Latest / North Shore News / June 4th, 2026

Transcript

June 4th, 2026 · North Shore News

0:07
Welcome to North Shore News and Interviews on
0:10
Amherst Island Radio. Each week we keep you updated
0:14
on newsworthy events, happenings and conversations
0:17
that we've had with people in the local community
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and beyond. Collins Bay Road will be closed at
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the CN rail tracks from 9 a .m. to 3 p .m. daily
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from June 8th to June 10th for pavement repairs.
0:34
The closure will impact Route 10 bus service
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in Loyalist Township. Route 10 will be detoured
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in both directions via Bath Road, Coverdale and
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Bay Ridge. For more information visit Loyalist
0:45
.ca. For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
0:48
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
0:52
News. Loyalist Township has announced they've
1:03
passed 80 % of their fundraising goal for the
1:05
W .J. Henderson revitalization campaign. With
1:08
construction underway, donations continue to
1:10
bring them closer to their $2 million goal. Volunteer
1:13
and donor to the campaign, Jennifer, speaks about
1:16
why she got involved and notes how donations
1:18
can be made. I believe spaces like this foster
1:21
a sense of community. Even though I've only been
1:23
living in Loyalist for a few years, supporting
1:26
this campaign felt like a meaningful way to help
1:28
ensure that everyone in our community will have
1:30
a bright, modern space to connect, stay active,
1:34
and make memories. A gift of $1 ,000 will be
1:37
permanently recognized on our donor wall, creating
1:40
a lasting legacy for you or your family. You
1:44
can also make your donation conveniently in installments
1:47
with automatic payments at the interval of your
1:49
choosing. That's how I contributed to the campaign.
1:53
The Township is preparing to reopen the Barhomes
1:55
Aquatic Center later this summer. The dig and
1:57
dirt atrium is closed to the public until June
1:59
8th. During this time, library access remains
2:01
available. Until then, access to the center is
2:04
provided via the lower level entrance by the
2:06
arena dressing rooms. As the campaign moves towards
2:09
completion, the Township is looking back on the
2:10
past 50 years during which the building has served
2:13
as a gathering place for the community. The Township
2:15
is inviting community members to share moments
2:17
that have shaped the building's history. Those
2:20
stories and memories should be submitted by August
2:22
31st, 2026. All submissions will be entered into
2:26
a free draw to win one free hour of ice time.
2:28
Selected submissions may be featured on digital
2:31
displays inside the center. For Amherst Island
2:33
Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm
2:36
Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist
2:49
Township Council has agreed to a request made
2:51
by the Odessa Agricultural Society to waive fees
2:54
for emergency services at the tractor pole and
2:57
demolition derby during the Odessa Fair taking
3:00
place July 24th to 26th. Secretary and volunteer
3:03
with the society Stephanie Gimo spoke about the
3:06
fair and the increase in costs. The Odessa Fair
3:09
has been a staple of Odessa for 191 years and
3:13
has traditionally relied on emergency fire services
3:17
at no cost us for fair events. This by -law is
3:21
a drastic increase to our budget that we had
3:24
not foreseen. As a non -profit volunteer run
3:27
organization, we do not have the reserve funds
3:30
to cover the substantial cost increase to operate
3:34
these community favourite events at the annual
3:37
fair. Gimo noted the breakdown of costs for emergency
3:40
services. Deputy Chief Grenham stated that the
3:44
Agricultural Society would be required to pay
3:47
for the fire emergency services, for the tractor
3:50
pull and demolition derby at the annual Odessa
3:53
Fair taking place July 24th to 26th. Based on
3:57
the hours, the fire department was required for
4:00
these events in 2025. The cost would be $8 ,472
4:06
.20 for the tractor pull and $3 ,230 .52 for
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the demolition derby, totaling $11 ,000. These
4:19
fees include the MTO's apparatus hourly rate
4:23
and the hourly wage of each firefighter for these
4:26
events. The proceeds from the fair enable the
4:39
Agricultural Society to continue to maintain
4:42
the agricultural grounds and its buildings. The
4:45
grounds offer a park -like setting for the community
4:48
to enjoy, and the large palace building is a
4:50
space for the community to come together. The
4:53
Lions Club prepares the holiday baskets in this
4:55
space, and free events for families such as see
4:58
and learn are held on the fairgrounds. With the
5:01
original staff recommendation being to receive
5:03
the delegation request from the Society, Councilor
5:06
Jake Ennis also added the motion to waive the
5:08
fees. I would move that Council receive the delegation
5:12
request from the Odessa Agricultural Society.
