Feature Article - April 24, 2008

Back toHome

Feature Article -April 24, 2008 Composting plan faces oppositionBy Jeff Green

A proposal to alter the zoning of a property on the Westport Road was the subject of a well-orchestrated show of opposition at a Central Frontenac Township public meeting in Sharbot Lake on Monday night.

The property is owned by Casey Shea (left), who runs Earthworx, a landscaping company that operates a sand pit and distribution and screening location for topsoil, gravel, and finished compost there. The zoning of the site allows for a composting operation to be operated there, but Earthworx is seeking to amend the zoning in order to permit the composting of what are called “separated organics” as well as the yard waste, that the current zoning permits, and is also asking that material from outside of Central Frontenac be allowed to be transported to the site for composting, which is not currently permitted.

Earthworx has never applied for a Certificate of Approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MoE) to establish composting at the site, but if they receive zoning approval they intend to go through that process. They plan to answer a recently released request for proposal from the City of Kingston to receive organic waste and truck it to their Godfrey site for composting.

Earthworx currently manages two composting sites for yard waste for the City of Kingston.

Glenna Asselstine was the first to address council. She raised a number of concerns. The first was about the possibility of materials such as animal carcasses, human feces and medical waste finding their way into the composting facility.

“There are other potential problems,” she said, “such as odor caused by excess moisture, an ammonia odor, pollution of the water and ground, buffering between the site and surface, fire or spontaneous combustion, sparked from over-heated machinery, and more.”

She also claimed that there is “material on the site now that is from the City of Kingston. What that means is that he [Casey Shea] has violated the current bylaw.”

Del Stowe, a councilor from the Bedford District of South Frontenac, where a lot of the people who live closest to the border hugging the site reside, also addressed council.

“When this proposal first came to our township, my first impression was that this was going to be a very good opportunity. We didn’t say much and we gave them our blessing,” Stowe said. “But then people came to my door and informed me of their concerns, leading me to realise that I dropped the ball on this. This operation is suited to places that are farther away from dwellings. I’m asking you to give serious consideration to this.

“Take some time, remembering that the residents were here first. Please do not take this lightly. Let’s go green green; let’s not go green red.”

Richard Zelisnak appeared on behalf of the Stinson family. He talked about his own experiences in Thorold, where a composting and waste disposal site are located in the vicinity of a large subdivision. He talked about odor.

“Unless they can control it, the smell is atrocious,” he said. I’m not pleased with what the ministry does, they don’t protect the people who are affected. Why should local people pay the price for a commercial enterprise that has no interest in the community?”

Mike Coulter, who has owned a school bus for 25 years, said that because of the increased traffic, the “potential for a catastrophic accident is greatly increased if this goes through. This isn’t shock tactics, this isn’t fear mongering; this is a cold hard fact. I beg council to turn this down.”

Finally Ed Kennedy from the Frontenac Landowners Association said that people’s “right to use or enjoy property might be affected by this, and the landowners will stand with the people affected.

“Make your decision,” he told council, “No threats, but whatever you decide, you will each be held personally accountable.”

Casey Shea then addressed council and the 100 plus people who had given each of the earlier speakers rousing ovations.

“A lot of the concerns you have brought up are relevant,” he said, “and I want to set the record straight. The first step in this is the zoning amendment. The second is the MoE, who have stringent requirements before granting approvals.”

He also said, “There would be purely organic material and leaf and yard waste, no medical waste, or human feces.”

Concerns about odor are also legitimate, he said, “and the main process for alleviating odor concerns is through process and procedures. Again, the MoE is very vigilant when it comes to procedures.”

Shea proposed setting up a public liaison committee to consider all of the issues that were being raised at the meeting and could come up as the process moves forward, but got little response from the audience.

Members of Central Frontenac Council had little to say.

Councilor Norm Guntensperger asked Casey Shea if he was currently bringing in material for composting from Kingston to the site, and Shea said he was not.

Council passed a motion asking their planning consultant Glenn Tunnock to prepare a report on the zoning amendment request, taking into account the public comment.

When contacted by phone the next day, Casey Shea seemed undaunted by the opposition he had encountered. “I don’t have anything negative to say about the community concerns. Glenna Asselstine, for example, made very good points. We are finally getting down to the issues, and I am more than willing to address all the issues, but the big thing in all of this is trust. At the end of the day, when you take away all of the drama, you find some concerns that can be addressed.”

He reiterated that Earthworx is “not in the garbage business; we are in the landscaping business” in reference to allegations that items have been dumped at the site on the Westport Road. “When the snow recedes, you have some litter in the ditch and on the site, but this happens everywhere and we have cleaned it up.”

