Back to HomeFeature Article - June 11, 2009 Two years later, a return to RobertsvilleBy Jeff Green

Members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will be returning to the gate of the Robertsville mine site on June 28, two years after the start of an occupation that lasted almost 4 months.

But the Pray for the Land event will take place entirely on the road allowance, according to Bob Lovelace, and will not involve blocking access to the site.

The Ardoch Algonquins are inviting members of all faith communities to join with them in the day of prayer, and are hoping there will be a Mass as well as a Muslim call to prayer as part of the event, in addition to the planned sweat lodge ceremonies.

“Pray for the Land is an expression of our connection to all of the people that are concerned about the environment. Every spiritual faith has a belief that the earth is a sacred place, that it's a gift from the creator, and we are given directions to preserve it and look after it. That's the message of the day,” Lovelace said.

A lot has happened in the two years since the occupation, which featured the coming together of the Ardoch and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations in common cause after years of acrimony over the respective communities' approach to the Algonquin Land Claims process.

The Shabot Obaadjiwan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) late last fall with Frontenac Ventures Corporation, the company that is pursuing uranium exploration on a site that is accessed through the Robertsville mine, where they lease office space. The MOU allows for drilling on the site, which is something that the Ardoch Algonquins continue to oppose.

On February 26, 2009 in an article published in Reuters, Frontenac Ventures claimed to have found a large “Alaskite type uranium deposit”, based on samples that were gathered in the fall.

“The discovery of a large new zone was made during late fall 2008. Forty bags (500 lb.) of bedrock samples, ranged from a high of 8.05 lb./ton to 0.25 lb./ton, with an average grade of 1.77 lb./ton,” said the article.

Exploration, including repeated drilling programs, has taken place in the vicinity since the 1960s, but has never before yielded enough of a uranium resource to tempt a mining company to buy into the property.

Uranium was mined at both Elliott Lake and in the Bancroft region, until the 1990s. Talk of re-opening mines in those locations has heated up over the past two years, although the worldwide recession has had an impact.

Pele Mountain Resources, for example, slowed down its plans at its proposed Eco Ridge mine near Elliott Lake late last year.

“Pele announced the postponement of its pre-feasibility study and certain components of the permitting process as cost-cutting measures, in response to difficult market conditions,” said a Pele news release in February.

The spot uranium price is hovering at around $50 per pound, well under $90, where it stood when Frontenac Ventures Corporation began staking claims in North and Central Frontenac in the spring of 2006.

The Robertsville protest has had an impact on mining and aboriginal politics in Ontario, leading to provisions for consultation with aboriginal communities in the revamped Ontario Mining Act, which was tabled in the Ontario Legislature just weeks ago.

But the changes don't just fall short of what the Ardoch Algonquins would like to see; they miss the mark entirely, according to spokesperson Bob Lovelace. “If I could use an analogy, the new legislation is like telling a rapist they have to use condoms,” he said. “What would really make a difference is a policy that requires free, prior and informed consent from the citizenry before mining activity commences.”

Specifically, in terms of the aboriginal consultations in the new Mining Act, Lovelace said, “They basically pay lip service to the Supreme Court decisions on consultation.”

Pray for the Land will take place during the day on June 28.

Another event, presented by the Concerned Citizens Against Mining Uranium, featuring a community dinner and dance with the popular Perth band Beetlejuice, will also take place at the Maberly Hall on June 28. Tickets are $20 at the door

Back to HomeFeature Article - June 11, 2009 Shabot Obaadjiwan backs away from Frontenac VenturesBy Jeff Green

They were strange partners from the start.

An Algonquin community that was so opposed to uranium exploration that they joined a blockade, and the uranium exploration company that they blockaded. In the end the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between them was doomed from the start.

Back in the late fall of 2008, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Shabot Obaadjiwan, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, and the Ontario Ministries of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and Mines.

It called for the withdrawal of some lands from the Frontenac Ventures mining claim, and a limited drilling program in specific locations on other lands over which Frontenac Ventures had obtained the mining rights. It was all to be overseen by a steering committee.

From the start there were problems.

While the agreement, signed in early December, was heralded at the time by Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Brad Duguid as “an example of how by working together in a spirit of cooperation and respect, we can find creative solutions in the face of challenging situations”, the steering committee called for in the agreement never materialised.

In late January of 2009, the Shabot Obaadjiwan received confirmation that drilling had taken place on the Frontenac Ventures’ mine claim lands in June of 2008, just as the talks which led ultimately to the MoU were getting underway.

Later in February, a press release was issued by Frontenac Ventures, which was picked up in the European press. It claimed that “a large new zone” of uranium was discovered in the late fall and talked about a multi-million dollar drilling program of 43 to 101 holes that was being planned.

None of this had been disclosed to the Shabot Obaadjiwan beforehand and it is not consistent with provisions in the MoU that was being worked on as these new discoveries were reportedly being made.

On March 9, 2009, Stephen Reynolds, lawyer for the Shabot, wrote a letter to Doug Carr, a negotiations director with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.

After detailing their grievances concerning what had taken place in the four months since the agreement had been signed, the letter make the following assertion: “I have been instructed to advise you that in light of the above noted incidents and the fact that, at minimum, the spirit and intent of the MoU has been compromised, Shabot are withdrawing from the MoU until further notice. I am also instructed to advise you that under no circumstances will Shabot permit drilling on the impugned lands at this time. I wish to advise that Shabot is currently considering its options, which may include placing these matters before Justice Cunningham and/or returning to the land, without notice, to protect it from further drilling.”

The letter concludes by asking for a meeting, which did not take place until Thursday of last week (June 11).

The News has learned that Frontenac Ventures President George White and Project Manager Jamie Fairchild attended the meeting, as did Shabot Chief Doreen Davis and Elder Earl Badour, along with government officials. Reportedly George White was presented with the Shabot letter for the first time, and none of the outstanding issues were resolved.

Stephen Reynolds, who did not attend the meeting, told the News that he had been attempting to contact ministry officials early this week without success.

The Shabot letter was delivered to the News on Friday, June 12, and was released through the Uranium News bulk email list on June 14.

Stephen Reynolds said on Tuesday that the Shabot are now concentrating their efforts on the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs. “Ontario has signed the MoU and they are bound by its contents,” he said. “The substratum of the MoU is gone and we have serious doubts as to whether it can ever be reinstated.

“The province has a duty to consult. They tried to shirk us off on Frontenac. At the end of the day, we are dealing with Ontario. We are saying, Ontario, you have a duty to consult; talk to us.”

The possibility of court action is something that the Shabot are considering, Reynolds added. “We acted in good faith. We acted honourably, and we were misled,” he concluded.

The Shabot Obaadjiwan letter to Doug Carr is posted on the website of Concerned Citizens against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) at CCAMU.ca under the Uranium News heading for June 14.

(Editor’s note: as of Tuesday night we were unable to reach George White for comment.) 

Back to HomeEditorial - May 21, 2009 Mining Act reform brings changes – but not enough for manyEditorial by Jeff Green

For some, the recent changes to the Ontario Mining Act marked the culmination of years of effort to address the conflicts between the interests of the mining industry and property owners’ rights, environmental concerns and Aboriginal rights.

The interests of property owners who own only surface rights to their property, which have been the subject of 10 years of lobbying successive provincial governments, are dealt with in the new mining act. They are no longer subject to staking.

So why are so many of the local activists still so upset? The reason is that while the surface-subsurface issue has been resolved in southern Ontario, the impact of mineral staking on Crown Land has not changed, and while for the first time there are provisions for “consultation” with Aboriginal peoples in the mining act, they will not satisfy all of the demands of certain Aboriginal communities.

Although the consultation protocols are not finalized, it is clear that they will not address the question of sovereignty over lands that are part of land claims processes or disputes.

During the consultation process that took place in the time period between the end of the Robertsville mine occupation in late 2007 and the court hearing in February 2008 that eventually led to the jailing of Bob Lovelace, there were three or four sessions that were open to the public. The meetings were between chiefs and senior council members from the Shabot Obaadjiwan and Ardoch Algonquins, and representatives from the ministries of Mines and Northern Development, and Aboriginal Affairs.

