Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville - Hometown News November 2025

Perth - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign continued its strong run this weekend with major collections in Lanark and Perth, bringing the two-week total to 81,354 lb of food and $18,984 in cash donations.

Week 2 took place Saturday, Nov. 15, in support of the Lanark Highlands Food Pantry and the Perth Good Food Bank. Campaign organizer Jim Wright said the day saw excellent turnout.

Wright described it as another “very good day” for the campaign, which visits 11 communities across Lanark and Leeds Grenville.

In Lanark, volunteers collected 3,600 lb of food and $3,350, which included $2,500 from the Lanark Civitan Club.

This year brings new leadership at the Perth Good Food Bank. Amica Hewitt is the new coordinator, and Rob Rainer has joined as executive director of The Table Community Food Centre.

“Everyone’s been telling me to get prepped for Build a Mountain,” Hewitt told Wright during a video interview. “The number of heart-warming conversations … I’m blown away.”

When hearing Perth’s totals, Rainer said the results “say everything” about the small community.

“One of the nice things

about living in a small town, it’s relatively easy to meet people and make connections,” he said. “We all know people in our circles who are struggling. Having those connections is a big reason why those people are so generous.”

Rainer said food insecurity can feel less anonymous in a rural area.

“Since I’ve been here the past four or five months, I’ve been astonished at the amount of goodwill that there is toward The Table,” he said.

A drive like Build a Mountain helps the centre increase its capacity at this time of year.

“It’s very humbling to see this incredible support … we are extremely fortunate to have the community that we do,” Rainer said.

Hewitt said the Perth blitz had about 60 volunteers and the day would not have been possible without them.

Grocery store owners in Perth received strong praise for their support, including Barnabe’s Your Independent Grocer, Metro, Foodsmiths and Giant Tiger.

Perth’s totals were boosted by several major contributions:

• Matthew Barnabe of

Barnabe’s Your Independent Grocer pledged 35,000 lb of food.

• Gord Jones of Giant Tiger pledged 20,000 lb.

• Metro matched donations from all locations up to $7,500.

• Metro’s annual threeminute Shopping Cart Race brought in $8,053.28 in food, led by Perth Blue Wings players and Metro staff.

• Foodsmiths donated two pallets of food along with customer contributions.

Wright said stores will continue to sell prepackaged donation bags through the week.

“A lot of things have changed over the past 19 years,” he said. “But the one

thing that stays constant is the support that we get.” Smiths Falls next

The campaign moves to Smiths Falls on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will be stationed at Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer, Food Basics, the Garden Market and Giant Tiger in support of the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank.

Remaining 2025 blitz dates Saturday, Nov. 29

Elgin

9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gordanier Freshmart. In support of the Elgin Food Bank.

Westport

12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Kudrinko’s. In support of the Westport Food Bank. Saturday, Dec. 6

Portland

9 a.m. to 12 p.m., LCBO and RBC. In support of the Portland Food Bank.

Merrickville

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Merrickville Food Market. In support of the Merrickville Lions Club Christmas Food Hamper Campaign. Saturday, Dec. 13

Athens

9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Athens Fresh Market. In support of the Athens Food Bank.

Delta

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Delta Country Market. In support of the Delta Food Bank.

Page Two

Human remains identified as missing Smiths Falls man Robbie Thomson

3 charged with first degree murder

SMITHS FALLS - STAFF editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Human remains found on a rural property northeast of Smiths Falls have been identified as those of Robbie Thomson, the Smiths Falls resident who was reported missing in October 2023.

Ontario Provincial Police confirmed the identification on Nov. 5, following a post-mortem examination. The remains were discovered on Oct. 30 when officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Kelly Jordan Road in Montague Township. Thomson, 35, was last seen in the Smiths Falls area in mid-October 2023 and was reported missing shortly

thereafter. Police described him at the time as about six feet two inches tall, medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes. Investigators determined earlier that he was the victim of a homicide.

On Oct. 29, police arrested three people in connection with his disappearance and death:

• Christopher Fenton, 48, Montague Township

• Erin Mackie, 40, Montague Township

• Joshua Belfiori, 34, Kingston

All three are charged with first degree murder under section 235(1) of the Criminal Code. They remain in custody. A second court appearance was set for Nov. 5.