He also talked about the kinds of approvals he would need from the MoE before opening up a composting site. One is an approval for the operation of a composting facility, another is a certificate for air. “If an odour is exhausted from the site we would be liable for a fine of up to $100,000 per day,” he said.

A third approval would be needed for storm water management to address issues such as leachate.

“This is a great news story or Central Frontenac,” he said. “This is being designed as a regional facility, and we are not reinventing the wheel here, these kinds of operations are fairly well established. There are some fears and concerns from my community and they are addressable and can be managed without risk.

“I’m not going to get rich here. I’m a simple dirt farmer.”

Feature Article - May 1, 2008

Back toHome

Feature Article - May 1, 2008 Harrowsmith sign contestBy Jeff Green

The village of Harrowsmith is going to be the recipient of new signs, courtesy of the Sydenham High School Student Council, and the public is being asked to come up with a three or four-word motto to grace the signs.

The contest is open until the end of this month, and entries can be sent to Lance Gibson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The sign project was initiated by the student council in 2007, when Stephanie Doornekamp, one of a triumvirate of council presidents, was so impressed with the signs in Perth Road Village that she brought the idea to the council of funding signs for the school's host village of Sydenham. With the help of the students from Gord Darling's shop class, in particular Brad Hornbeck, two signs were built, and art student Steven Michaels painted a representative image to go with them.

A time lag as the image was prepared was one of the sources of a mix up. As the new business association began looking around for signs, the Sydenham students’ signs were somehow forgotten, and the buisiness association commissioned other signs for the village of Sydenham.

That's where Harrowsmith comes in. The 2008 Student Council, and their staff advisor, Scott Gordon, have decided to revamp their signs and place them on high-profile locations on Road 38 as a gift to the people of Harrowsmith.

“We contacted Portland Councilor Bill Robinson, and he expressed an interest in placing signs in Harrowsmith, so we're happy to shift gears since many or our students come from Harrowsmith,” Gordon said.

The student council wants this to be accomplished by the end of the school term in June, and that's where the people of Harrowsmith come in.

“We have some images on hand, but we need a three or four-word slogan that best represents Harrowsmith,” said Gordon, “and we would even look at images if people have them. We want the community to participate with the students in making this happen.”

Local merchants have donated prizes for the winning entry, which might reflect Harrowsmith's history as a farming and railroad community, or something more contemporary.

Feature Article - May 8, 2008

Back toHome

Feature Article - May 8, 2008 You can huff & puff…but you can't blow Joe's house downBy Julie Druker

Joe Vidal explains the benefits and constructuion of a straw bale house.

Joe Vidal is definitely the king of this straw bale castle. In fact he designed and built it in six months himself, with a crew of course. Coinciding with Earth Day last weekend, he opened up his unique home to over 400 people who learned and saw first hand both the benefits and beauty of straw bale construction. As Joe points out "education is a big part of the process in this business in order to understand the benefits and to dispel the myths of straw bale building."

Nestled in the trees at 1841 Morrison Road near Sydenham, this stately 3500 square foot home lies on a single storey. It is reminiscent of the old world bungalows that exist in Europe, Australia and South America today. With classical lines, a red steel roof that recalls earthenware tiles and with evenly spaced wood framed windows set into orange stuccoed walls, the house blends easily into its surroundings.

Inside, the house is spacious, full of natural light, with clean and crisp lines; in fact it feels brand new. The presence of many low-hung ceiling lamps, wooden antiques and Persian carpets give it an old-world charm. The floors are a mottled ceramic tile. The walls are washed in a light orange hue; the window and door trims are white and add a kind of Mediterranean/New Mexico touch. In fact, the only hint of straw bales is the thickness and hand applied surface treatment of the walls which adds to the feeling of softness and warmth that the house exudes .

Joe let us linger awhile and then planted himself at the island in the centre of the large sunlit kitchen. With the help of a scale model that showed a cross section of the home, he explained its basic construction techniques. Approximately 1200 2 foot by 3 foot straw bales, each roughly 17 inches wide, were stacked like cement blocks to form the inner and outer walls of the home. The base of the home is a single poured concrete pad that encases U shaped sections of plastic tubing along with a radiant floor heating system. The stacked straw bale walls are fixed to the concrete slab through these plastic tubes with a series of wire cables that are tensioned and then fixed to the roof plate on top of the building. This design is typical of the “load bearing type of straw bale construction” in that the compressed straw bales with their layers of concrete support the entire roof structure.

Joe became interested in straw bale homes after spending 20 years in the business of constructing and restoring conventional homes. He became aware of the huge amount of waste involved in the process. Later on, having started a family, he began to think more environmentally about the world his kids would inherit and so began designing and building homes with straw bales. Joe insists, “This is not a new idea. It is actually a very old technology that has been around for hundreds of years.”