It was touted as a kind of pilot project for Aboriginal consultation. The issue that was at the forefront of the discussions, from the Aboriginal point of view, was simple: did the Aboriginal communities have the right to refuse mining exploration on their land claim territory? Ministry officials said this was not something they could consider. The consultations eventually failed.

Under the new mining act Aboriginal communities will still have no right of refusal, and the consultation process, although ill-defined as of yet, will not include any kind of veto. Sovereignty over Ontario lands rests with the Government of Ontario; of that there is no doubt.

The new mining act also does not grant even limited authority to municipalities. Throughout the long struggle over mining exploration on private lands in Southern Ontario as well as during the Robertsville dispute, municipal bylaws, official plans, council resolutions, etc. have had no impact on the implementation of the mining act.

The townships of South Frontenac and Tay Valley discouraged mining exploration in their official plans. About 15 eastern Ontario municipalities, ranging from rural municipalities to the cities of Ottawa and Kingston, passed resolutions calling for a moratorium on uranium exploration.

The mining act has always overridden municipal regulations, and there is no change in the new act. It represents no gain for municipalities.

Finally, on the matter of uranium itself, the act is silent. Activists have been saying that the environmental impacts of uranium exploration are such that it needs mention in the mining act, which is the only regulatory tool that kicks in for preliminary exploration, but the mining act takes the position the uranium is the same as any other mineral. For the purpose of exploration, uranium is treated in the same way as graphite, copper, or any other mineral.

Activists will have to look elsewhere for reform over the coming years as the mining act review is now complete. 

Back to HomeLetters - March 26, 2009Letters: March 26

School Year Beginning before Labour Day, Joanne Pickett

Take Advantage of the Uranium Mine Tax Break, Frank Morrison

School Year Beginning before Labour Day

It has recently come to light that the Limestone Board of Education and its affiliated Boards are proposing that the 2009/2010 school year begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the week preceding Labour Day weekend.  Labour Day Monday will fall on September 7 this year and because of an ever-increasing number of PA days and an added holiday - Family Day - the school year calendar will be two days short of the arbitrary number (194) of  "instructional" days legislated by the provincial ministry of education. Rather than waive a couple of PA days or work with the provincial government to amend the number of predetermined instructional days this year, they will effectively shorten the summer break in 2009 by 10%, sending vacationing families home before Labour Day weekend.

For those who depend on summer tourism to earn their living, that’s 10% fewer sales, 10% fewer cottage rentals, 10% fewer restaurant meals - the economic impact for Kingston and the Islands and cottage country to the north could be substantial and far-reaching. Unlike the bureaucrats making this decision, we are riding a wave of financial uncertainty, now exacerbated by the potential loss of the last - and most profitable - week of summer tourism.

The Inroads Studio Tour, held every Labour Day weekend in our community, carries with it substantial economic benefits, felt over a large geographical area. Its success will no doubt be in some jeopardy this year if this proposal comes to fruition.

Last week the Toronto District School Board  - in response to public outcry  - agreed to delay the opening of classes until September 8. Parents complained that everything from their final summer vacations and camp deadlines to older kids getting summer jobs would have been negatively affected by an early return. If the Toronto Board can do it - so can our school Board. Education Minister Kathleen Wynne  is refusing to get involved in the final decision, saying it was up to the individual boards to decide. She suggested teachers hold one of their scheduled PA days in late August to compensate.

I urge everyone to email or call your provincial and municipal members of government, those who serve on the Limestone District board of trustees, and Brenda Hunter - the director of the Limestone board.

Joanne Pickett

Take Advantage of the Uranium Mine Tax Break

By now you have all received your MPAC statements. Here's something to consider. Some say if you are within a hundred miles of a uranium mine you can be affected by it. So, many of us will be, and some already are being affected. Land values certainly are. I was told of two property sales that fell through last year, because of the uranium mine. One neighbor was told by an agent not to even bother listing.

It's not too late to contact MPAC and request a review of your property taxes. Their phone number is 866-296-6722. Their address is P.O. Box 9808, Toronto, ON, MIS 5T9. Call first and let them know the reason for the request for a review. But remember, you must mail a written request, and it must be post-marked no later than March 31.

Frank Morrison

Back to HomeLetters - March 12, 2009Letters: March 12

Lessons of History, G Balogh

Communications Towers, Nancy Miller

Sydenham Safe Water Association, Don Wiskin

Re: Roots of Empathy, Sid Allcorn

Re: Driller Confirms 15 Drill Holes, Helen Gomez

Re: Limestone Hits Granite, Helen Forsey

Fly Your Flag, Hali Foster

Respect Our Flag, J.P. Pare

Re: Driller Confirms 15 Drill Holes, Wanda Recoskie

Rebranding Tay Valley Township, Hali Foster

Lessons of History

It is said that those who fail to remember history are doomed to repeat it. There are some lessons we can glean about the recent American experience in failure to recognize honest and correct monetary principles.

President George Bush’s legacy is likely to be as the president who tanked the economy before leaving office. President Andrew Jackson fought against the establishment of a national bank in the 1820s. President Abraham Lincoln defied the Special Interests and issued

Greenback dollars rather than rely upon third-party issued monetary instruments, and it is held by some that one reason that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated was that he issued Presidential Executive Order #11110 directing the U.S. Treasury Department to print four and one-half billion dollars in Silver Certificates (i.e., paper money backed by silver) much to the chagrin of the privately chartered Federal Reserve Bank that had an unconstitutional monopoly on currency issuance since 1913.

The current crisis in the money markets is not first of all financial, but is fundamentally a constitutional crisis with monetary consequences. Article one, Section ten stipulates: “No State shall...make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts....” Monetized Debt is to money as incest is to family. And President Bush, like a

Greek king with the stench of hubris all about him and his empire, violated one of the cardinal precepts of America’s Republic and the primary cause the founding fathers fought a war of independence: the desire to avoid national bank indebtedness in favour of an honest monetary system.

Violation of this principle, like the biblical warnings against false weights and measures, is so egregious as to attract a fiscal tsunami.

Any attempt to shore up the false system is just one more finger in the dike. And the rains will come, and wash away the foundation. And great will be the collapse, thereof. There is no lasting profit from fiat currency, the product of greed.

On August 23, 2007 you published my letter in Frontenac News in which I stated, "I predict a financial catastrophic event will come forward this fall or winter--a planned shakedown designed to push us all into greater acceptance of the U.S./Mexico/Canada merger." (North American Union)

Well, this event happened one quarter later than my prediction. This is all a matter of record. However, we Canadians are asleep at the switch and are walking into the coming tsunami - food shortages, currency and bank failures - the controlled chaos which is the chemistry in which the new social order is being designed. And the glue that binds it all –fear - is increasing daily.

It is time for each of us to consider what is the "glue" that holds us together, our purpose for living. And like that lingering tune of long ago, I think it prudent to "Put your hand in the hand of the man that stilled the water..." the author of history itself, Jesus of Nazareth, who alone holds the key to surviving the cataclysm that is coming. Not a quick fix, but a way of life. Faith in the true saviour of humanity, not the "Obamanation" foisted on us by our media controllers. Wake up!

G. Leslie Balogh, Mountain Grove

Re: Communications Towers

It is encouraging to have area residents voice their objections to the proliferation of communication towers along our highways (Pat Maloney - Feb.12 and Colin Beckingham - Feb.19)

Although the aesthetics are indeed an issue, a much greater concern arises from their function - transmitting microwave frequencies. This may not have been as great a concern a decade or more ago, but combining the growing number of both cell phone and wireless internet towers, along with background radiation from various devices in our homes, schools and offices (cell phones, wireless Smart Meters, computers, cordless phones, compact fluorescent bulbs and video game systems, etc.) we are in an ever-increasing electro-smog - whether we like it or not.