5:15
and to approve the request for waiver of emergency
5:18
services fees. So moved? Do I have a seconder?
5:21
Councillor Buechert. NS noted possible funding
5:23
options for the future. I think it's a long -standing
5:26
event, a community event that we're supporting,
5:29
and I think perhaps if we support it this year,
5:34
the organization could look to the community
5:36
grant funding in the future as a possibility,
5:40
but I think it's a long -standing event that
5:42
we... should continue to support. Councillor
5:44
Mike Budarek spoke about the importance of supporting
5:46
events like the fair in the community. I believe
5:48
too that we should support anything that gets
5:52
people in our community out and such a long standing
5:54
tradition of the Odessa Fair and even the Trackable
5:58
is fantastic. Great crowds and it's great to
6:03
see. people in our community come out and support
6:05
things. Council also asked for a staff report
6:07
to help guide decisions for future events. Councillor
6:10
Paul Proderick noted why they want the report.
6:13
There's no doubt that over the years this has
6:14
been a very valuable, you know, 191 years and
6:17
I think that's why all my grandparents were at
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that fair when they lived in Railton. And as
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we sort of move ahead we want to quantify things
6:25
just so we get an overall picture and a staff
6:27
report looking at that for next year maybe there's
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a Back and forth questions that can be answered,
6:32
such as, you know, do you really need six firefighters
6:34
or whatever? Things like that that can come out
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of a report. For Amherst Island Radio and the
6:39
Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This
6:42
is North Shore News. Loyalist Township will be
6:54
recognizing October 10th, 2026 as National Dental
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Care Day. Council heard from founder of the day,
7:00
Dr. Raj Kanuja, who spoke about the importance
7:02
of improving access to oral health care. Kanuja
7:05
explains how and why he started the initiative.
7:08
National Dental Care Day started from one simple
7:11
moment. Years ago, I met a single mother who
7:15
was living with severe dental pain. She avoided
7:18
treatment because she could not afford it. She
7:21
told me she was saving every dollar she had so
7:24
she could keep a promise to buy used hockey equipment
7:28
for her child. She chose her child over herself.
7:32
That moment stayed with me because dental pain
7:35
is not just about teeth. It affects confidence,
7:39
sleep, work, mental health. and dignity. That
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is why National Dental Care Day was created.
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Kanuja speaks about how the initiative has grown
7:48
and notes numbers from last year. What started
7:51
as one free dental day has now grown into a national
7:56
movement after 13 years of volunteer care. Last
8:00
year alone, 219 Canadians received care across
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the country through volunteer clinics. and professionals.
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National Dental Care Day was proclaimed by 25
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municipalities, three premiers, and two lieutenant
8:15
governors. It was also spoken about in the Senate
8:18
of Canada by Senator Muhammad Iqbal Rawalia and
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entered into the Hansard parliamentary record.
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National Dental Care Day mobilizes volunteer
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dental professionals, students, clinics, educators
8:32
and community partners across Canada to provide
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essential dental care to underserved individuals
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and families without cost, barriers or judgment.
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The initiative emphasizes the importance of oral
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health as an essential component of overall health
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and well -being. Kanuja explains the importance
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of bringing National Dental Care Day to more
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communities. The need for dental care is not
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limited to one city or one region. It exists
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in every community. Dentistry is expensive. and
9:00
not being able to afford care forces many people
9:03
to live in pain, lose teeth, hide their smile
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and lose confidence and dignity. For Amherst
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Island Radio and the Local Journalism Initiative,
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I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore News. Loyalist
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Township welcomes visitors to Doors Open Ontario
9:28
on June 20th. Residents and visitors are invited
9:31
to explore the stories, places, and people that
9:34
helped shape the community. Doors Open Ontario
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takes place Saturday, June 20th from 10 a .m.