Investigation continues

The Lanark County

OPP, Smiths Falls Police Service, OPP Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service continue to search the property. Police say the scene will remain active for some time.

Residents on Kelly Jordan Road saw a heavy police presence, but police said there was no risk to public safety.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to call the dedicated OPP tip line at 1-855-677-4636. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Carleton Place opens budget talks with proposed 3% increase

CARLETON PLACE - HEDDY SOROUR

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Carleton Place council opened its first round of 2026 budget talks last week with a proposed three per cent tax rate increase and a capital plan shaped by major water, wastewater and facility projects tied to growth and aging infrastructure.

Treasurer Trisa McConkey presented the initial financial summary on Nov. 13, outlining a draft levy of $17.3 million.

“We are estimating growth around two per cent, about $320,000,” she said. “The proposed budget as it sits at the moment would need a three per cent tax rate increase, which would bring us in almost $500,000.”

McConkey said sever-

al departments are facing increases linked to service contracts, wages and legislated requirements. Department heads will present detailed requests as deliberations continue next week.

Significant 2026 cost increases include:

• Garbage collection and landfill fees, up $170,000

• Aquatics contract, up $184,000

• Affordable housing and heritage grants, rising to nearly $500,000, offset by the Housing Accessibility Fund

• Professional training and contracted services, $50,000

• A 2.5 per cent cost-ofliving increase for staff and council, totalling $169,000

• OCIF funding reduction for roads, down $82,344

• New staffing proposals,

$146,000 pending approval

• Benefit enhancements, $55,100 pending approval

One long-term debt payment wraps up this year, lowering expenses by $30,000. The 2026 OPP policing estimate has not been released; McConkey has included a seven per cent increase as a placeholder, though the maximum possible rise is 11 per cent. Last year’s policing grant surplus has been set aside to help offset that cost.

A payment to Beckwith Township for previously annexed lands is expected to rise by about $65,000.

The cumulative tax impact from recommended changes sits at $19,305, with more adjustments expected.

Major capital projects proposed for 2026

The draft capital plan totals $152.6 million, led by two major infrastructure projects: a $73-million ex-

pansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and a $40-million expansion of the Water Treatment Plant. Other major capital items include:

• OPP detachment design, $4.85 million

• Pool building code repairs, $3.78 million, requiring a 12- to 14-month closure if approved

• Public Works Yard construction, $3 million, plus $300,000 for design

• New O’Donovan Park, $450,000 Proposed recreation and community upgrades include:

• Riverside Park playground replacement, $150,000

• Riverside Park splashpad repairs, $175,000

• Johnson Street playground renewal, $75,000

• Kinder Yard AODA retrofit, $200,000

• Library accessibility upgrades, $40,000

• LED streetlight upgrades, $150,000 Arena lifecycle work includes roof coatings, refrigeration control panels, HVAC improvements and a scoreboard replacement. Other smaller projects address sidewalk repairs, park amenities, software upgrades, equipment replacement, record digitization and accessibility improvements.

How much residents would pay

Carleton Place continues to have one of the lowest residential tax rates in the region. McConkey said that even with a three per cent increase, 2026 rates would remain below the 2025 levels of other comparable municipalities, except Ottawa.

Property assessments remain frozen at 2016 levels. The median home in Carleton Place is assessed at $295,000.

A three per cent increase would add $23.73 per

$100,000 of assessment, or about $72 per year for the median home. Next steps in the budget process Department managers will continue presenting operating and capital requests this week. Items requiring more time will be set aside for further discussion at a second day of deliberations. Provincial legislation requires that mayors with strong-mayor powers have the option to veto council-approved budget amendments within 10 days. McConkey told council that Mayor Toby Randell has repeatedly said he does not intend to exercise those powers and will follow the town’s traditional collaborative process. If no veto is issued, the budget is adopted immediately. If a veto is used, council may override it with five of seven votes. The budget will be adopted no later than Dec. 6.

news

Carleton Place outlines major water and wastewater projects for 2026

CARLETON PLACE - HEDDY SOROUR editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Carleton Place is preparing for another significant year of investment in its water and wastewater systems, with major pumping-station work, treatment-plant expansions and rising chemical costs shaping the 2026 water and sewer budget.