The telecom industry and Health Canada will tell you that emission levels comply with established safety standards, but these standards are no longer relevant to current technology. Canada Safety Code 6 exposure limits are 0.1 milliwatts/ cm2. This is expected to rise exponentially by the end of the decade, as more and more wireless technologies are approved by government, then marketed. They already exceed this limit in the more populated areas of Ontario.

In 2007, an international working group of scientists, researchers and public health policy professionals, The BioIniative Working Group, released their report on electromagnetic fields and health.

They document serious scientific concerns about current limits regulating how much electromagnetic radiation is allowable from various sources. The report concludes that existing standards for public safety are inadequate. Biological effects have been found to occur at levels lower than what we get from wireless internet (Dr. Olle Johansson, Dept. of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Sweden). This report and other information and research on this topic (which you won't get from the telecommunications industry) can be found on www.weepiniative.org (Wireless, Electric Electromagnetic Pollution).

Check it out before you jump on the "broadband wagon'. We need to be cautious, applying the "precautionary principle" and choosing wired options wherever possible, particularly around our children.

Nancy Miller

Sydenham Safe Water Association

I would like to extend my deepest apology to the SSWA. I had written an article just over a year ago where I said I thought they were seemingly inactive. I was very wrong. The members of the SSWA have been doing more in the background then most of us knew. The biggest benefit that the SSWA has done for all residents involved was to get all of our individual cost reduced for the pipe in the ground, and for that they deserve a very large applause of gratitude. The SSWA has also been very active in reporting on the THMs in the water, which is very important to us with small animals and children.

No matter what the politicians try to put past us, the SSWA is right on them. As I stated earlier, I apologize for my previous statements and I believe the founder of the SSWA would be very proud of their efforts.

Don Wiskin

Re: Roots of Empathy

I was a high school counsellor/ math teacher for 32 years and supply teacher for 13 years. I now have Parkinson's Disease and have lost various abilities, however I have managed to create with a computer and self publish my first book.

I used Empathy a lot in my counselling to help teenagers. I still train PSW students in the use of it as well. It is a main theme in my novel. Now the reason for my letter is to stop any more spending on the program called "Roots of Empathy"

I do not know any more about the program except what your article of February 5/09 tells me, but the fact that  $23,000 has been spent on training plus I don't know how much on the

653-page curriculum should be of some concern to the tax payer .

Perhaps an analogy will suffice here. Suppose you thought that everyone should learn the meaning of basketball. Now let's build a 1000-page curriculum document and charge lots for training and the book so that the program would have lots of credibility. Let's look at headings like Team Spirit or Attachment or Authentic Communications, etc.

Now suppose someone comes along and asks: “How well can they now play?” Oh we don't care because we were able to teach them more valuable stuff.

I hope you get my point. Do you think a conversation with a 7-month-old boy will train a grade 1 student in any empathy skills that even an adult has trouble learning, to say nothing of learning the real differences between sympathy, empathy, pity etc.?Now the goals are admirable but if they really are then let’s teach empathy and basketball too and send some of the $23,000+ to help the kids in Africa to live beyond 5 years old!!!

Sid Allcorn, http://sid.allcorn.ca

Re: Driller confirms 15 drill holes (Feb 12, 2009)

Why does it not surprise me to learn about the duplicity of the government, the courts and Frontenac Ventures? Drilling before anyone knows about it. Drilling before people go to gaol to prevent the drilling, while not a word is said. Frontenac Ventures did not think to mention it! Feed us all another round of B.S.!! Our only hope now, is to pray that the scoundrels find nothing worthwhile mining for, and that the recession hits them (Frontenac Ventures) worse than the rest of us. Let us fervently pray for their imminent and complete bankruptcy!

Helen Gomez

Re: Limestone Hits Granite (Mar 5, 2009)

Thank you for your article about the recent meeting at Clarendon Central School in Plevna. I too want to see our school kept open and thriving, for all the reasons that are being so eloquently and passionately expressed by my northern neighbours. But there's an even bigger reason.   

In a world where the economy is in crisis and fossil fuels are running out, the way of the future will be rooted in local communities. We will all have to do more of our work and learning and living close to home, without driving miles to central facilities. We will need to take advantage of the skills and resources in our own communities, as well as those now magically available to us through the internet.

The tired old idea that "bigger is better", the mistaken notion that urban models should apply everywhere, never made sense in the first place. The tide of centralization and amalgamation has already done a great deal of damage, and it continues to threaten our local schools and libraries, our small businesses and churches and health services. But that tide is about to turn.

More than ever, the maxim: "Think globally, act locally" is coming into its own. "Accommodation" should mean strengthening local institutions, supporting solutions that are community-based, modest in scale, and sustainable. Unless our school boards and library boards and other public bodies realize this and change direction accordingly, they will be leading us down a steep path to destruction.

Helen Forsey, Ompah

Fly Your Flag

This week, four Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan.  Two of these brave young soldiers were based in Petawawa, just a short drive north of the community from which I live and work.  We often see military vehicles passing along our stretch of the highway and  I wonder how honoured they feel when the see the sad state of the Canadian flags flown upon their route.

On my short drive to work I pass several Canadian flags and two thirds of them are in various states of disrepair.  Some are faded, some have loose seams trailing off the end, some are shredded to pieces.  Is this a reflection of how we feel about our country?  I certainly hope not. 

 The Canadian Hertiage website gives some details about flag protocol, including the following:  The National Flag of Canada is a symbol of honour and pride for all Canadians, and as such, should be treated with respect.  This means that it should only be displayed in a manner that befits this important national symbol.  When the flag is displayed horizontally or at an angle from a window or balcony [or attached to a sign], the top of the flag must point outwards.  The National Flag of Canada should always be flown on its own mast - it is improper to fly two or more flags on the same mast.

 I challenge everyone who flies a Canadian flag at their home or business to immediately replace those flags that are in poor condition.  Lets show our soldiers, our neighbours and our visitors that we are proud Canadians.

Hali Foster

Respect Our Flag

I am a retired soldier who has made North Frontenac his home for the last eight years. It should be no surprise to your readers that for  all soldiers flags have a special meaning. I would very much appreciate that you publish the following text.

Flags stir up emotions in us that few other symbols can. That piece of cloth with its own exclusive design and colors of your nation is a symbol of who we are, what we believe in and where we belong. People respect the symbolism of the flag, whether it is that of their country or another country's. Flags inspire pride and respect. For that reason protocol demands that any flag we fly be kept in perfect condition at all timesWhenever I drive around our beautiful country I feel a stir of emotion every time I see our national flag flying. Lately, however, I have noticed a number of flags in various state of disrepair being flown. I can only assume that whoever put those flag up in the first place shared our pride in our country and what it stands for. But after this initial show of pride, they have lost interest and/or simply failed to notice that their flag had become torn, ripped or faded. This is a blatant lack of respect which can easily be remedied by the simple act of removing the flag. A bare flagpole offends no one.  Remember that disposing of a flag must be done with respect, normally by burning it in private. (Burning a flag in public can easily be misinterpreted and you could end up with more problems then you already have.) Also, under no circumstances should you dispose of your flag in the garbage.

Flags are relatively inexpensive to purchase and you can find them on sale at various times of the year. But if our unstable economy causes you concern and prevents you from purchasing a new flag, you might want to try giving a call to your member of parliament. I have recently found out that, when they take office, every member of parliament is given a number of Canadian flags to dispose of as they see fit and that, when they run out, they can go back and get more. They could always ask their counterparts from the elected members of the Block Quebequois for their supply. (I cannot see any of those boys running around Quebec giving away Canadian flags).

Remember that a flag in poor condition is at best a sign of neglect and disrespect and can provoke deep resentment from those who witness it. I for one would think twice before doing business with anyone flying a poorly maintained flag and I hope you would too.J.P. Pare

Re: Driller confirms 15 drill holes (Feb 12, 2009)

While there are those who understand Frontenac Ventures Corporation only drilled a total of 15 holes in 2008 - let me assure everyone that there has been much more going on at the Robertsville uranium exploration site between the summer and fall of 2008. As a matter of fact - all necessary trees have been removed and many trails and roads built in readiness for the vigorous 2009 drilling program.