9:38
to 4 p .m. As part of the province -wide celebration,
9:41
this free community event offers a unique opportunity
9:44
to discover historic landmarks, cultural spaces,
9:47
museums, churches, farms, galleries, and community
9:51
hubs throughout Loyalist Township. This year's
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event features 20 participating sites across
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Bath, Odessa, Wilton, Amherstview, and Amherst
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Island, each offering visitors a chance to connect
10:00
with the township's heritage through guided tours,
10:03
exhibits, demonstrations, family -friendly activities,
10:06
and behind -the -scenes experiences. Visitors
10:08
can experience everything from heritage architecture
10:11
and local history to art studios, agricultural
10:14
traditions, dry stone walls and live demonstrations.
10:17
Featured activities include meeting rescue animals
10:20
at Second Chance Ranch, exploring hiking trails
10:23
from farm experiences at Topsy Farms, learning
10:25
about basket making at Babcock Mill and tasting
10:28
locally made cheese at the Wilton Cheese Factory.
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Admission is free at all participating sites.
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This year there is also a chance to win one of
10:35
two $100 prizes for anyone who visits five or
10:38
more sites. For event details, maps, and participating
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locations, visit loyalist .ca slash doors open.
10:45
For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
10:48
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
10:51
News. The County of Lenox and Addington has started
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a Schedule C municipal class environmental assessment
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to review and improve key intersections along
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County Road 2. The study will look at options
11:10
to enhance safety, traffic flow, and long -term
11:13
design at the intersections of County Road 1
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and County Road 2, as well as County Road 5 and
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County Road 2. Public information centers where
11:20
residents can learn more and share feedback are
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planned for June and another in late fall. Dates
11:25
and venues will be provided as part of a formal
11:27
notice from the county. Attendees will be invited
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to review the information presented and provide
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feedback, questions and comments that will be
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considered as the study progresses. Once the
11:36
study is complete, an environmental study report
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will be prepared and made available for comment.
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For more information, visit Lennox -Addington
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.on .ca. For Amherst Island Radio and the Local
11:47
Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is
11:51
North Shore News. Community members in Loyalist
12:01
Township have come forward with a petition for
12:03
council to reconsider the closing of the Leisure
12:06
and Activity Center in Amherstville. In April,
12:08
staff met with a working committee made up of
12:10
residents who were looking to preserve services
12:12
at the center. During this meeting, staff received
12:14
the petition consisting of over 1 ,500 signatures.
12:17
After receiving the petition, staff received
12:19
a request from a member of council to add the
12:21
petition to their latest agenda. Council originally
12:23
approved a staff recommendation to formally close
12:25
the center as a direct programming space on August
12:28
1, 2026. This came after a close three to two
12:31
vote. Residents who use the space regularly have
12:34
brought concerns to council including the size
12:36
of the new space, privacy and the costs associated.
12:39
The matter will come before council again at
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their June 9th meeting. Loyalist Township resident
12:43
Lorna Thorne explained the petition and noted
12:46
the response from the community. We have collected
12:48
over 1 ,500 signatures for residents in Amherstview,
12:52
Odessa and Bath and the rural areas. Our petition
12:55
states that we would like Council to take the
12:57
necessary steps to make a reversal of the 3 -2
13:01
vote taken on March 10th regarding the decision
13:04
to close the lack and move existing programs
13:06
to the Henderson Community Centre. Going door
13:10
-to -door was a new experience and daunting for
13:12
many of us. We were overwhelmed with the positive
13:15
response we received from the constituents of
13:18
Loyalist Township. Resident of Loyalist Township
13:21
and former recreation director Cindy Lawson speaks
13:24
about the need for the centre. Following my retirement
13:26
in 2013, the space was renovated and since then
13:30
people of all ages have been enjoying a great
13:32
variety of programs. Disappointment is an understatement.
13:36
When I learned on March 10th, a staff report
13:38
recommended the closure of the Leisure and Activity
13:40
Centre and council approved it. I cannot understand
13:43
how a facility that took over 25 years to acquire
13:46
is no longer needed. This community is growing.
13:50
We currently have a space that serves us well.