Joe easily compares the benefits of straw bale building to conventional techniques. The green factor is definitely key.

“Wood is becoming a rare commodity” he explains. His home uses 80% less wood than a conventional home. Unlike wood, straw is a resource that is plentiful, local and inexpensive (it comes delivered at $1.85 per bale) and is easily renewable.

Straw also provides an R value of 40+ which is of huge importance in the context of ongoing rising costs of heat and hydro. Building with straw also makes good sense when considering the actual cost of construction materials. On average a conventional home is priced at $120.00 per square foot compared to $70.00 for straw bale construction.

The money saved in the initial building costs can allow buyers to invest in other “green” systems for the home like solar panels or a peat moss septic system (which Joe has incorporated in this home). Also, aesthetically there are no design limits for straw bale building. Joe reminds us that he has “just scratched the surface “ with his home’s simple design. ”People don’t realize what can be done with it.”

Joe Vidal is now currently working on two private projects and is speaking to a contractor as well about a future project. Joe mentions that he has broken the ice in the South Frontenac area due to the open mindedness of the people here and has been granted the permits necessary for this type of building. That’s indeed good news. No doubt with the help of people like Joe Vidal, open-minded politicians, and home buyers looking for attractive greener options, straw bale homes will become more common in the future.

For further information you may contact: Lone Wolf, Straw Home Concepts, Joe Vidal, 613-483-4132; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Further reading on the subject of straw bale building: Buildings of Earth and Straw, by Bruce King; The Straw Bale House, by Steen, Steen and Bainbridge; The New Natural House Book, by David Pearson

Letters - May 8, 2008

Back toHome

Letters - May 8, 2008 Letters: May 8

A Door Closes, George Hiles

Uranium Struggle Continues, Helen Forsey

Wizard of Oz, Norm Landry

Re: Composting, Georgia Ferrell

A Door Closes

Over eight years has slipped by since the weekly Property Crime Summary came to life in South Frontenac Township. It has been a rewarding partnership between the community and Frontenac OPP.

Tom Varga, the founding Community Liaison Officer, worked tirelessly with the community to get the concept up and running. Meetings were held with interested community associations, watch groups were formed and the weekly Property Crime Summary began to roll off the press.

In early 2002, Tom moved to Western Canada to enable him to be closer to family members.

With Tom’s departure, I was approached and asked if I might be interested in picking up where Tom left. It was a great opportunity to become involved in policing once more. The Community Liaison Officer’s function in South Frontenac Township was unique and sounded extremely interesting.

Out of retirement I came and interesting it has been! Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of the finest people in the township. More community, cottage and neighbourhood watch groups were formed and countless meetings were attended on a wide variety of community policing topics.

What a team evolved. With a concerted effort from the community who acted as the eyes and ears of your police service, the Frontenac OPP Break and Enter unit came close to driving the break and enter rate into the ground.

With community support I trust the trend can continue. Thanks for your unrelenting support of Frontenac OPP and the Community Liaison Officer. Above all, thanks for having allowed me the privilege to have worked with many of you. You are the greatest!

Stay safe and enjoy life to the fullest,

George Hiles, Community Policing/Watch Program/Block Parent/Seniors Liaison Officer

Uranium Struggle Continues

In the nearly three months since the anti-uranium protesters were forced to leave the roadside encampment at Robertsville, the protest and the issues behind it have largely disappeared from the news. But the issues themselves have not gone away. As everyone awaits further happenings on the ground, in the courts and in the halls of power, we continue to do what we can to ensure a livable outcome for our communities, our environment, and the generations that will follow us.

In that context, I want to invite dialogue on two major concerns. One is the division in the overall community between those who support uranium development and those of us who are fighting against it. The other is the disagreement over the separate paths different groups are taking in the ongoing anti-uranium struggle.

As someone deeply involved in that struggle, there may not be much I can do at the moment about the first of these concerns. But I believe I speak for all the protesters when I say that we, too, are unhappy that the issue has caused such hard feelings with some of our neighbours. None of us are doing any of this for fun, or on a whim, or to upset anyone. On the contrary, we got involved because of what we know about uranium. We’ve done our homework on its short- and long-term health effects, its economic costs and benefits, its impact on communities and the environment. What we’ve learned is so disturbing that we have no choice but to oppose uranium development in any form.

I respect the fact that for some people, our protest remains a problem. But I hope that the commonalities we share as neighbours and citizens will eventually come to outweigh the hard feelings.

On the second matter - the misunderstandings and resentments that have arisen over differing approaches and strategies – there are things we can do right now. The key is to realize – as we all remind each other regularly – that this is about uranium, not about competing interests or philosophies, groups or personalities. Whatever our affiliations or beliefs, uranium threatens us all. In coming together to fight that threat, we’ve set aside some big differences, shed some major baggage, gotten past some old grudges. We’re still doing that, and we can be rightly proud.

