farmers to showcase their products at local markets. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is also responsible for ensuring applicable products are in compliance with the legislation it administers.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) is the lead ministry for matters relating to the inspection of farmers' markets, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and Regulation 562. The MOHLTC is aware of the issues being raised by market vendors and other affected stakeholders, including Mr. Reid and in response, is leading a working group to address concerns with regard to the provincial legislation and its enforcement. The working group, which includes representatives from my ministry, public health units, and Farmers' Markets Ontario, will make recommendations for action to the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

I have forwarded a copy of Mr. Reid's letter, which was published in your newspaper on September 29, 2005, to the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, so that he is aware of Mr. Reid's concerns.

- Sincerely, Leona DombrowskyMinister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Re:MillStreet CafeWhat a lovely letter supporting the Mill Street Cafby Inie Platenius on Nov. 24, 2005! It is great to see such positive acknowledgement & recognition for small businesses in our area. We too are a small restaurant in Maberly, ON called the Fall River Pub & Grill, we also serve local organic food. We have been doing so since we opened over 3 years ago, and can attest to the difference in quality & taste that local and organics make. So much so that we believe it helped land us in the “Where to eat in Canada Guide”, and receive such positive reviews in the Montreal Gazette, Toronto Star, Kingston Whig & Ottawa Citizen. Any business that takes the step towards supporting our local farmers and serving food that is kinder to the body & Mother Nature should be acknowledged & supported. Good luck to the Mill Street Caf– we know that they will certainly have their hurdles & challenges but are going down the right road and certainly have our support! P.s You didn’t have to previously drive all the way to Kingston to get local organics in a fine dinning style at affordable prices.

- The Zammits, Fall River Pub and Grill