Class 3 - HM - Picton Gazette, February edition

Food Banks Under Stress

But Wild Lot Farm Distillery serves up soup for the Picton United Church Food Bank

Building Trades Skills

A $135,000 Rural Economic Development pilot in construction trades

Thrive PEC, an initiative of The County Foundation, Prince Edward County, and Community Futures has received funding through the Rural Economic Development (RED) matched-grant program to support construction skills development.

Facilitated at the Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC), the skills development and placement program fills an urgent demand in the building trades sector and puts successful candidates on a path to a well-paid, in-demand career.

“The project will focus on pre-apprenticeship and construction training, as well as wrap-around support to help with childcare, transportation, and other barriers to employment,” said Kathy Kennedy, PELC’s Executive Director.

are planning to build more than 10,000 new homes here over the next two decades.

“This project will help address a gap in local workforce development, paving career pathways for people who are new to construction,” said Ms. Durant. “It includes opportunities for youth, for women, and for people who have been out of the labour force.”

CBN SPRINGBOARD

The pilot is just the springboard the Community Benefits Network was hoping for.

Thrive PEC is pledging to work with the Prince Edward Learning Centre to create a framework for a CBN.

JASON PARKS

A month-long collaboration between the Picton United Church Food Bank and Wild Lot Farm Distillery called Soup for a Cause generated almost $3,000 to aid food insecurity.

Wild Lot donated all of the proceeds from every bowl of soup sold at the farm’s on-site restaurant to the Food Bank. In addition to soup sales, Wild Lot hosted a community-driven food drive targeting the collection of non-perishable food items.

Wild Lot founder Ryan Fowler served 311 bowls of homemade soup, and collected 600 pounds of non-perishable goods. “The community has shown significant support for the campaign,” Mr. Fowler said. “Given its success, we plan to repeat and make it larger in 2026.”

NEGATIVE TREND

That’s a piece of good news in light of some frightening statistics when it comes to food insecurity in the County.

Since 2020, the number of people served by the United Church Food Bank has more than doubled. The number of children in need has grown from 23 percent to 33 percent, meaning one in three food bank users are children.

These increases mirror provincial trends. According to statistics compiled by Feed Ontario, a network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief organizations across the province, usage has increased by 134 per cent since 2020. A record-setting one million Ontarians visited a food bank between April 2023 and March 2024.

The Food Bank’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Mark Houghton, said that while usage is up 110 per cent locally over the last four years, donations have also increased.

“We live in a very giving community, so to a large degree the food bank has been able to keep up with the growing costs of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat,” he said. Partnerships with local businesses, such as that with Wild Lot, are critical for the ongoing sustainability of the food bank.

“Business leaders invest their time, passion and creativity for a cause, help the food bank come up with a campaign, and then engage with their valued customers. The big payoff in the end is our community is able to feed people in need.”

Dav O’Ne

The three-week training program includes safety certification, basic construction techniques, how to use tools safely, along with trades math, resume writing, and soft skills.

“We work with the Safety Guys, who are industry leaders in this training, along with area trades contractors and an array of skilled facilitators.

“After three weeks of classroom training, every participant will do a 12-week paid placement with a local construction company,” said program coordinator Christine Durant.

Construction attrition is an issue both across the province and locally, with fewer people entering the trades.

According to the County Foundation’s Vital Signs report, in 2024, 820 people, or 6.7 percent of the local workforce, held an apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma. That’s down from 2,315 or 12.2 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, developers

Such a network pulls together developers, neighbours, and the broader community, to collaborate on large scale development projects with the goal of promoting positive community outcomes amidst growth and development.

The framework will be introduced to the public in the coming months. Public consultation sessions and a survey were administered last year.

“In both of the CBN public information sessions last year, we heard from the community about the need for well paid jobs in our community.

“This pilot program is the seed that will grow into a long lasting skills training program that answers both the construction labour shortage and provides new career pathways for local residents,” said Ms. Durant.

The skills training program will be conducted in two sessions. The first starts February 24th and the second in early April.