However, the huge challenges posed by the court process, with its harsh conditions and sentencing, have made it harder to maintain that unified sense of purpose. At the protest site we all had to work together; now there is less opportunity for communication and sorting things out. It’s no secret that some people have been puzzled and angered by the differing court strategies of the two First Nations. Groups have become more separate, and mistrust has widened the distances. Some people have pulled back in confusion or disappointment, feeling that the fight has been mishandled or even abandoned.

But it hasn’t. In fact, those diverse non-violent strategies are key to our strength! Diversity is vital for an ecosystem, and it’s good for a protest movement as well. We need everyone’s energy and ingenuity to reach our goal. If we were to put all our legal or political eggs in one basket, we’d be far more vulnerable than we are.

Think about it. The leadership of the two Algonquin communities volunteered to face the court on behalf of the rest of us, and they were joined by three settlers. If all those who went to trial were now in jail, would we be farther ahead? If everyone were subject to crippling fines, would our opposition to uranium be more effective? If the Shabot Obaadjiwan leaders had allowed the court to prohibit them from pursuing their upcoming cross-claim lawsuit, would that have advanced Aboriginal rights or helped to stop a mine? On the other hand, if everyone charged had agreed to the restrictive undertakings demanded by the court, would we now have the wide publicity and high-profile support that Ardoch’s Bob Lovelace has gained for the cause?

The fact is, if we all did things the same way it just wouldn’t work. Different people choose different paths to our common goal, and that’s all to the good. We may not agree with another group’s strategy or choices, but who knows what strategy or combination of strategies will lead to victory?

So I say: Thank goodness for our differences and the resiliency they give us. Let’s go on debating, questioning and challenging each other, but let’s do it with the mutual respect and caring that have brought us this far. Let’s work with our diversity and celebrate it. And let’s keep our eyes on the prize.

Helen Forsey

Wizard of Oz

Kudos to the North Frontenac Little Theatre on its recent production of the Wizard of Oz. The principal characters were all superbly cast and gave a polished performance. As well, all of the children involved were a delight and, not to omit anyone, the secondary players did a fine job as well. Thank you to all involved, both on stage and behind the scenes; your many hours of preparatory work resulted in a thoroughly entertaining show!

Norm Landry

Re: Composting

I want to thank my neighbor John Waddingham for his superb letter; I, too, believe that the open pit composting in this area is being railroaded through, despite all the voiced concerns of our neighbours, and the evidence provided by experts on the unsuitability of such an operation in this populated area of our township.

These concerns are not simply fear mongering; rather, they are the legitimate concerns of our neighbours for the health and welfare of not just this little area, but of all Central Frontenac Township. It disturbs me to read and hear, if true, that our mayor, Janet Gutowski, intends to push this to completion, regardless of the wishes of those who elected her into office.

I have read a great deal about this type of composting and unless it is very strictly monitored, it will become a stinking garbage pit. While I am certain the MOE does its very best, we all know how effective government is when it comes to situations like these. Besides which, aren’t we putting the cart before the horse to change the zoning before the operation is approved by the MOE?

But most of all, I do also ask what--other than negatives--will we get in return. In the same edition of the paper, speaking of another issue, Mayor Gutowski is quoted as saying “we do take responsibility for our staff…we are accountable every four years”. If that is so, do you think this will be forgotten in two years? If the concrete plant doesn’t conflict with the existing use, I suppose you might use that same argument for the open pit composting, despite the number of folks who live very close by, never mind the negative implications put forward by extremely qualified persons regarding this operation. As well, how does this fit in with the very important decision of Central Frontenac Township to convincingly “Go Green”? Nitrous oxide is a very potently poisonous off gas of these types of operations, not to mention what will leach down into the soil without an impermeable membrane in the pits which is an absolute requirement by all counties, states or countries which permit this type of composting. Clay or any other type of soil is just not good enough! Water will leach thru any type of soil, perhaps more slowly but nonetheless it will.

I cannot believe that there is even one person on our council that does not see that this zoning change should be voted down. If this type of composting pit is necessary for the use of Central Frontenac, then I suppose we must live with that, but that only!

Again, I challenge Mr. Shea to build his own home on that site and bring his family to live there. If he is so willing, then perhaps I could be convinced to believe what he says.

Georgia Ferrell

Sept 25/08 - Early Literacy

Back toHome

Early Literacy - September 25, 2008 Before I Learn to Writeby Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist, HFL&A

Early Literacy Article June 2008

by Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist HFL&A

“Sorry,” Alicia mumbled grudgingly. She didn’t see the point. She didn’t think it was fair. But her dad had said, “Say you’re sorry!” and so she had.