After overlaying the injunction map proposed drill holes onto the Ministry of Mines and Development enlarged section of the Mining Claims Map dated January 17, 2009, which I ordered from Ministry of Mines and Development in Sudbury - it appears that not one drill hole is on any of the withdrawn mining claim areas which are mentioned in the Memorandum of Understanding between the government and Algonquin Nations.

Frontenac Ventures Corp. is planning to go full steam ahead with all of their original plans that were formed before the injunction came. It is also no surprise that many of the drill holes are located right next to many water sources - lakes, streams, creeks, ponds etc.

We are all extremely happy the unjust lawsuit against the Algonquin Nations is dropped - and all court costs for each band has been paid in full for them.

George White, in a recent publication in the Frontenac News, advised no core samples were taken.....why then did Downing Drilling Co. state - core samples were drilled by their company?

In the M.O.U. it is stated that FVC is willing to use Ministry of Mines and Development "Best Practices". According to Mr. Ramesh Mandal of the Min. of Mines and Development, Senior Geologist at Sudbury, best practices are to fill and cap the drilled holes - all of them. Why then does the M.O.U. state that "geologically inactive" holes will be filled? Mr. Mandal explained geologically inactive means "not enough uranium to be economically viable". So then, it begs the question - what does FVC plan to do with the "geologically active" holes (the ones with enough uranium to be economically viable).

Leave them open to vent radon gas, leave others to leach radioactive contamination into the aquifers? The publication also stated that Downing Drilling Co. had no plans to drill at the present time - is that perhaps because it is WINTER? We are not a bunch of dummies - we can read between the lines.

Another discrepancy is that a report is supposedly to be forwarded to the Min. of Mines and Development as of March, 2009. The last report was due Oct. 2008.

I was advised to call Min. of Mines and Development in January for a copy of the report (which is privileged under the Access to Information Act). When I called I was advised that Frontenac Ventures Corp. had requested and was granted an extension to November 2009 for all reports on activities performed at the Robertsville Exploration Site - including the ones that were due in 2008, and subsequent obligatory reports in March, and Sept. of 2009. The report then cannot be obtained by the public until February 2010.

Another discrepancy in George White's statement from Florida is that money is now very scarce -10 times worse. What he failed to impart is that there are fully funded government subsidies (our money) free of charge to Junior Exploration Companies - of which Frontenac Ventures Corporation is one.

Jamie Fairchild advised at a presentation in 2008 that they have vigorous plan spanning a period over the next 10 years. They already have a 21-year lease on much acreage east of Crotch Lake.

The Memorandum of Agreement states nothing about FVC trucking in water or removing the contaminated water and trucking it back out. Where then, everyone should be asking, is the water going to come from that is used during the drilling process? More importantly - where will it be dumped into? Our creeks, ponds, steams, lakes, and wetlands are precious components making up the Frontenacs, Highlands and surrounding areas. It breaks my heart every day when I wake up to the realization that so much destruction and devastation can be allowed - and we stakeholders around this area, as taxpayers are actually owners of the Crown Lands with our tax dollars - but are powerless to do anything about it. We are not eco-terrorists, nor active environmentalists - we are eco-conservationists - trying to save our environment and a safe place for the children to raise their families.

Open pit mining would look like the destruction taking place on the oil sands. Take a look at the National Geographic pictures - they have a good reason for printing them - and these pictures cannot be denied.

When nuclear reactors start having problems - you bet you better be worried. If the fuel rods start heating up - they will erupt causing a nuclear explosion. If nuclear is so safe - why then do uranium spent fuel rods need to be totally encased in water for 7 years to cool down and then encased in sealed air containers for another 3 years before being buried deep underground - which locations have yet to be determined because of the radioactive contamination? As far as medical isotopes are concerned - there are other ways to produce them other than using weapons-grade uranium. As far as for money greedy people and power hungry non-conservationists (like the ones in the US with 20 room homes containing bowling alleys and movie theatres, 10 bedrooms and 7 baths etc.) and people who have no conscience about having every light in their home on and using every appliance at the same time - it's not more energy that is needed - it is having a conscience and being more responsible that is needed; then there would be enough power for everyone.

The entire Memorandum of Understanding between the Algonquin Nations and the government can be downloaded from www.ccamu.ca website (Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium) -lower portion of the home page and proven facts of the dangers of exploration and mining of uranium can be downloaded from www.ccnr.org website.

Wanda Recoskie

Rebranding Tay Valley Township

Tay Valley Township (TVT) is "rebranding" signs in eight hamlets. (Perth Courier Weekender, January 30, 2009).

TVT is replacing signs, not yet weathered, with decorative new signs. Not so long ago, the current signs branded the hamlets with TVT's new image including a new logo and controversial name.

In 2007 and 2008, TVT installed six large plaques, which tell some history of the original townships and old settlements.

The new signage has a heritage theme, but the primary goal is the promotion of tourism.

If council is really serious about the heritage of this rural area, then it should demonstrate much more pride in the three old townships. Simply place "Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke" in caps below the wavy line in the logo.This arrangement respects the original townships that comprise TVT. The old names have been associated with this rural area since the early 1800's. The words anticipate, in just a few years, the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the pioneer settlers.

Finally, this revised image respects the ancestral homes of the descendants of founding families who still live here and throughout Canada and United States.

Sincerely,

Catherine McCann

Back to HomeFeature Article - March 12, 2009 New blood Gives life to uranium  resistanceBy Julie Druker

A large crowd of new and old faces discuss uranium exploration at Maberly meeting

After a hiatus of many months, local community groups and concerned citizens joined forces at the Maberly Hall on March 8 to discuss the ongoing issue of uranium exploration at the Robertsville mine site. The meeting was called by Sulyn Cedar, who felt a need to get together and discuss the issues and to find out where everyone now stands. Though related websites have managed to keep the issues up to date, a formal meeting has not happened for quite a while.

Present at Sunday’s meeting were some who have been involved since the issue began, including Bob Lovelace, Mireille Lapointe, Donna Dillman, members of the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium (CCAMU) and many other concerned citizens.

Dillman commented before the meeting, “From my perspective we’re hoping to get more people involved. A lot of people have put literally thousands of hours into this and it would be really great to get more people involved”.

New to the meeting and of note was a large contingent of students from the Ottawa area. Bob Lovelace had spoken the week before to a group of Ottawa students, which no doubt resulted in this high turnout. Also of note were recent settlers to the area looking to explore the uranium issue.

A few of the new faces included Ramsey Hart of Mining Watch Canada, Nancy Ducette ,who works for the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds on Big Rideau Lake, and Rev. Gary Jones, one of two newly appointed ministers of the Centary Pastoral Charge, which includes the United Church in Maberly.

Throughout the close to 70 introductions, many of the long-term key players confirmed a growing public awareness around the Robertsville uranium issue.

Bob Lovelace, recently back from a world conference in Toronto commented, “Two things struck me when I was there: First people know about this area and the issues and we’re on the front line of a really important struggle. And second, they believe we have accomplished a tremendous amount already. And that reminds me that this is true”.

Mireille Lapointe, co-chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, confirmed the feelings of a growing awareness. She stated, “We are known all over the world right now for all of this work that each and every one of us have done. There is a ground swell that is building. It takes a long, long time for things to seep into the public consciousness, but it’s getting there”. She added, “Even though Frontenac Ventures has drilled some holes, it’s not over; we’re still here and they still have to meet us”.

Linda Harvey, a retired family physician who lives in the area, has been researching the effects of radiation on human tissue. “This is not a backyard issue. The pathways that this contamination takes is through the biosphere, through every organism on the planet, every organic molecule in our bodies”.

Following the introductions, facilitator Randy Weekes joked that he was ready to end the meeting and call it a victory due to the impressive turn out. Instead, he and co-facilitator Christine Perringer got down to business and outlined the plan of the meeting, which included raising questions, defining needs and generating ideas. A brief summary of what’s happened so far was given by Donna Dillman (For a history go to Uranium Mining in North Frontenac at www.frontenacnews.ca).