Public Works Director Guy Bourgon presented the details to council on Nov. 13 during the first round of budget deliberations.

Bourgon said several capital projects are already underway and will continue into 2026.

One of the larger items is the replacement of a problematic watermain.

“We will be replacing a watermain on Napoleon Street,” he said. “One block of watermains between Wilson and Woodbridge is problematic for us.”

Rehabilitation work at the Findlay Avenue, Princess Street and Industrial Avenue pumping stations is ongoing, with completion expected by the end of February.

Smaller rehabilitation work also continues at the Carlgate, Westview Heights and Mississippi Keys pumping stations. Ladder and hatch replacement at those stations is being retendered after OCWA was dissatisfied with the initial bids.

Treatment plant expansions continue through 2028

The largest ongoing projects remain the reconstruction and expansion of the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The work is contracted through ASCO under a $123-million agreement before contingency, utilities and contract administration.

Bourgon said most major work at the wastewater

plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with commissioning to follow. The water plant work extends into spring 2028, with commissioning possibly continuing into 2029.

“The treatment plant expansions are ongoing,” he said.

He noted that estimating 2026 spending remains difficult due to delivery schedules for major equipment.

“It’s just hard to estimate right now just how much we will be spending next year,” he said. “We took a guess at it, and that’s what we carried forward in the budget.”

New equipment and annual maintenance

Lifecycle maintenance at both plants will continue in 2026.

“Plant major maintenance… between both plants, that’s $400,000,” Bourgon said.

Public Works is also requesting a hydraulic guillotine, a tool used to make clean, square cuts on underground pipe.

“It gives you a perfectly clean, square cut quickly,” Bourgon said. “It removes any risk of injury to the operators.”

Operational pressures driven by chemical costs

Chemical costs at both treatment plants continue to rise and remain the largest operational pressure in the 2026 water and sewer budget.

“We have an $81,000 increase at the Water Treatment Plant, and that is due to the continuing higher chemical costs,” Bourgon said.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is seeing a similar increase.

“They raise them every year, and it seems to be out of control lately,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Tennent noted the complexity of the ongoing work.

“I’m so glad that we have people who can do this for us,” she said. “Just to wrap your head around the scope of this project … it’s massive.”

Coun. Linda Seccaspina said residents often ask why the projects are so costly.

“Number one complaint I get: why do we need this water plant and why is it so expensive?”

Bourgon said delaying or spreading the work over multiple contracts would have made the projects more expensive.

“Piecemealing things … would be exorbitant,” he said. “If you do it in piecemeal fashion, you’re going to be probably looking at a 50 per cent increase in the price.”

Mayor Toby Randell also commented on the scale of the work.

“These are massive, massive undertakings,” Randell said. “As a layperson, I appreciate it.”

Arrest made in 2023 Elizabethtown-Kitley homicide

REGIONAL - STAFF

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Ontario Provincial Police have charged a Smiths Falls man with first degree murder following a death investigation that began more than two years ago.

Officers from the Leeds County detachment were called to a home in the Toledo area on July 31, 2023, just after 7 a.m. When they arrived, they found 66-year-old Giles Dagenais dead inside the residence.

After what police described as an extensive and lengthy investigation, Ronald Gough, 58, of Smiths Falls, was arrested on Nov. 6, 2025. He is charged with first degree murder under section 231 of the Criminal Code.

Gough was remanded into custody following a bail hearing. He is sched-

uled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville on Nov. 25.

Detective Inspector Jocelyn Sauve of the Criminal Investigation Branch said investigators pursued every lead.

“The investigative team showed outstanding dedication and determination in pursuing every lead to bring clarity to a case that has deeply affected the community,” she said. “The tireless efforts of the team, including our OPP support units and the Smiths Falls Police Service, led to identifying and arresting an individual in connection with this tragic crime.

The case is being handled by the Leeds County OPP Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch.

The Smiths Falls Police Service assisted with the investigation, along with the Office of the Chief Coroner, the Forensic Pathology Service and OPP Forensic Identification Services.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Sauve added, “We are sincerely grateful for the public’s support and the valuable information they provided throughout the investigation.”

Rideau Lakes council seeks closeout report on Fire Station 2 build

REGIONAL - Laurie Weir editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Rideau Lakes council has directed staff to prepare a full close-out report on the new Fire Station 2 after confirming the document presented on Nov. 10 was not a complete accounting of the project and did not include all costs.