Tears welled in the corner of Jordan’s eye and trickled down his reddened cheek. “I’m sorry.” No coaching prompted his heart-felt words.

Apologies are more than words. The entire nation has been keenly attentive to Stephen Harper’s apology to Aboriginal people on June 11. Did his words reflect something deeper than reconciliation? Did they reveal respect and admiration for a people through whom early European settlers owe their very survival, and through whom modern day environmentalists and some politicians recognize the teachings about Mother Earth as progressive?

An apology from someone who represents the voice of Canadians is tremendously significant. Yet the power of healing and wholeness among Aboriginal people will be felt more pervasively when mainstream Canadians become curious about Aboriginal culture; when they try to discover why Aboriginal teachings, culture and individuals inspire deep respect.

Stories can help us in our quest for understanding. The Seven Grandfather Teachings of love, knowledge, honesty, strength, humility, bravery, respect, for example, are embedded in many Aboriginal tales. Often a trickster with names like Coyote or Iktomi appears in stories as a mischief maker who wants to get the better of others but cannot because he hasn’t been honest or humble or learned one of these seven teachings.

The Song Within My Heart by David Bouchard is the story of a young Cree boy from a reserve in Saskatchewan who is going to a Powwow for the first time. His Kokum (grandmother) teaches him how to listen carefully to the drumming and singing to learn their message for him.

Turtle’s Race With Beaver by Joseph and James Bruchac is an Aboriginal tale reminiscent of the Tortoise and the Hare. Turtle wakens from hibernation to discover his home pond has been claimed by Beaver. Beaver doesn’t want to share the pond and challenges Turtle to a swim across the pond. The winner of the race will be allowed to stay. The loser will have to find a new home. Turtle uses wisdom over physical strength to win the race, and Beaver learns humility and respect.

First Nation Communities Read has chosen Ancient Thunder by Leo Yerxa as their pick for 2008. This beautiful picture book and winner of a Governor General’s Literary Award depicts the power of wild horses from an Ojibway perspective.

Educators and parents may find The First Nations Reading Circle a helpful resource for exploring Aboriginal books and culture with young children in their classrooms or home. The program, available on-line at http://www.sols.org/links/clearinghouse/firstnations/readingcircles/index1.htm, includes eleven different Aboriginal themes using a variety of books and activities that focus on making Aboriginal stories relevant to children in 2008.

We need to say “I’m sorry”, but the sincerity of our nation’s apology will be truly felt when we are also able to humbly say to Aboriginal people “Meegwetch, thank you.”

Feature Article - May 8, 2008

Back toHome

Feature Article - May 15, 2008 Barrick gold protestors come to ArdochBy Jeff Green

Leaders from aboriginal communities in New South Wales, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Chile paid a visit to Ardoch Algonquin First Nation Honourary Chief Harold Perry this past weekend. They were on their way to Ottawa, where they will be meeting with MPs in a bid to convince them to ask Canada to rein in the worldwide activities of Canadian-owned Barrick Gold Corporation.

The leaders had made presentations to the Annual General Meeting of Barrick late last week. They stopped at Harold Perry’s on their way to Ottawa in order to compare notes and demonstrate solidarity with the Ardoch Algonquins in the Algonquins’ battle to stop uranium exploration on lands that Ardoch claims as traditional territory.

Neville “Chappy” Williams is a Wiradjuri Traditional Owner, who calls Lake Cowal “the sacred heartland of the Wiradjuri nation.” It is also the largest inland lake in New South Wales.

In 1996, the New South Wales government denied a gold mining application at Lake Cowal on environmental grounds, according to the website SaveLakeCowal.org, but after two commissions of enquiry, consent conditions were approved on the eve of an election in 1999.

The mining property eventually passed to Barrick Gold, a major Canadian corporation which is now the largest gold producer in the world. In the spring of 2006, the Lake Cowal gold mine began operating.

Neville Williams said the existence of the mine has meant the “Wiradjuri have not been able to carry on any of our spiritual practices. It uses 17 mega-litres of water a day, in a region that is in the midst of historic drought, and causes large dust storms containing high levels of cyanide.”

When the opportunity came about to join with Aboriginal leaders dealing with similar issues related to Barrick Gold, and to come to the country where Barrick has its headquarters, Neville Williams decided to participate. He said, “It is hard to bear the pain of the destruction of our sacred site. Barrick has ignored our demands to protect cultural objects and the ecological significance of the lake. I feel that what we said fell on some deaf ears. There were people who listened, but it did fall on some deaf ears,” he said.