13:52
Now is not the time to give it up, as we all
13:54
know to replace it is not in the foreseeable
13:57
future. Loyalist Township resident Barbara Usman
14:00
-Goldhar notes the importance of spaces like
14:02
the Leisure and Activity Centre within a community.
14:04
As a widow recovering from illness, I look to
14:08
find a centre where I could begin my healing
14:12
process. Being a retired physiotherapist with
14:15
35 years experience and rehabilitation, I knew
14:19
the benefits of exercise. I looked for an exercise
14:22
center and found the lack, just five minutes
14:25
from my home. I realized quickly that this was
14:28
the place that I needed. As I joined the exercise
14:31
classes, I found an energetic group of like -minded
14:35
people who were exercising to keep fit. For example,
14:38
to maintain diabetic control. blood pressure,
14:42
and weight gain, prevent aging complications
14:45
such as osteoporosis and dementia, and recover
14:48
from serious health issues. Morning classes with
14:51
instructors who educate and model are particularly
14:55
helpful as they establish routines, prevent stiffness,
14:59
and improve energy and mental clarity. The LAC
15:02
offers a cohesive center where participants get
15:05
to know each other, find support, and have fun.
15:08
Large, safe, and well -designed exercise centers
15:11
like the LAC are essential to accommodate group
15:14
classes effectively. It is vital to create a
15:17
community where people can live healthier, longer,
15:20
and more connected lives. Another resident, Carla
15:23
Rogers, explains the concerns residents have
15:25
brought to Council. We have provided Council
15:27
and staff with the petition. several documents
15:31
and photos explaining the opposition to the concept
15:34
of moving the fitness programs to a room that
15:36
is half the size with low ceilings, epoxy flooring,
15:41
and as well as the downfalls of reducing class
15:43
sizes and spreading them throughout the day.
15:45
We have explained the shortcomings of the proposed
15:47
room for the purpose of the children's programs
15:50
due to the lack of cooking facilities and the
15:52
reduced space. Community recreation facilities
15:55
are not just line items. They are infrastructure
15:59
that support health, connection and equality
16:02
of life in our township. Councillor Jake Ennis
16:04
spoke about the potential reconsideration at
16:06
their June 9th meeting. I think residents have
16:09
been very clear about their concerns. I think
16:13
they've been very clear that they don't want
16:15
to see a reduction in service. Sympathetic to
16:20
those concerns. I think it's a... positive step
16:24
that staff are looking at alternatives. And I
16:27
think it's important for us to consider those
16:31
alternatives and for the public to consider those
16:34
alternatives in addition to a potential reconsideration
16:39
in June. Councillor Carol Park spoke about the
16:42
original decision and coming back to council
16:44
in June. I believe that council made the wrong
16:48
decision. That's my personal opinion. as a swing
16:52
vote that was part of that meeting, I do take
16:54
responsibility for that. So I do support this
16:57
motion and I look forward to this coming back
16:59
before council in June so that we can revisit
17:02
this. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townhoun spoke about
17:04
council's role in decision making and the importance
17:06
of municipal politics. We're elected to be decision
17:09
makers that make decisions based on... all of
17:13
the available information and have that be transparent
17:16
to the public. And so, you know, from that point
17:19
of principle, we're principally hamstrung until
17:23
June 9th. And maybe council's decision will be
17:26
to reconsider and to maintain status quo. I won't
17:30
comment on what that will be. That could be.
17:34
But the point is council needs all the information
17:37
available and the public needs that information.
17:39
Municipal politics is incredibly important. It's
17:42
the level of government closest to the public
17:44
and that's never more evident than a chambers
17:49
full of people concerned about what's happening
17:52
in their community and regardless of where anybody
17:54
stands on an individual issue, that's incredibly
17:57
important. For Amherst Island Radio and the Local
18:00
Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is
18:03
North Shore News. Construction of the new pump
18:14
track at Loyalist Park in Amherstview has begun.
18:17
The expected completion date is July 30th. Thanks
18:20
to a confidential donation of $500 ,000, the
18:23
construction of the pump track will not impact
18:25
the Township's budget. It will be developed at
18:27
no cost to Loyalist Township other than staff
18:30
time to oversee it. The entire project, including
18:33
the skate park, is estimated to cost approximately
18:35
$1 million and is being completed in two phases.