The report was produced after resident Judy Rogers submitted a letter to council on June 6 requesting a breakdown of project expenses, including land purchase, construction, temporary facilities, borrowing and insurance proceeds.

Council directed staff on June 23 to respond to Rogers’ questions. A written report was prepared by Fire Chief and Manager of Community Protection Gene Richardson and included on the Nov. 10 committee of the whole agenda.

The report lists several costs:

• $1.88 million, construction contract (including HST)

• $180,000, land purchase

• $41,886, environmental consultant report

• $86,600 plus HST architectural design and construction administration

• $341,930 plus HST, temporary fire hall at the

landfill site

• $50,000, township buyback of temporary structure for storage

• $134,744.50, paving

• $3,595 plus HST cedar trees

Insurance proceeds related to the loss of the original Portland fire hall totaled $786,360.89.

The township financed the project with a $985,000 debenture over 10 years at an interest rate of 3.87 per cent. The land purchase was funded with $140,000 from the Development Reserve and $60,000 from the Working Fund Reserve.

The township’s approved 2024 capital budget lists $1.8 million for a new fire station, noting that the township expected approximately $790,000 in insurance proceeds. Based on the costs in the staff report, total spending on the project is approximately $2.7 million.

Chief Administrative Officer Shellee Fournier told council the document was only a response to Rogers’ letter, not a full financial close-out report. Fournier said four staff members involved in the original project are no longer employed by the township, and new staff assembled informa-

tion from archived files and minutes.

Coun. Sue Dunfield told council she has received multiple inquiries from residents seeking more detail, including soft costs and operational charges.

“There are still a lot of grey areas that have not been answered,” Dunfield said.

Coun. Paula Banks supported gathering more detail, noting that residents continue to ask her questions, as well.

The original motion referred to the document as a close-out report, but after discussion, councillors amended the motion to acknowledge it as a response to Rogers’ letter.

Clerk Mary-Ellen Truelove suggested that the matter returns on Nov. 24 to a closed session, where council may consider producing a full report and whether to release closed-session material.

Fournier advised council that closed-session records could be released if council votes to do so.

Council acknowledged the report as it pertained to the questions asked by Rogers, removing the term “close-out report,” which will come to a future meeting.

community

Perth pushes to reclaim shuttered Algonquin campus as heritage trades school

PERTH - HEDDY SOROUR editorial@pdgmedia.ca

The former Algonquin College Perth Campus was once a unique institution dedicated to hands-on heritage trades education. The site included a masonry shop, joinery shop, outdoor construction pad, timber and log-building areas, and laboratories for mortar science. No other training facility in Canada offered the same combination of spaces and equipment.

“There is no other facility in Canada like that for the purpose of simply teaching this stuff,” said Christopher Hahn, former dean of Algonquin College and of the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence.

For Hahn, saving the campus is about more than protecting a local asset.

“This country needs people to preserve what we have. We need people who understand the built environment to keep it standing,” he said.

Toby Shannan, former Chief Operating Officer of Shopify and a Perth resident, has submitted a bid to purchase the campus. His plan is to transform it into a private, not-forprofit institution: the Perth Academy of Building Arts and Sciences.

“All of the [Algonquin College] curricula was developed in Perth, by Perthites, long-standing craftspeople who had a tradition of working with stone and timber,” said

Shannan. “It is not as portable as people think. My moral claim is this deserves to stay in Perth, doing the same thing it has done. And I am willing to backstop that.”

Shannan has been meeting with the Town of Perth, local residents, provincial officials and industry leaders.

“The good news is I think Queen’s Park is starting to entertain our vision a bit,” he said, adding that Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, has shown interest.

Cathy McNally, Director of Community Services for the Town of Perth and a former faculty member at the campus, said the school played an important role in the community.

“I taught at the College for 10 years and value what post-secondary education brings to a rural community. I am speaking as an individual who is invested in the quality of life for our residents,” McNally said.

Shannan said that while private tuition would likely be higher, accessibility would remain a priority.