Other issues raised included: power relationships between government and the aboriginal community, political support around the issue, the current mining act and the agreement that the Shabot group made with the government and Frontenac Ventures.

Suggestions and new ideas were brainstormed and after time ran out it was agreed that another meeting should be held soon.

Sulyn Cedar was thrilled with the turnout. “Retired professionals and students can be the backbone of a social movement. There are diverse skills and interests and a lot of intelligence. You saw a real commitment with the people here today to keep the uranium mine away”.

When asked about his plans from here on in, Bob Lovelace answered, “The Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will continue to resist the (uranium) exploration and to petition mining and we will stick to our strategy of community education and research and direct action and continue to work with other groups and do what we can to stop it”.

CCAMU’s website is www.ccamu.ca or www. uranium defence.ca 

Back to HomeLetters - March 5, 2009Letters: March 5

Frontenac Ventures drilling at Robertsville site, Sheila King

Frontenac Ventures drilling at Robertsville site

Mr. Alan Davidson, Ministry of Labour Inspector in his June 23, 2008 report, quoted the drilling contractor as saying, "drilling operations ceased on June 17, 2008 and the drilling equipment was transported off the site". Yet in the Feb. 12, 2009 article Diamond Driller Confirms Drilling at Frontenac Ventures Exploaration Site in the Frontenac News, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM), Christine Kaszycki, is quoted as stating, "We have confirmed with the exploration company that some drilling did take place in May". Who is correct here? What is MNDM trying to hide?

MNDM has seen fit to investigate themselves! I would be surprised if a drilling contractor would leave a very expensive and a high-demand piece of equipment idle at the Robertsville site for 2 1/2 weeks from the end of May until June 17. This time factor is obviously important as Ms. Kaszycki seems to want to stress that the drilling took place "prior to the negotiation of the agreement", signed on November 28, 2008 as mentioned in the article.

It is obvious after reading the MOU on the CCAMU website, that monitoring of drilling by a steering committee was a very important part of accommodation of Algonquin concerns. But, absolutely no monitoring was done by anyone on the diamond drilling that was done in May-June 2008, and Ontario has no plans to re-inspect the Robertsville site now that they have been made aware of the drilling.

I am also puzzled when George White, president of Frontenac Ventures Corporation (FVC), is quoted as saying "the samples weren't even assayed".  Back in March of 2007, their geologist, Greg Lester and Dr. Sethu Raman were interviewed by Jeff Green. They outlined their plan to spend approximately $120 per meter to drill test holes and "the core samples will be taken away and analyzed to determine if indeed we have an economic resource here". Why would FVC go to the expense of drilling 15 holes, 51-100 meters deep at a cost of over $100,000 and not assay the core samples?

Furthermore, Mr. White comments that drilling for core samples for uranium "was not much different from drilling for a well, which people do all the time". How many people when drilling for a well are trying to hit uranium hotspots, drill in an area of highly fractured bedrock, have to wear personal dosimeters and have to check for traces of Radon daughters? When drilling wells, contractors must meet stringent municipal and MOE regulations, which include submitting a record of depth, geological materials encountered, GPS co-ordinates, construction and owner details to MOE. A pressure test of nearby wells may also be ordered in some cases. Surprisingly, there are no such environmental requirements for diamond drilling of 15 deep holes by a mineral exploration company.

An MOE Water Well Sustainability report of 2006, states "abandoned wells present a significant risk of contamination of aquifers, since they provide a direct conduit from the surface to the aquifer". Apparently, the fifteen 51-100 meter deep holes drilled by FVC were capped, but not grouted with bentonite, a practise that is mandatory in Saskatchewan when drilling for uranium core samples.

As a minimum, to remedy their lack of oversight of FVC's uranium exploration and drilling operations, the province should inspect the drill holes and order FVC to grout all holes with bentonite to ensure that the Mississippi watershed, the source of potable water for hundreds of residents is properly protected.

Sheila King, North Frontenac

Frontenac Ventures Corporation has not given up on their uranium exploration project in North Frontenac Township, but finding funding for the next phase of drilling is a persistent obstacle.

When contacted, Frontenac Ventures President George White said that all of the potential funding sources are coming from overseas, particularly Asia, and “when you are dealing with India and China, nothing moves quickly.”

White also pointed out that finding funding has been difficult for even some extremely rich new uranium deposits that have been located in Saskatchewan, which is the source of most of the world’s uranium. Among those new deposits is one that White described as “a thousand times as concentrated as ours”.

The market price for uranium is just over $40 US this week, about 1/3 what it was when Frontenac Ventures commenced the drilling program that sparked a protest and occupation of their exploration headquarters at the Robertsville mine three years ago this month.

Nonetheless, a teleconference court hearing took place on May 31, wherein Frontenac Ventures asked Justice Cunningham to renew the warrants he had issued late in the summer of 2007, warrants that compelled the Ontario Provincial Police to enforce a court injunction barring protesters from the vicinity of the Robertsville mine.

According to George White, the warrants have been re-issued by Cunningham as a matter of course on other occasions, but this time the OPP objected to some of the conditions and a further hearing is being scheduled for early July.

But warrants or not, Frontenac Ventures does not appear to have any plans to re-start their uranium exploration program at this time. 

1st Edition Editorial, It could be up to us, (March 1971 #1)

Community columnists: The Heart of the Paper, by Jeff Green

Dear, Dear Martha

A Cornerstone For Pine Meadow. (July 21, 1992  #718)

Important dates in the history of “The North Frontenac”  by Jeff Green

Joe the Porter (Oct 16, 1984 #329)

Marathon of Hope (July 11, 1980 #221

Oso Hall full to capacity for meeting of uranium mining (Sept. 5, 1980, #225)

Seniors' housing project rejected, July 1985

Editorial: It could be up to us? 

1st edition March 1971

Many citizens are concerned about the lack of development in the Northern Townships of Frontenac County. What have the ‘70s to offer the North Frontenac residents? Is it only game preserves, pockets of governmental privilege, few services and spotty seasonal employment? Why is it that Lanark County (directly to the east of us) and Hastings County (roughly parallel to the west) can persuade government, business and industry to stake resources in their northern areas? Do we have to wait, cap-in-hand, for regional governments to take over our townships, because the councils have not acted together in their own best interest?

A number of residents of Oso, Kennebec, Hinchinbrooke and Olden Townships say it is time to ask deeper questions and to find out what is happening to the whole area. A questionnaire was answered by these citizens and a class of local high school students. Issues mentioned frequently were – Recreation; Pollution; Schools; Roads; Lack of industry; Economic Opportunity.

There is a strong feeling that local citizens are not participating in any real way – in the decisions of councils and quasi-governmental boards. In fact, the average person of North Frontenac is not getting complete enough information to make a fair choice on anything.

As a first step, the group has decided to study this communications lag in the community – with the back-up resources from St. Lawrence College when needed.

We will begin with the issue of the community arena. What action has been taken on the $100,000 County grant promised to 5 northern townships who would work together on such a project? We feel that a public meeting is necessary, now, on this important issue. The Communication Group meeting will meet again at Sharbot Lake High School on Tuesday, March 30th, at 7:30 p.m. At this time a public meeting on the arena can be arranged.

Please send your comments to Don Morrow or Merv Rutherford, c/o Communications Course, Sharbot Lake District High School, Sharbot Lake, Ontario.

Watch for our next release on these important issues.

The first edition of the North Frontenac News was published in March, 1971 by the Communications Group. No actual day of issue is indicated. Circulation was 1000 copies. John Lee was one of the seven who bought ads at $2.00.

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Community Columnists: The Heart of the Paper By Jeff Green, March 2011

We like to say that the community columns are the heart of the newspaper.

They certainly are the longest lasting feature of the Frontenac News, and to this day they remain as the most direct way that the newspaper satisfies the core mission that was identified when it was founded.

The idea was to allow people from diverse communities to communicate with each other, in order to build connections between people. As a volunteer-based enterprise, the role of community columnist has always been one of the major volunteer roles with the Frontenac News. It always has, and still requires an extraordinary commitment to make all the necessary phone calls to community members each week to find out what is coming up; how events went; how much the baby weighs; etc.