Jethro Tullin is an indigenous Ipili from the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The Ipili first encountered foreigners in the late 1950s and Barrick’s Porgera mine was established in 1989. According to Jethro Tulli, the mine has meant devastation to the Ipili. “After 17 years, the society is uspide down living in those area. Over 32 people have died from bullets fired by security forces hired by the mine, and at least 20 more have died though landslides. They have turned the country upside, sending tailings down the river system”.

Tullin spoke at the Barrick AGM as well.

Among his statements was the following: “Your mine has destroyed our ancestral land, our sacred places, and our gardens, which we need to feed ourselves. You dump your mine waste directly into our river system directly into our water system contaminating 600 km of river all the way to the sea. You do this, even though you know that it is illegal to dump your waste into rivers in Canada.”

Among the demands of the Porgera Alliance, which Tulin is representing in Canada, are that Barrick pay compensation for environmental damages and move 5,000 Ipili who are living on contaminated land.

Jethro Tulin was able to present his case to the Annual General Meeting of Barrick Gold last week, a webcast of the proceedings did not include his address.

Neville Williams and Jethro Tulin have been joined by Sergio Campusano, a Chilean who is involved with opposition to Barrick’s Pascua Lama mining project in his homeland, where 1,500 indigenous people have been living for thousands of years.

The three leaders are travelling with supporters, and with members of Friends of the Earth (Australia) and the Protest Barrick project.

Jack Lapointe of the Ardoch Algonquins was on hand to greet the contingent at Harold Perry’s house.

“It’s the same story right across the planet. I suppose it’s a blessing that we are not faced with murders and rapes in this country,” he said.

“One of the things they want to do is establish a network of indigenous people around the world to deal with mining. We need to establish these networks, we need to work together. Of course, we support them, we think the Canadian government should tell companies like Barrick that they cannot run roughshod over the world.”

The Ardoch Algonquins will be joining Sakura Saunders from Protest Barrick, and aboriginal leaders from across Ontario in Toronto next week for the days of action at Queens Park between May 26 and 29.

On May 28, in a Toronto courtroom, an application for an appeal of the six-month sentence being served by former Ardoch Algonquin chief Bob Lovelace will be filed. Lovelace was jailed because he refused to tell a Superior Court judge he would not act to block Frontenac Ventures Corporation from drilling test holes for uranium in territory that the Ardoch Algonquins claim aboriginal title to.

In a handwritten submission to the Ontario legislature last week, Lovelace wrote extensively about colonialism, and concluded by saying he intends to begin a fast on May 16.

“I will to be fasting as a political statement or to extract some concession from Ontario. In our culture we fast to

purify our bodies and free our spirits. We fast in anticipation of a vision of things to come and to prepare ourselves to accept a great challenge. If, over the next few weeks, it brings attention to the defence of our community I will welcome the growing interest …” he wrote.

Bob Lovelace is currently incarcerated at the Lindsay Federal prison.

Feature Article - May 29, 2008

Back toHome

Feature Article - May 29, 2008 North Frontenac Council-May 22/08By Jeff Green

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire was participating in a rural forum in Kingston last week, so Deputy Mayor Jim Beam was called upon to chair the regular council meeting on May 22.

Big Gull Lake – At a previous meeting, council had received a delegation led by David Pattenden representing a group of island cottagers on Big Gull Lake who were seeking to establish a dock on Crown Land in order to access their cottage properties, since the existing marinas on the lake have been closed.

A group of residents on the lake, whose properties are located across the bay from the proposed docking facility, have commissioned commentary on the proposal by the firm Birchall Northey.

The 13 page report, which was sent to the Bancroft Ministry of Natural Resources office, and copied to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and the township, argues that the “draft ESR [Environmental Assessment Report] is fundamentally flawed, as it does not consider all reasonable alternatives and it does not provide adequate justification for the preferred alternatives”.

Among the alternatives that are noted in Birchhall Northey's comments are the purchase of one of the closed marinas by the island cottage owners, the use of an existing marina located a w“10-15 minute” boat ride away, or the purchase of private land on another, more secluded bay.

Birchall Northey also said that the environmental impacts of the proposal have not been adequately evaluated.

Councilor Lonnie Watkins said “I can’t see where these issues are coming from. If people do not use the local marinas themselves, they end up closing, and people need to do something to get to their island cottages. I think the people who are complaining just don't want to see a dock when they look across the bay.”

Deputy Mayor Jim Beam said “I think a lot of the onus is going to come to the ministry to respond to these people.”

“If they have some complaints, they should come to council,” said Councilor Wayne Cole.

“They can come to council if they want but they need to have a real good reason to make us try to stop this. As far as I'm concerned the advocates for this dock are just trying to get to their cottages, and they are paying for it themselves,” said Councilor Wayne Good.