“I would want everyone to graduate either debt free, or we could build a fund for students,” he said. “Instead of borrowing from OSAP, though you could, you would borrow from our fund. If you have not met a certain salary floor after graduation, you would not have to pay the loan back. If you are making less than

we expect, we assume that is partially our fault.”

The campus is listed for sale through CBRE Canada. The listing suggests about seven acres of the 12.34-acre site are developable. However, mapping from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority indicates much of the property sits within a one-in-100year flood plain.

“Development is not permitted within the one in 100 year flood plain and can only be considered if it is limited to those uses that must locate there, such as flood or erosion control works, minor additions to existing development or passive non structural uses that do not affect flood flows,” said Diane Downey, Director of Communications and Outreach for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

MPP John Jordan said the province recognizes the campus’s importance.

“The disposal of the college campus is under the purview of the Algonquin College Board of Governors,” Jordan told Hometown News. “While it should be acknowledged that Algonquin College has listed the Perth Campus property for sale, the province has communicated a clear mandate in support of training for skilled trades opportunities.”

Jordan said he will continue discussions at Queen’s Park to ensure every option for the campus’s future is examined.

Carleton Place eyes major park upgrades in 2026 budget draft

Carleton Place - Heddy Sorour

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Carleton Place council received its first look at proposed 2026 parks and recreation spending last week, with upgrades planned across several well-used community spaces and a continued focus on accessibility and aging infrastructure.

Recreation and Culture Manager Joanne Henderson opened her presentation, on Nov. 13, by highlighting the extra work completed in 2025, above regular operations. That included new Canada flag banners on Bridge Street, updated swings at Giles Park, accessible benches on Coleman Street and McNeely Avenue, refreshed washrooms at Market

Square, and trail work under the McNeely Bridge.

Major upgrades planned at Civitan Athletic Park

One of the department’s biggest requests centres on Civitan Athletic Park, where all three baseball diamonds have seen rising demand as Little League continues to grow.

Henderson said usage now stretches seven days a week, with regular-season games taking place on weekends that once hosted tournaments only.

“These diamonds are getting used seven days a week,” she said. “They’re getting well used and they need to be upgraded.”

A retaining wall is proposed along the Princess Street side of the park to stabilize the backstop and

prevent erosion.

“The ground is deteriorating,” Henderson told council. “We need a retaining wall so that we don’t lose the diamond into Princess Street.”

Little League hopes to bid on a provincial tournament for 2026, and Henderson said visiting teams consistently comment on the quality of the facilities.

Splash pad repairs under review

The original underground piping at the Riverside Park splash pad has failed. The first phase of the splash pad was installed in 2001, with later additions in 2007 and 2017.

“It needs to be replaced or decommissioned,” Henderson said. Staff are asking for $175,000 and will also ex-

amine whether replacing the failed section is the best longterm option for the park.

Johnston Street Park play structure overdue for replacement

Johnston Street Park is the last town playground, aside from Riverside, that has not been upgraded for accessibility. The structure has reached the end of its life cycle.

“We’re asking for $75,000 … to upgrade this play structure and make it AODA compliant,” Henderson said.

Tractor and floor scrubber at end of life

A tractor previously denied in the 2025 budget remains a priority.

“Our current tractor has significant mechanical issues,” Henderson said. “We’ve been renting equipment for a year now.”

The arena’s floor scrubber also needs to be replaced after repeated repairs.

Boom lift could reduce rentals and improve safety

An articulating boom lift is proposed to support maintenance and seasonal work, including banner installation and basket hanging on Bridge Street.

“When we rent the machine … it’s at least $1,200 a time,” Henderson said. She added that in-house access to a lift would provide safer working conditions than ladders and reduce rental costs over time.

Outdoor rink fencing at Carleton Junction

Additional fencing is recommended around the outdoor rink at Carleton

Junction. The current end-only configuration hasn’t stopped pucks from striking nearby OPP and fire vehicles.

“We feel it could be a hazard,” Henderson said, adding the $20,000 request would be funded through development charges.

Shade sails and downtown dock repairs

Several outdoor amenities also need attention:

• Town Hall Square shade sails, purchased in 2012, have stretched beyond use. Replacement is proposed at $15,000.

• Downtown docks require lifecycle repairs.

“There are multiple floats that are damaged,” Henderson said, noting the docks support boating traffic and tourism.