Interested applicants can contact Ms. Durant at (613) 476-1811 ext. 105 or email christine.durant@pelc.ca

Health Care

Address doctor shortages, shorten emergency room wait times, and preserve and expand services in our region’s hospitals

Education

Provide increased support for schools, students, teachers, support staff, and families

Affordable Housing

Establish stronger relationships with local government, increase the supply of rental housing, and research strategies to expand options and grow our economy

We’re excited to keep everyone in the Prince Edward County community informed as we build our new hospital! Join us for our first Virtual Update to the Community as we share exciting developments and highlight key milestones.

Loyalist College College Crisis

Ontario’s community colleges need sustainable, predictable funding

CHRIS FANNING

Community colleges across Ontario are announcing severe cutbacks. Programs are being suspended or cancelled; staff and faculty are being let go; some campuses, like the Algonquin College in Perth, are closing.

Loyalist College has announced an “intake suspension” of 24 programs and a 20 percent reduction in staff and faculty.

St. Lawrence College in Kingston is suspending 55 programs, with further cuts to

“We’ve gone through a few efficiency studies in the last little while and all of them basically say colleges are efficient— they’re extremely efficient, actually. You just don’t fund them enough.”

Mark Kirkpatrick President and CEO of Loyalist College

their Brockville and Cornwall campuses as well.

Why is this happening, and what can be done? I sat down with Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College, to find out.

“There are two major causes behind the current crisis,” he notes. “One short-term and the other much longer.”

The immediate cause was a policy announcement made one year ago by Marc Miller, Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. In response to a housing shortage, the government put a cap on international students. It took community colleges by surprise, and the full impact was not felt until the fall of 2024.

Loyalist College saw a 90 percent drop in international applications to its programs. That reduced the budget by $40 million this year. It anticipates another $8 million loss next year.

The extreme drop in enrolments, and in the funding associated with international student tuition, became a reality, he notes. Colleges had to act, and make emergency decisions.

It turns out that our community colleges had been funding their programs through international tuition fees.

How did this become a part of the system? That is the longer-term cause.

While the federal cap on international students applies to all provinces, it is only Ontario that is seeing such severe contraction in college programs.

For more than a decade, Ontario’s funding for post-secondary education has been at a standstill.

Underlying grants to the colleges have not changed in real dollars since 2015. Ontario’s support for community colleges is now 44 cents to every dollar spent in other Canadian provinces.

In addition to the underfunding of the entire system, in 2019 the Ford government

also reduced tuition rates by 10 percent and froze domestic tuition rates at that level.

“So we’re essentially functioning on 2015 revenue,” says Mr. Kirkpatrick, adding that increases were negligible in the decade before that, too. “Colleges have had to work really hard over the last 20 years to figure out ways to become much more efficient and to create revenue streams that offset the failure of the domestic revenue stream. And so we’ve done all kinds of things.

“The biggest one was international students.

“We’ve gone through a few efficiency studies in the last little while and all of them basically say colleges are efficient--they’re extremely efficient actually. You just don’t fund them enough.”

Small rural communities will feel the pain the most

“These communities depend on their community colleges much more than urban communities that have more choice,” says Mr. Kirkpatrick. “They have transit, the ability to go somewhere else. For people in Prince Edward or Hastings County, where we have a much lower socioeconomic status, when a place like Loyalist removes programs, one of two things happens.

“Families that can afford to pay about four times as much —because of housing will send students somewhere else to go to school.

“Or, they won’t go to school at all.”

He adds that students who go away to study rarely return to their home region.

In addition to the educational loss, the employment cuts entailed in suspending programs amounts to a full one percent of the regional GDP.

Add a quarter million dollars per year for local events, sports teams and other

activities disappearing from Loyalist’s budget.

How will these cuts affect Prince Edward County?

“We’re actually looking at expanding the HealthPULSE bus, because there are now more opportunities in the County for our students and placements and there’s a need to get students there.

“What we’re doing now is partnering with folks so that we don’t have to carry the full load. People see the benefit and say, ‘I’d rather we chip in something than this disappear.’”

And what about that satellite campus that the County has been hoping for?

“We’re going to continue to figure out innovative ways to do things in the County. I have not given up on doing that campus. We’re very creative people.”

Ultimately, however, one college’s creativity will not solve the long-term systemic issue of underfunding.

The provincial election is one way to attend to the present crisis.

“I really hope people understand two things,” says Mr. Kirkpatrick. “First, a community college isn’t just about ‘workforce development.’ There’s a lot of things we do and a lot of things we partner with that support our community on so many other levels, and they’re all at risk.