In the years since 2000, when the paper was purchased by David Brison and went into private hands, we have continued to be buoyed up by the work done by the community reporters. It would be impossible for a small news gathering staff of one or two people to follow all the events that take place between Sydenham and Denbigh, which is a drive of 2 ½ hours.

Our community reporters continue on writing, week after week, out of a commitment to their neighbours, and we strive to support that commitment in the rest of the paper.

Vie McInnis knows all about being a columnist. She started submitting stories in the 1970s, and after leaving Plevna for a time in the 1980s, she came back to the column late in the decade, sharing it for a time. She carried on until a few years ago when she retired. Vie is now 90 and still lives just outside of Plevna.

“When I saw that the North Frontenac News was coming out, I thought it was a shame there wasn't something in it each week from Plevna because it is such an active place all year round. So I called over to Sharbot Lake and they called right back, inviting me to be a columnist.”

Vie’s time at the News spanned some major changes in technology. “I never wanted to phone the office too often because long distance charges were pretty high,” she said, “and I used to have to put my news in the mail on Tuesdays to get in the paper. It wouldn't get in that week; it would be in the week later.”

All that changed with email, and Vie was happy to jump into submitting her content electronically. When Mazinaw Online started up, Vie got an account straight away, and started using email.

Jean Campbell is the longest serving volunteer with the paper. She has been the Godfrey columnist since 1972.

In 1988, in the special edition of the News celebrating the 500th edition, Jean Campbell described some of the ins and outs of community reporting.

“Over the years I have learned that some people do not want to see their names or activities in the paper, while others condemn you for not printing something that is not a reporter's business to report,” she wrote.

Jean Campbell used to hand deliver her columns or have someone drive them to Sharbot Lake for her. About a dozen years ago her granddaughter set her up with a fax machine, which has made her job easier. But we shouldn’t expect to start getting emails from Jean Campbell.

“I don’t have any interest in those new fandangled machines,” she said when interviewed this week. Jean hasn’t written much lately, as she has been ill, but she said she is back on her feet and will be back at it shortly.

One thing about the columns, which continues to this day, is the fact they are open to news that you can't find in other newspapers. Sometimes it is births, illnesses and visits by long lost relatives or interesting friends that make the columns, and sometimes there are some pretty colourful reports.

Among the columnists who have written for the paper over the years there are a number that are remembered with special fondness, including Hilda Geddes, who wrote about Snow Road, Mississippi Station and Elphin over the years.

Hilda was an enthusiastic gatherer of historical information, and she published books about the history of what is now the eastern edge of North Frontenac Township and the Western edge of Lanark Highlands.

In the summer of 1989, one of the best issues in the history of the North Frontenac News was published. The 48-page supplement, written entirely by volunteer community columnists, included sections on each of the eight townships that made up North Frontenac, as well as a section on Lavant, Dalhousie and North Sherbrooke in Lanark County, and Kaladar, Anglesea and Effingham in L&A County.

The supplement is chock full of historical information about each and every small hamlet in the region. Here is a little taste from that supplement: “Burridge and Fermoy”, written by Sylena Greenslade, the long-serving Bedford columnist.

The exact year that Burridge and Fermoy were settled is not known for sure, but it is believed to be 1840 to 1850. No one really knows how Burridge got its name. Some say the original name was Barridge, as there were so many by the name of Barr settled here, and others say it was changed to Burridge, as there were so many burrs growing. It's still Burridge, with lots of burrs.

The first Council met in January 1850 at the home of Richard Lukins, Burridge, as he was made Reeve. One of the first bylaws that the Council passed was forbidding horses or vehicles from crossing township bridges faster than a walk.

The early Council meetings were held in Burridge school, later moved to the town hall in Fermoy about 1866. Much of the Council business was related to road construction. Other business was money for schools, reimbursing farmers for sheep killed by dogs as well as tavern licenses at $25 per annum and grocery licenses at $12 per annum.

After the Heritage issue was published, all the contributors got together for a meal and a party, a tradition that was rekindled last year when a luncheon for the newest generation of community columnists was held at St. Andrews Church in Sharbot Lake.

Of all the columnists who have written for the News, none can compete with Mississippi columnist and reporter Don St. Pierre in the 1990s. We didn't always know what he was trying to say, but only Don could say it the way he did. Don is now in a retirement home in Rideau Ferry and he receives the paper each week.

Here are a couple of items from those years.

“Might as well fold up this column right now because we're going to be in “Little Korea” for the next few hours. The helicopters come “flump, flump, flump” at treetop level and lower to have a glimpse of what we're doing. The one that just went by had a brown haired, brown eyed pilot and he didn't shave this morning. What could they possibly want in a village of 90% retired and 60% can't even hear them? My retired cousin is growing his first garden and was ecstatic when the helicopter came down and blew the potato bugs off. He wanted to know if it was part of their services. After cornering the driver of a police truck, he informed me he had only come to pick up a passenger from the helicopter – so when has Mississippi become a Pearson International? That answer didn't satisfy so I asked the question, ‘What is really going on?’ He replied, ‘I truly can't tell you’, and flashed a baseball cap with ‘I've travelled the #509’. Then I truly knew that this boy was off his flight path.”

Then there is Don’s take on romance for women over 40 years of age.

“Are you looking for a single male over 40? A report from Rochester University says your chances are almost nil. If the man is single after 40, he most likely is happy with his life, financially secure, independent and is not looking for ‘extra baggage’. However, all is not lost, states the report. Your best bet is to look for a recent widower. After the loss of the spouse he wanders ‘in a stupor similar to a sun stroke and will fall for anything’.”

And here is one more just for good measure.

“On a return trip home from Kingston last week, I watched as a huge yellow transport turned from the 401 onto #38 headed north. Coming a little closer the sign on the door said “Arliss-Hauling”. By the time it reached Verona, I thought, it will not go any further than this. However, following it closely, I could see it was not going to slow down until it reached its destination – and that being the restaurant at the junction of #7 and #38. Why all the fuss? This transport was carrying a load of rock to North Frontenac! Of all places! We have rocks here we would gladly give away. Ask any farmer. We've heard about taking ‘Coal to Newcastle’ or ‘Tea to China’ but this one beats all.”

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Dear, Dear Martha

One of the discoveries of looking over the old issues of the paper was Martha. We don’t know who Martha was, and whether the questions people asked her were legitimate or if Martha made them up. It makes us think we should bring an advice column back to the paper - but then again we might just reprint some of Martha's old articles now and again. Here are a couple. The first is pretty good; the second is much better.

Dear Martha (Published July 2, 1982, #270)

Boy, are parents dumb! My Mom and Dad went away for the weekend and left me in charge of the house with a few chores to do. While they were away I had a “few” of the kids over and we had a blast! I cleaned up afterwards and my parents never knew the difference. They were so pleased because I had done the chores. And they didn’t even ask if I had been good! Aren’t parents dumb?

Sweet Sixteen

Dear Sweet (or maybe not-so-sweet)

Now here’s a real “blast” for you! It would appear that you are too stupid to realize that YOU are the dumb one and not your parents!

What a lucky girl you are to have parents who totally trust you and don’t question what you do when they are away. And how have you responded to their trust? By doing things behind their back and deliberately deceiving them. And to make things worse, you even suggest that THEY are dumb! I would imagine that there are lots of my young readers who would dearly love to have parents who trust them. What are you going to do when your parents discover (and they will) that you cannot be trusted? I hope you will have the decency, when the day comes, to recognize that you have brought it on yourself! Change your ways before it is too late; respond to that trust in a responsible manner.

Martha

 

Dear Martha (Published July 16, 1982)

My mother is an 85-year-old widow and is planning to marry a 30-year-old man. I do not think this relationship will last. I am only 40 and deeply in love with this man. I just can't understand why he would pick my mother over me. Can you offer any suggestions on how I can win his affection? Signed, Frustrated.

Dear Frustrated,

I have re-read your letter several times over the past few weeks and only today have I been brave enough to try to answer it. I have to decide if you were serious or if you were "putting me on" as the saying goes. I've decided to give you the benefit of the doubt and treat your letter as seriously as I can.