• Two shade sails are also proposed for the Carambeck Splash Pad to improve sun protection for children using the space.

Mississippi River Gathering Place/Misi Zibi Mamidosewin

The Mississippi River Gathering Place/ Misi Zibi Mamidosewin project is carried over from 2025. With changes to the project scope, the town hopes to install four directional statues as part of the site’s cultural and ceremonial purpose. Henderson said donations are being collected to support the work.

Additional power at Carleton Junction

As event demand grows,

staff are recommending upgraded power access at Carleton Junction.

“We’re looking to install additional power supplies … rather than run generators,” Henderson said. The $10,000 request would come from development charges.

2025 carry-forwards

Several existing projects will return in 2026, including:

• Roof upgrades at the Civitan canteen building, now being reconsidered for expansion with support from Mississippi Little League.

• Centennial Park study work.

• Water testing at Centennial Park beach, potentially through an Ontario Health pilot that can trace the source of E. coli contamination. Delayed work on the Flegg Street multi-use pathway and the pump track project, both awaiting contractors.

Residents request outdoor rink in Miller’s Crossing A group of residents in Miller’s Crossing hopes to install an outdoor rink this winter. The volunteer group is ready to maintain it, but the park requires a water service connection.

“The approximate cost to install it is about $5,000,” Henderson said. Because frost is imminent, council noted the timing is tight. The item will come up at the next committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, for further review. Council will continue 2026 budget deliberations on Nov. 20.

Perth firefighters earn international rankings in Dallas

PERTH - HEDDY SOROUR

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

Competing against more than 350 elite firefighters from 22 countries, Perth Fire Chief Trevor Choffe and firefighter Jeff Dean brought international recognition to their hometown at the recent World Firefighter Challenge in Dallas, Texas.

Dean placed ninth in the world in his age category during the gruelling timed event that simulates the physical demands of firefighting while wearing full gear. He finished only 0.86 seconds behind the seventh-place competitor, marking his best result to date.

This was Dean’s third appearance at the World Championships, and each year he has climbed higher in the rankings.

“They call it the toughest two minutes in sports, and it’s no joke,” said Dean.

For Choffe, this was a debut year. He delivered a strong first showing and captured bronze in the Fire

Chief category.

“It’s a unique way to test your fitness,” said Choffe. “It was a lot of fun and definitely hard.”

The journey to Dallas started in 2023 when Choffe posted a simple motivational sheet in the Perth firehall titled “How to Excel as a Perth Firefighter.”

“He put up this values poster, and it really hit me,” said Dean. “At 45, I wasn’t physically fit for the job. I wasn’t the firefighter I would want showing up at my own home.”

The poster outlined guiding values, including:

• Put others before yourself

• Never walk past a problem you can fix

• Be able to perform your job

• Maintain a high level of fitness

• Be the firefighter you would want showing up at your home

• Keep the enthusiasm for the job as if it were your first day

“It ignited a spark,” said Dean. “I realized I needed to improve my fitness for myself, my family, my de-

partment, and my community. I was 30 pounds heavier and not in good shape.”

Dean began training daily. Within a year, he qualified for the World Championships in Florida. He competed again in Nashville the following year and in Dallas this year, joined by Choffe.

“Every year he has competed, he has moved higher up the ranks,” said Choffe, clearly proud of his teammate.

The Dallas event ran six days at the Brookhaven campus of Dallas College and drew top competitors from around the world, including Germany, the United States, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. The top firefighter in Dean’s division was also Canadian, from Edmonton.

“It was fun to represent a small town like Perth on the world stage,” said Dean. “That’s the message for kids in Perth too. You can compete nationally or globally, even from a small town, if you put in the work and show up.”

Recent articles in several trade publications point to the same trend. The wine industry is facing a wide range of setbacks. Health concerns around alcohol are growing, oversupply is increasing, younger drinkers aren’t buying into winery visits and tastings, and tariffs continue to raise prices across the board.

I’ve mentioned before that Canadian wine prices, along with international bottles, have risen steadi-

ly for years. I’ve also noted that younger adults are shifting away from hard spirits and beer toward newer drinks like seltzers and fruit-based blends that are lighter in alcohol.