18:38
Phase 1 is the construction of the pump track,
18:41
including a skate bowl, while Phase 2 will include
18:44
the completion of the remaining skate park features,
18:46
subject to securing additional funding. Council
18:49
heard a presentation in June of 2025 from New
18:52
Line Skateparks, an engineering firm with expertise
18:55
in skate park construction. Now with approval,
18:57
the company is beginning construction. A public
18:59
consultation process is currently taking place
19:01
on the Township's website. Vice President and
19:04
Director of Business Development with New Line
19:06
Skateparks Trevor Morgan spoke about the benefits
19:09
of the skateparks and pump tracks they build
19:10
and the one they're looking to build in Loyalist
19:13
Township. Very integrated, green space, connections
19:17
to pathways, colour, texture, art installations
19:21
that can be very exciting to Put a signature,
19:25
I guess, of the community within the architecture
19:27
of the park, even through different lighting
19:29
schemes, if that's something that's desired,
19:31
and then accessibility. You're likely to have
19:33
folks from the adaptive community who would like
19:35
to ride this park. So yeah, every park has its
19:38
story and we hope there's a story to be told
19:40
here for the Township. Morgan noted the potential
19:43
boost in tourism the facility could bring. A
19:46
network of these parks are being created in communities
19:49
across Canada and across Ontario and There's
19:52
a large population that will want to experience
19:55
each different unique park and communities and
19:57
they'll purposely travel around, stop in these
20:00
communities, visit, spend money at local businesses,
20:03
maybe even spend a night. I know when I was 12
20:05
years old on the family trip and I was an avid
20:08
skateboarder, I could be very influential to
20:10
spend an extra night in the community if they
20:12
had that one skate park. Morgan spoke about the
20:14
potential of events at the facility as well.
20:17
You're likely to have user groups and community
20:20
groups that will say, hey, we would love to have
20:22
some some level of organized events there that
20:24
could be lessons nights some community -based
20:28
contests and so forth and so we really try to
20:31
design a modern park with that in mind. Councillor
20:35
Paul Proderick spoke about neighboring communities
20:37
and their skate parks as well as what a new one
20:40
in Amherstview could do for the community. I
20:42
think the closest one to us is Napanee and then
20:45
you go to Picton's got a great site but again
20:47
it's it's probably 20 years old now I think it
20:51
becomes a hub. for gathering and it fits into
20:54
the master recreation plan. Also an opportunity
20:58
to add something to the community and I think
21:00
we haven't had a recreational facility addition
21:04
in well over I'm going to say 40 years and again
21:07
it's just through the leadership of a community
21:10
member who wishes to help out in times where
21:14
we don't have a lot of money to do a lot of things
21:16
that we'd like to do. Councillor Jake Ennis spoke
21:18
about the donation and choice of the donor. It's
21:21
a very generous donation. They're very appreciative
21:24
for the donation and I think the donor is chosen
21:30
well. It's an amenity that focuses on youth and
21:34
one that I think will be very well used. Deputy
21:37
Mayor Nathan Townand showed his appreciation
21:39
towards the donor as well as what the project
21:41
will do for youth in the area. It's incredibly
21:44
generous and provides an amazing opportunity
21:48
for us and to appreciate the particular kinds
21:52
of youth that something like this can engage
21:55
based on the whole lifestyle and culture that
21:57
goes with it. Not one I claim to understand.
21:59
I think it's not just youth engagement writ large
22:05
in some sort of big broad context. This is something
22:08
quite specific that I think will cater to members
22:11
in our community that otherwise don't have a
22:14
facility like this. I do go by the one in Napanee
22:20
quite regularly and it is a gathering place.
22:23
You see all sorts of demographics and ages and
22:26
different usage of it so I fully support this.