“And second, if I were to ask a candidate a question, it would be. ‘Do you care about Eastern rural Ontario. And if you do, what are you going to do about it?’ Because the systems that keep this region functional, whether it be hospitals or colleges, are in really dire straits. And if they’re not here, what does that mean for Eastern Ontario, especially the rural regions?

“It’s about sustainability, too. It’s not about dropping some one-time money around election time. This is about sustainable, predictable funding.”

FORD’S TRUMP CARD

Aweek or so ago, on the Glenora ferry, an OPP officer knocked on my car window and asked for my ID. He explained that the Trump election and the threat of tariffs required increased vigilance. It made me wonder what was going on. After all, I was not crossing a border. I was travelling across the Adolphus Reach.

At that moment, everybody was talking about Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Would they ruin our economy? Would our leaders cave in?

The tariff threat has receded, at least for now. But make no mistake: the threat is real. Tariffs of 25 percent on Canadian, and Ontarian, goods exported to a trading partner ten times our size would devastate our economy. Did Premier Ford call the election to get ahead of that devastation? No politician would survive it.

Meanwhile, Trump’s continued insistence that the entire country become his 51st state is of course unnerving. He seems to be initiating an economic war against us.

But I’m still puzzled about why an OPP officer should have been knocking on car windows on the Glenora ferry. Was I supposed to feel reassured that the provincial police were “on it”?

Or was it Doug Ford who wanted us to know he was “on it”?

In many ways the tariff threat was a gift to a politician running for re-election. The tariff war is shocking and motivating and attention-getting. It’s the perfect platform: simple, straightforward, perfect for social media. Its immediacy drowns out all other issues.

We’ve seen this before.

Remember when Donald Trump—not yet in office again— required Republicans in Congress to block a Democrat immigration bill that answered many right-wing objections to the current policy?

Why did he do this?

Because Trump wanted to campaign on the issue. If it had been resolved, he would not have had the platform.

Hmm, I wondered, as the ferry pulled into Glenora, has Doug Ford studied under the master?

He has certainly expressed his admiration. When asked in 2018 if he was a Trump supporter, he replied: “absolutely, I wouldn’t waver.”

A hot mic moment just last week had him declaiming yet again that he supported Donald Trump over Kamala Harris. “Election day, was I happy this guy won? One hundred percent.”

But then came the tariffs, he said. Like a knife in the back.

Ford has called a “snap election” but that is something he’s been threatening for months. His tough-guy “Fortress AmCan” policy is the centerpiece.

The tariffs were announced, it seems, just in time.

Premier Ford is on the move. Actions speak louder than words, he insists. He is “ripping up” the province’s contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, he is taking American bottles off the shelves at the LCBO.

This political gift offers the Premier and his party the appearance of being concerned about Ontarians. Nobody wants the dip in the economy—inflation and unemployment—that tariffs would produce. But by making this the major issue, Ford can very deliberately take the oxygen away from what are, in fact, much more important, long-standing issues facing Ontarians.

Issues his government has created.

The Ford government’s shocking dismantling of public education, healthcare, affordable housing and environmental protections over the past seven years, policies we are seeing writ large south of the border, allies Premier Ford with President Trump.

Ford has been deploying tools straight out of the Trump playbook all along. And, like Pierre Poilievre, he is now being exposed by the dismaying display of the rapacious forces of private greed and monopoly capital now unleashed in the United States.

Public education, healthcare, affordable housing and environmental protections require long-term investments that transcend election cycles. They require both basic good will, and a belief in the importance of good government.

Ontario now boasts the most underfunded colleges and universities in Canada. All are closing programs this year and next. Our public schools are a shambles. Public schools have lost over $2 billion from core education funding since the premier came into office.

Then there’s healthcare. There are one million more people without a family doctor now than when Ford took office, and the Ontario College of Physicians projects four million doctorless Ontarians by 2026. On top of underfunding Canada’s world-renowned public healthcare system, Ford’s moves to privatize key services have further undermined it.

New housing has been a non-starter under Ford, despite his developer-friendly promises: new builds have fallen to rates not seen since 1982 while other provinces pull ahead, most notably Alberta, whose government is also Conservative.

Environmentally speaking, the Greenbelt controversy stands as a symbol of Ford’s attitudes, while Ontario’s energy production has regressed from 92 percent non-emitting sources to 75 percent.