Some of you who have followed my column know that I no longer publish my monthly e-mail newsletter with wine, beer and spirits recommendations. The price per bottle of wine has simply gone too high. At the end of the day, you are

buying a 750-millilitre bottle of fermented grape juice. Marketing and advertising have turned wine into a cult-like product, asking consumers to pay more and more for what is, fundamentally, a simple pleasure. Costs of production have gone up, but many brands have pushed pricing to levels that affect the market in a ripple effect.

From what I’ve seen at trade tastings and during visits to breweries, wineries and distilleries around the world, some winemakers and spirits producers (especially in the single malt world) seem to believe their own hype. Prices climb along with their popularity. I won’t name names, but I’m sure many of you can think of wineries and winemakers who fit the bill.

There are, however, Canadian producers who have kept pricing in check. Paul Bosc at Chateau des Charmes, Joe Will at Strewn Estate Winery, and Herbert Konzelmann at Konzelmann Estate Winery consistently put out wellmade wines at reasonable

prices. Try a bottle and blind taste it against another wine of the same varietal and vintage that costs up to $9 more. See if you can truly taste the difference. In more than 25 years of trade tastings, I often can’t. For example, I once tasted five California Chardonnays from the same producer and vintage, moving from the least to the most expensive. By the fourth and fifth wines, I didn’t find the extra $10 per bottle worth it. The best value was the third-tier Estate Reserve.

Napa Valley offers the clearest example of price escalation. According to one trade article, tasting room fees have increased more than 200 per cent since 2012 and have doubled in just six years. In 2019, the average tasting fee was $30.50. Today, a standard tasting averages $81, and reserve tastings run about $128. Hotel prices follow the same trend. The average room in Napa is $412 per night, or $682 in Yountville. Luxury properties can hit more than $1,000. In 2012, the average hotel room was

$279. Add food, transportation and other expenses, and a wine-country trip quickly feels like a millionaire’s errand.

In Canada, the increases haven’t been quite as dramatic, but tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Canadian alcoholic beverages pushed Ontario consumers toward domestic products. Tariffs on aluminum will also affect Canadian beer can production, hurting breweries and raising prices as stockpiles shrink.

In spirits, single and blended malt whiskies have climbed sharply. My longtime favourite Balvenie DoubleWood single malt was $54 a couple of decades ago. It’s now $134.95 at the LCBO.

So what are we to do?

Like anything in a tight economy, we have to choose wisely and within our means. We may swap steak for chicken or pork. In wine, beer and spirits, we can explore new options that cost less than what we used to buy.

For example, I enjoy

Maclay’s Traditional Pale Ale from Alloa, Scotland. It tastes good and costs $2.45, compared with $3.35 for Alexander Keith’s IPA from Nova Scotia. (Besides, my dad was born in Alloa.) If you’re looking for the least expensive beer, you can always try some of the American offerings. You’ll save money and support the USA, elbows up. You might just be pleasantly surprised by what you can get for your hardearned dollar.

Smiths Falls marks town’s first Indigenous Veterans Day

REGIONAL - Laurie Weir

editorial@pdgmedia.ca

A quiet half-hour ceremony took place as Indigenous Veterans Day was observed in Smiths Falls for the first time on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Only two community members attended alongside a small contingent of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95, including its colour party. A brief service was held at the Cenotaph.

Two wreaths were placed; one on behalf of Indigenous families, and one on behalf of the legion in recognition of Indigenous Veterans Day. The Last Post and God Save the King were played

over the sound system and a moment of silence was observed.

Indigenous Veterans Day is marked every year on Nov. 8. This was the first time it’s been held in Smiths Falls, said Legion member, Ken Manwell. “I hope it grows next year.”

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, Indigenous Veterans Day was first observed in 1994 as a way to formally recognize the military service of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The federal department states that Indigenous Peoples have served in Canada’s military for more than 200 years, including the First and Second World Wars,

the Korean War and later peacekeeping missions.

Veterans Affairs notes that many Indigenous service members faced barriers other soldiers did not. Some had to give up their legal Indian Status to enlist. Others returned home to limited or unequal access to veterans’ supports and benefits, despite having served overseas.

Indigenous Veterans Day is marked every year on Nov. 8. It does not replace Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. Instead, Veterans Affairs Canada says it exists to ensure Indigenous contributions are acknowledged and visible within Canada’s remembrance traditions.