Tenders, tenders, tenders

The roadside grass mowing contract was awarded for three years to Scott's snow plowing and grass cutting service at a rate of $94.50 per hour, a $5 increase over the bid from last year. They were the only bidder.

There were three bids for the gravel crushing contract, which went to the lowest bidder, Robert Young Construction of Peterborough for $40,700 including all taxes.

The winter sand contract went to Gemmill Construction, the lowest of three bidders, at a cost of $39,324 after taxes.

Pine Lake concerns – Councilor Wayne Cole expressed his ongoing concern about the proposed building at Pine Lake by the Ardoch Algonquins, particularly in so far as building permits are concerned.

In response to these concerns, council passed a motion inviting a representative from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to attend the June 12 meeting with respect to permits and taxes and other related items.

Uranium levels high on two properties – Jim Beam, the township representative to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), informed council that of 80 wells that were tested for uranium contamination in North and Central Frontenac and Lanark Highlands, as part of a program sponsored by MVCA, two of the wells showed “extremely high rates”. An earlier set of tests showed a few wells with some uranium contamination, but only in the lower range.

Solstice gathering – On June 21, a volunteer breakfast will be held at the Clar-Mill Hall, and concurrent activities such as the skateboard park, games, face painting balloon twisting, and a BBQ at noon will also take place, with activities slated to finish by 1:30.

Harlowe Road Cleanup – A roadside cleanup of the Harlowe Road, all the way from Hwy. 41, through Harlowe, and on to the Central Frontenac border, will take place on June 14. For further information or to volunteer, contact Wayne Good, at 613-336-0158

Editorial - June 19, 2008

Back toHome

Editorial - June 19, 2008 Genocide and residential schoolsEditorial by Jeff Green

Listening to the long-awaited apology from Prime Minister Harper last week, as well as the statements by Stephane Dion, Jack Layton, there was a sense that finally the Government of Canada was beginning to take reponsibility for its historical actions.

The last-minute decision to allow for a response by Aboriginal leaders, in the House of Commonc, saved the event from being undercut by the exclusion of the victims of the residential school system.

In a staged apology like this one, which has taken years, maybe decades, to orchestrate, it is fair to examine each word spoken by the federal leaders to gauge how far they are willing to go.

When Prime Minister Harper said, “and we ask for forgiveness” it was the first moment when the Aboriginal poeple were given any power or authority. Until that point all that Harper was doing was pronouncing an inner looking confession on behalf of the perpetrators of a historic crime; only by asking for forgiveness did the other, the victims of this historic wrong, receive the authority to decide whether the apology was acceptable.

But it is way too soon to ask for forgiveness. The legacy of the residential schools, and the overarching attitude they reflected and still reflect, are not gone; they live within the people of this country. Harper rightly should have said, “we hope to be in a position to ask for forgiveness some day.”

It is also fair to consider what was not said.

There were likely dozens of meetings related to the precise text of Harper's statement, and the idea of including the description “genocide” or “cultural genocide” was undoubtedly discussed, and discarded.

Harper did say the idea behind the residential schools had been to “remove the Indian from the child” which is a description of a policy of cultural genocide. The attempt was to remove the culture from the people, then kill the culture once and for all.

Along with the residential school policy, the Indian Act, which defines native status by blood quantum, has led to a watering down of blood and culture. The ultimate end of these policies is the complete end to the Aboriginal designation. Together they form a policy of slow genocide.

When I was a child, the central historical event we talked about in my family was the extermination of 6 million Jews in Europe, an event which seemed far removed from my life since, in my mind, I was born so long after it had occured. Life changes people's perspective about time, and I realise now that in the 5000-year-old history of human culture, to be a Jew born 20 years after the Nazi holocaust, is the equivalent of dodging a bullet.

Nonetheless, as I have lived my life I have faced almost no difficulties as the result of my race. Remarkably, the anti-Semitism that my parents faced growing up, has been buffered, at least in Canada, and I simply don't feel it.

I was reminded of the Nazi genocide last week because of the description, which I heard on CBC radio late last week, of a group of priests arriving at a collection station with a team of horses to pick up some young aborginal children and bring them to residential school.

The children were described as terrified. They were running away, they were running in circles, they had no idea what was happening, and the priests were chasing them, grabbing them, forcing them onto the carriage and holding them there.

One of the people helping with the CBC coverage, a woman about my age I believe, described how her father, realising what the schools were about, had to move his family to Minnesota to escape. He would have been charged with kidnapping his own children if he had stayed in Canada.

I grew up with stories about people being herded onto trains to be brought to death camps, about people walking across borders, taking on false identities, to avoid capture by the Nazis, oblivious to the fact these things were continuing to happen right here. The last residential school closed in 1996.