Well might you be "frustrated"...... indeed, I find it frustrating just to read your letter. Why would you be interested in a man who is ten years your junior and who is interested in your 85-year-old mother? If, in fact, you are "deeply in love" with him, then bide your time, ..... an 85-year-old can't last much longer!

And that time will allow you, I hope, to come to the realization that the man is a cad, interested only in your mother's money or is so unbalanced that he needs mothering. For your mother's sake, I would recommend that you contact her doctor and her lawyer and see it they can convince her that she doesn't need another "grandson" at this point in her life. Is your mother in possession of all her faculties?

There are many stable and fine 40-year old men who would welcome your companionship. Don't settle for a scoundrel. Isn't it obvious to you why he has picked your mother? Then

let's be blunt.......he will be saddled with your mother for fewer years than he would be with you. And I'm sorry .... my conscience won't allow me to give you any suggestions on how you could win his affection!

Martha

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July 21, 1992,  #718

A Cornerstone For Pine Meadow.  by Leigh Winwood

“The unstable weather conditions subsided and the sun shone brightly as many local dignitaries as well as approximately 200 residents attended the Cornerstone Ceremony of the future Pine Meadow Nursing Home, in the Village of Northbrook. Chairperson for the occasion, Marg Axford, welcomed the crowd and invited all to celebrate “the vision and initiative of those who dared to dream, the determination of those who brought it thus far, and to celebrate the community spirit that made it all possible.”

Shirley Sedore, Co-ordinator of Pine Meadow, related a brief history of the project and deemed this the “happiest day in the whole process”, inviting all to gather again in the late winter for the official opening.

Monetary presentations were made by Rick Greenstreet and Veronica Airth on behalf of the Highway #7 Community Development Corporation, which is dedicated to housing programs, job creation and community development.

Arriving on horseback, the Lennox and Addington Riding Association, represented by Terry Myers and Chester Allen, also presented a contribution to the facility, which was gratefully accepted on behalf of Pine Meadow by Joyce Parks.

Sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success were expressed by Frank Calver, Warden of Lennox and Addington County, as well as Isobel Turner, Warden of Frontenac County.

Fred Wilson, MPP for the area, offered his congratulations on behalf of the Government of Ontario, stating the community “has shown us how dreams can be accomplished.”

Bill Vankoughnet, MP, speaking on behalf of Elmer Mackay, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing, extended his and Canada's best wishes for continued success and expressed his “congratulations to Land O'Lakes for their thoughtful planning and their ability to recognize the needs of the rural senior.”

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Important dates in the history of “The North Frontenac” By Jeff Green

It all started sometime in March in 1971, when about 1,000 copies of the first one page edition of the Frontenac News were distributed.

Among the features in the first few editions were announcements about plans for a medical centre in Sharbot Lake and calls for those interested in theatre to come forward, which eventually led to the formation of the North Frontenac Little Theatre.

Throughout the 1970s the News was cranked out every two weeks on a Gaestetner machine. It generally ranged from 24 to 36 8.5x11” pages, and as North Frontenac Community Services (known today as Northern Frontenac Community Services) developed, the paper became a part of that organization. The paper was sold at local outlets and by subscription. At the centre of the production were managing editors Audrey McWilliams and Mauveen (Moe) Bush, and the influence of NFCS' second executive director, Larry Leafloor, is evident. The front cover drawings, which were done by local artists, were an especially distinctive feature of the paper in that era.

In the 1980s the paper became a tabloid, eventually moving to free weekly distribution throughout the eight northern Frontenac townships, the Highway 41 corridor, and western Lanark County.

The founding of Land O'Lakes Community Services and the efforts at bringing Pine Meadow Nursing Home on stream, including the fact that the home was named through a contest that was won by a grade 6 student from North Addington Education Centre, were chronicled in its pages.

Unsuccessful efforts at bringing seniors' housing to North Frontenac were also documented, as was the role of the provincial government in local affairs. Announcements of even small grants to local groups such as ball teams were made by MPs and MPPs.

In the mid-1980s, the current events section of the paper was re-branded as Northern Happenings and was placed on the front page for a number of years. Now taking up most of a page, even on slow weeks, Northern Happenings remains a prime feature of the publication to this day.

In the 1990s Portland Township was added to the North Frontenac family and the paper was sent to Verona and Hartington each week.

Financial problems developed in the mid 1990s. The newspaper had always been able to pay its managing editor (Moe Bush had filled that role since the mid 1980s) and North Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) was able to cover any losses that may have occurred. However, as NFCS' own funding situation took a turn for the worse when it lost its base funding in 1995, the News became a potential drain on resources.

From 1998 on there were several articles in the paper about the financial difficulties. The managing editor position was eliminated, and in place of Moe Bush, Roxanne Beattie took on a part-time co-ordinator position.

In late October of 1999, the banner at the top of the paper changed from “North Frontenac News” to “The Frontenac News”. There was no reference to this change in the paper, but it was presumably made because of the changes in municipal structures that had taken place when the eight municipalities, which were collectively known as “North Frontenac”, were subsumed into the amalgamated municipalities of North, Central, and South Frontenac.

By the early part of 2000, NFCS could no longer keep the News on and a decision was made to sell or close down. Two offers came in, one from David Brison with Sara Carpenter, and one from Darryl Cembal, who was then the owner of the Heritage (based in Amherstvew) as well as a new paper, the South Frontenac Gazette.

The offer from Brison and Carpenter, who both lived in the area, was accepted and they took over on July 1, 2000. Immediately the South Frontenac Gazette expanded its range to Central Frontenac and a back-country newspaper war of attrition ensued.

The Cembal papers were eventually sold to Performance Printing and continue on today under the banner of the Kingston and Frontenac EMC.

Under Brison and Carpenter, the Frontenac News made many changes, but one that stood out from the start was the fact that Brison was a reporter as well as an owner.

The tradition of providing independent coverage of the activities of local municipalities, school boards, and other agencies, groups and individuals, which had been missing from earlier incarnations of the News, became a major part of the paper. Before purchasing the paper, David Brison had formed Newsweb.ca in partnership with the Land O'Lakes Communications Network and its director, Jim MacPherson.

Newsweb.ca became the website of the Frontenac News and was eventually subsumed under our present website Frontenacnews.ca, which includes an archive of articles going back to the year 2000.

An augmented website, Frontenacportal.ca, is now in the development stages. Plans are for it to include more interactive functions and individual sections for local village life, and also to hook into social network services such as Facebook.

At the end of 2001, Sara Carpenter left the News (we were very pleased to welcome Sara back last year as our weekly “Potluck” columnist). In 2002 David Brison became ill with cancer. His wife, Jule Koch Brison, who had been working for the paper, took on a more central role as managing editor. Earlier in 2002 Jeff Green had come on as associate editor/reporter, and Scott Cox had become the paper’s graphic designer.

In June 2002, the News began to be distributed in Harrowsmith and Sydenham and coverage in South Frontenac has been a major feature of the paper ever since. A total of 9,157 copies are now sent out by Canada Post each week.

When David died late in 2002, Jule became the publisher as well as managing editor. The staffing of the paper has remained the same to this day, with Koch as managing editor, Green as editor, Cox as designer and Suzanne Tanner at the front desk. In 2005 Garry Drew became the ad sales manager.

At the start of 2008 Jule Koch sold her interest in the paper to Jeff Green, who then became publisher, but aside from the change in ownership they both continued in their respective roles as editor and managing editor.

The News, or the “North Frontenac” as it is still called in many quarters, has undergone many changes, but the key focus on local news remains. Other outlets provide information from around the country and around the world, and while the News reflects that, we don't try to take that on. We tend to our own garden, as they say.

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(Oct 16, 1984 #329)

Joe the Porter 

By Harry Hinchley

Joe the Porter was the assistant front desk man at the Union Hotel in Sharbot Lake, or, to use his own classification, “the Porter”.

His duties were many and his hours were long and his pay was not large. Perhaps this has some bearing on cigarettes because Joe was always in short supply and often completely out of this commodity.