22:30
Mayor Jim Hagedorn spoke about the progress in
22:32
access to skateboarding facilities and shared
22:34
a story from his youth. I was in my teens on
22:37
probably a $10 skateboard trying to go down the
22:41
largest hill where I lived at the time called
22:43
Big Hill and with blind corners. It's come a
22:46
long way. When I was young, I've actually seen
22:49
some of the like may dock, they have a nice one
22:52
there. I remember when they were building the
22:56
first phase. And I was kind of like, what is
22:58
going on in there? And now to see it now, it's
23:02
been developed into the whole park is basically
23:05
devoted to this now. And it's packed all the
23:08
time. It is something that is what I believe
23:11
will be well used. And this is a Great opportunity,
23:15
I think, for Lilas Township to be able to provide
23:17
another amenity new to the community that will
23:21
be used, very well used, I believe, for an extended
23:24
period of time. For Amherst Island Radio and
23:27
the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted Evans.
23:30
This is North Shore News. Loyalist Township Council
23:42
pre -approved $900 ,000 in the 2027 capital budget
23:46
for the purchase of a new tanker for the Amherstview
23:48
Fire Station. They will also use nearly $85 ,000
23:51
from the 2026 capital budget for the down payment.
23:55
Council had already approved the purchase of
23:56
a new tanker for the Amherst Island Fire Station
23:58
in the 2026 capital budget and were informed
24:01
the tanker in Amherstview has reached the end
24:03
of its useful life. With fire apparatus costs
24:06
continuing to rise each year, staff noted that
24:08
delaying the purchase would see an increase of
24:10
at least $125 fire chief Kent Reedman s of getting
24:16
pre approval. incurred this year. No ad this
24:21
year by the township 25 ,000 plus in next year's
24:31
budget if we can do it this spring, as opposed
24:35
to waiting eight months. There's some significant
24:38
price increases coming down the pipe here, and
24:41
we're just trying to get ahead of it. Councilor
24:43
Mike Bodereck noted the importance of trying
24:45
to save money. I just appreciate that the chief's
24:48
trying to get ahead of this and save us a little
24:49
money, so it's always appreciated with how tight
24:52
times are these days. Councilor Paul Proderick
24:54
showed his support for the pre -approval. A hundred
24:56
thousand is a good savings and given the experiences
25:00
of the last few months. The value of our emergency
25:04
services cannot be measured in dollars and move
25:06
ahead with this as soon as possible. The emergency
25:09
services department looks to order the same tanker
25:11
that was ordered for Amherst Island and remain
25:13
consistent with their fleet for the next 20 to
25:15
25 years. The two old tankers will be sold and
25:18
are expected to generate nearly $75 ,000. This
25:22
will be applied to the fleet reserve for future
25:24
apparatus purchases. For Amherst Island Radio
25:27
and the Local Journalism Initiative, I'm Ted
25:29
Evans. This is North Shore news. The Bath Museum
25:41
and Visitor Center are welcoming the community
25:43
back this spring for another season of Culture
25:45
Talks, a speaker series celebrating history,
25:48
heritage, and storytelling. Hosted at the museum,
25:50
the series brings together local historians,
25:52
musicians, and researchers who share unique perspectives
25:55
on the region's history. Held on the third Monday
25:57
of the month from 6 to 7 p .m., Culture Talks
26:00
offer an opportunity to explore fascinating cultural
26:02
topics in an intimate setting. Tickets are $5
26:05
per person and seating is limited. June 22nd,
26:08
local historian Lloyd Tarian will deliver an
26:10
illustrated talk examining the opening years
26:12
of the War of 1812. Tarrion explores the Alliance's
26:16
personalities and decisions that shaped the conflict's
26:18
early course. His presentation provides insight
26:20
into how British, Canadian militia and First
26:23
Nations forces defended Upper Canada during a
26:25
pivotal period. Culture Talks take place at the
26:28
Bath Museum located at 434 Main Street in Bath.
26:31
Tickets for each talk can be purchased online.
26:33
For more information about Culture Talks and
26:35
other upcoming programs, visit Loyalist .ca.
26:39
For Amherst Island Radio and the Local Journalism
26:42
Initiative, I'm Ted Evans. This is North Shore
26:45
News. This has been North Shore News and Interviews.
26:51
If you have an idea for a story or want to create
26:54
stories for the show, consider joining our volunteer
26:57
team. Contact Amherst Island Radio for more details.