During my lifetime, while I have been living the good life, these things have been happening, in my name, in the misguided attempt to cure the aboriginal people of their essence.

While the residential schools are closed, the other institutional frameworks have not changed, “the aboriginal problem” has not been resolved to anyone’s satisfaction in this country.

One of the aborignial commentators that was on the radio last week said he was disappointed that none of the federal leaders used the word genocide.

He was right.

The word should have been spoken, in Parliament, and those of us who have enjoyed the benefits of this country on the backs of the people who intially welcomed us to live alongside them hundreds of years ago, should have insisted upon it. - JG

Letters - June 26, 2008

Back toHome

Letters - June 26, 2008 Letters: June26

Slow Down, Save Gas, Carmel Gowan

Re: Who Controls Council, Brian Davis

Slow Down, Save Gas

Are you angry that gas costs so much? Then don’t drive faster than 80km/hr.

Are you furious that gas costs so much? Get your friends together and drive neck & neck down Hwy 401 at 80km/hr.

Are you livid that gas costs so much? Get the speed limit changed to 80km/hr in Ontario and all of Canada. You might not see the price of gas go down but you sure will see a difference in the consumption.

Carmel Gowan

Re: Who Controls Council?

On June 19 I had an open and frank meeting with John Duchene and John Simcock. Issues on both sides were discussed and an understanding has been reached. An agreement to move forward has been reached.

As of this writing: Olden and Wemp Rd. have been covered. It is my understanding that sanitary facilities will be provided for attendants within the next week or two. Improvements to structures and equipment are to follow. Occupational and public safety is a priority.

Further: yes people the bears are back. For the most part you don't have to worry about them. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Pay attention to stop signs and stay away from cubs.

Yes people there is a force in this township, and that force is change. Most necessary, some resented, hopefully all positive as time goes on.

In conclusion: my invitation to the public works manager to spend some time at our sites continues. Meet the unique mix of people who have a vested interest in this township.

Brian Davis

Jun 5/08 - Early Literacy

Back toHome

Early Literacy - June, 2008 An Apology to First Nationsby Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist, HFL&A

“Sorry,” Alicia mumbled grudgingly. She didn’t see the point. She didn’t think it was fair. But her dad had said, “Say you’re sorry!” and so she had.

Tears welled in the corner of Jordan’s eye and trickled down his reddened cheek. “I’m sorry.” No coaching prompted his heart-felt words.

Apologies are more than words. The entire nation has been keenly attentive to Stephen Harper’s apology to Aboriginal people on June 11. Did his words reflect something deeper than reconciliation? Did they reveal respect and admiration for a people through whom early European settlers owe their very survival, and through whom modern day environmentalists and some politicians recognize the teachings about Mother Earth as progressive?

An apology from someone who represents the voice of Canadians is tremendously significant. Yet the power of healing and wholeness among Aboriginal people will be felt more pervasively when mainstream Canadians become curious about Aboriginal culture; when they try to discover why Aboriginal teachings, culture and individuals inspire deep respect.

Stories can help us in our quest for understanding. The Seven Grandfather Teachings of love, knowledge, honesty, strength, humility, bravery, respect, for example, are embedded in many Aboriginal tales. Often a trickster with names like Coyote or Iktomi appears in stories as a mischief maker who wants to get the better of others but cannot because he hasn’t been honest or humble or learned one of these seven teachings.

The Song Within My Heart by David Bouchard is the story of a young Cree boy from a reserve in Saskatchewan who is going to a Powwow for the first time. His Kokum (grandmother) teaches him how to listen carefully to the drumming and singing to learn their message for him.

Turtle’s Race With Beaver by Joseph and James Bruchac is an Aboriginal tale reminiscent of the Tortoise and the Hare. Turtle wakens from hibernation to discover his home pond has been claimed by Beaver. Beaver doesn’t want to share the pond and challenges Turtle to a swim across the pond. The winner of the race will be allowed to stay. The loser will have to find a new home. Turtle uses wisdom over physical strength to win the race, and Beaver learns humility and respect.

First Nation Communities Read has chosen Ancient Thunder by Leo Yerxa as their pick for 2008. This beautiful picture book and winner of a Governor General’s Literary Award depicts the power of wild horses from an Ojibway perspective.

Educators and parents may find The First Nations Reading Circle a helpful resource for exploring Aboriginal books and culture with young children in their classrooms or home. The program, available on-line at http://www.sols.org/links/clearinghouse/firstnations/readingcircles/index1.htm, includes eleven different Aboriginal themes using a variety of books and activities that focus on making Aboriginal stories relevant to children in 2008.

We need to say “I’m sorry”, but the sincerity of our nation’s apology will be truly felt when we are also able to humbly say to Aboriginal people “Meegwetch, thank you.”

Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32)