This brought about one of his failings – a propensity of habitually begging cigarettes from his friends. When Joe felt like a smoke, which was often, he was not at all backward in soliciting some, even though his friends did not always approve and often said so.

One cool October Saturday morning when the usual crowd had gathered in the lobby of the Union Hotel, someone took some exception to Joe's habit of “bumming” smokes. Joe admitted his shortcomings and even promised to make amends. So, to nail him down before he changed his mind, it was suggested that Joe sign an agreement to this effect. Joe was co-operative. He even produced a sheet of hotel note paper on which an agreement could be written out. A form of contract was hastily drawn up and presented to Joe for his signature.

Joe read it over and accepted it all except one final clause, which would have allowed him the privilege of accepting a cigarette offered to him only when he had none in his possession. Joe balked at this one, so in accordance with his expressed wishes, the clause was deleted by a stroke of the pen.

Then Joe signed the agreement, and promised to give up his habit of soliciting free cigarettes from all and sundry who might be “in or about the premises of the Union Hotel at Sharbot Lake”.

We have not heard of Joe for years and do not know if he is even still alive. But let us hope that he is still living and well. Joe was a good kid and he meant well. But, like so many others, at times he found it difficult not to give in to temptation.

A copy of the original agreement, written on the Union Hotel notepaper accompanies this article. As it is difficult to read, the original unedited text of Joe's contract is set out below:

“I, Joe the Porter, hereby agree that I will not bum, beg, endeavor to procure without compensating remuneration, steal, or illegally acquire any cigarette or cigarettes from any guest, customer, boarder, traveller or transient lady or gentleman who may or may not be at in or about the premises of Union Hotel in Sharbot Lake. I further agree that I will accept one if offered (provided I have none in my possession)

Signed Joe E. The Porter

Saturday, October 13, 1928

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July 11, 1980 #221

Marathon of Hope

by Doreen England and Audrey McWilliams

Terry Fox, the 21-year-old Marathon Runner, of British Columbia, whose right leg was amputated because of cancer, started running April 12th in Newfoundland with a goal of making it back to British Columbia by November, raising funds for Cancer Research

His aim is ONE MILLION DOLLARS and so far he has gone over ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS in pledges.

He arrived in Sharbot Lake, July 3, had dinner and at his own request, a very restful and quiet night at the Sharbot Lake Motor Inn. Periodically, he needs these peaceful times since there have been and will continue to be large receptions for him at pre-arranged designations along his route.

The following morning, Friday, July 4th at 4:00 a.m. he was driven two miles on the other side of Silver Lake and started his run. At 8:00 a.m. he arrived at Black

Lake Motel, had his breakfast and a two hour rest. He continued after his rest to 14 miles this side of Kaladar, where he was met by a group of young people and had his dinner.

On Saturday, July 5th, there was a Bike-A-Thon called "The Ladies Great Ride For Cancer", to support him in his efforts of raising funds.

He has three artificial legs with him for the run and the War Amputees Association will repair or replace limbs damaged en route.

Anyone wishing to support Terry Fox in his fund-raising drive should contact the nearest unit of the Canadian Cancer Society.

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[Periodically the issue of nuclear energy crops in our region, usually when the price of uranium jumps and mining claims are made. Back in September of 1980, a forum on nuclear energy was held in Sharbot Lake.]

(September 5, 1980, #225)

Oso Township Community Hall full to capacity for meeting of uranium mining

It was standing room only on Wednesday evening, August 27th, at the meeting organized by the Lanark-Frontenac Conserver Society, a citizens’ group dedicated to conservation and a clean environment. Chairman for the meeting was Jim King, a member of the Conserver Society and after a brief introduction from him, there was a presentation of an audio-slide show.

This presentation, titled “Nuclear Energy in Ontario, Who Asked Us?”, was produced by a Peterborough based group, the Ontario Public Interest Research Group. These slides focussed on the installations of Ontario Hydro producing nuclear power and dwelt on the problems of disposing of spent fuel safely. We also saw the horrendous piles of dusty tailings which are left at uranium mining sites.

There are millions of tons, an estimated 110 million tons of these fine sandy tailings lying exposed at Elliot Lake. Dangerous materials emitting radiation lead down from these piles into the water table. In the Serpent River there are no fish for 55 miles down stream from the Elliot Lake site. The light sandy material is also spread by the wind.

After the slide show Mr. J. R. Simonett, a former Minister of Energy Resources Management in the Ontario Government, spoke. Mr. Simonett wished to clarify the relationship between the Ontario Government and Ontario Hydro. He emphasized that Hydro

is not a part of the Ontario Government but he said that it is owned by the municipalities. Mr. Simonett stated that the move to nuclear was a result of the people's demand for more power and also of the objections to the pollution of coal and oil generation.

Mr. Ralph Torry then spoke to the meeting. Mr. Torry has been working for several years in British Columbia, where the government has placed a moratorium for seven years on all uranium mining and explorations. This action of the British Columbia government came as a result of the presentation of some one hundred groups of British Columbia citizens, including such strong groups as the Teachers' Federations, Dairy Farmers and Fruit Farmers. The moratorium will stay until there are more answers to crucial questions about the possible wide ranging consequences of uranium mining and exploration.

Mr. Torry pointed out that there are no nuclear reactors in Canada except in Ontario. British Columbia has banned uranium mining and the Maritimes are moving to conservation. Present mining operations provide more than enough uranium for Hydro's requirements. Any further exploration and mining will be strictly for export. The mining companies will sell their product out of Canada with no obligation to clean up the wastes. We, the people, will be stuck with that horrendous problem and expense. Yet Sweden who has a reactor programme as large as Ontario's refuses to mine its own uranium because of the hazards.

Mr. Bill Harvey, who has an interest in the local uranium claims took the platform and assured the audience that before any mining could begin a number of public meetings must be held. It was pointed out, then, that to attend such meetings with……..

[The article seems to be accidentally cut off at the bottom of the page – an error that we still make today.]

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[The recently completed seniors' housing project on Clement Road near Sharbot Lake has faced its share of controversy.

Back in 1984-1985, a proposal for a larger seniors' housing complex in Sharbot Lake was working its way through the approvals process. The result in that case was not positive either for the North Frontenac Not-for-Profit Housing Corporation or seniors looking for housing.

The following report outlines the end game for the project.]

July 1985

Seniors' housing project rejected

“As you are aware the process of selecting a site in the Sharbot Lake area has been a lengthy one. The nature of the available land purchase have led us to some difficult choices.

The search for a site has, we believe, covered every conceivable site in the village. After much soul searching in May of 1984 we approved and decided to move forward with, the development of a lot in Village Woods. We did indeed begin work on the site. At this point a petition against the Village Woods site surfaced. A public meting was called in May 1985 and by a slim margin it was voted that we proceed with the Village Woods site.

Following this public meeting, however, in July 1985 the Ontario Housing Corporation (our project supervisor) ‘pulled the rug from under our feet,’ and decided to turn down this site due to: 1) quantity and quality of water, 2) location of the site, and 3) level of need and demand.

The current Board at this point was feeling rather frustrated in its efforts. The three above mentioned points we felt had been or could be resolved. We decided to correspond with Mr. Alvin Surling, the Minister of Housing. As a result of our letter to him he has decided to intervene.

His ministry is willing to hire an independent consultant to evaluate the site and its related problems. The minister had indicated that if the consultant's report recommends that the project should go ahead on the Village Woods site, he will endeavour to secure the funds in the spring of 1986 for construction to begin.

If, however, the consultant rejects this site then this decision shall be binding as well. The implications then are that the project will not proceed at all in the Sharbot Lake area.

A sub-committee of Marcel Giroux, Frances Smith and Sharman Howes are meeting with three members of the Ontario Housing Corporation to hire the consultant and review his or her report.

You can show your support for this project in a couple of ways. 1) write a letter of support to the North Frontenac Not for Profit Housing Corporation or 2) if you are interested in an apartment in the complex PLEASE make sure your name is on the current list.”

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