Yet it is hard to look beyond the present moment. Too many of us are living hand to mouth. Politicians know this. This is why they campaign on the price of eggs. Ford’s own neglect of everyday life in Ontario has left the province fragile, its people impoverished. Fully 25 percent are now regularly visiting food banks! That’s before any trade war.

Ford’s dismantling of public services has, in fact, made us more vulnerable to the coming trade war than we ought to be. And now he is campaigning on the promise of a rescue.

There will be constant pressure over the next two weeks to make Trump and his tariffs the only election issue. In a way, perhaps they are: we should recognize that Ford has far more in common with Trump than not.

Like him, he is the absolute last thing anyone needs any more of.

chris fanning

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LETTERS

THE PROGRESSIVE VOTE

Re: Unite the Left (News, February 5).  I think that Cooperate for Canada is worth supporting.  With time, lots of conversations, and a genuine commitment for our votes to better reflect our values and beliefs, party leaders may decide to put the province or even the country over their parties.  This is the goal of C4C.  Ideally the federal government (and provincial) will implement some kind of Proportional Representation some time.

Until that time and until the three left-leaning parties decide to cooperate, I encourage everyone who doesn’t vote Conservative to vote strategically, this time. Visit smartvoting.ca to find which party in our riding came closest to the Conservative candidate and cast your vote there.

The results across the province will likely still lead to a Conservative government , but there is a very good chance that it will not be a majority. Our most productive governments have been minorities.

Doug Ford must be held accountable. Even if you always vote Conservative, do you not want to bring him to task about the huge list of scandals: the Greenbelt; Ontario Place; Service Ont/Staples; the Science Centre, to name only a few. Don’t forget underfunding of education, health care, and housing, and the lack of care for our environment and the climate crisis excessive use of MZOs, a possible Hwy 413 over wetlands, and cancelling green energy projects.

I struggle every time I decide to vote strategically rather than with my heart, but when I do, I’m happy with the outcome. Think about it.  Most importantly, VOTE.

penny morris, picton

CAREFUL WHO YOU VOTE FOR

As we are seeing south of the border, knowing who you are voting for is of utmost importance.

Seeing Donald Trump’s total abuse of the public’s trust is shocking. Since Ontario is in the midst of a sudden and self-serving election, I’m wondering, is the public here really voting for the best person with the best policies? Do we pay any attention to basic information, or do we vote for the same party we have always voted for just because it is easier than thinking? I am convinced that most Americans who voted for Donald Trump four years ago, voted for him again simply because it was easier than recognizing they made a mistake the first time. Despite his being a convicted felon, they voted for the idiot again!

Hopefully, the sideshow that Canadians are now witnessing in the US will make us more aware of who and of what policies we are voting for. Even with stayat-home computer voting, most people

1935

LIVING HISTORY

still don’t vote – lazy or what? Asking most people to explain the differences between the parties and their policies –sadly, all too often you get a blank stare. The most important benefit of Trump’s tariff and annexation threats is that Canadians are standing strong, showing their true grit, and telling Trump very clearly to get stuffed! It is a proud Canadian moment for sure, which hopefully will result in more people voting in the upcoming elections.

Here in Ontario, we have been pushed into an early election despite legislation that was to protect all of us from such a thing. The excuses given for the timing don’t add up.

In Picton, the provincial government is really trying to hoodwink us. They think a lowball payment of $20 million for the reconstruction of Hwy 49 will buy them votes when the real cost is $53 million!

There are other important issues facing Ontario voters that our government wants us to forget about – the underfunding of healthcare and education, the lack of affordable housing, unemployment, food insecurity, the selling off of Ontario Place and the Science Centre, the lack of environmental protections (like the Picton Terminals), the MZOs, and the attempted sale of the Green Belt.

Despite the rhetoric, this Provincial Election is not only about Donald Trump and tariffs, nor is it about Captain Canada who promises not to sell off Canada, when

Boys Adrift in Boat Off Wellington Shore Cause of Excitement

Wellington.— Two runaway boys from the Children’s Shelter at Belleville who tried to cross Lake Ontario on a raft, are safe here last night at eight o’clock, after a dramatic rescue from Lake Ontario in which their two rescuers risked their lives to bring them back to land across a half-mile of shifting, treacherous ice floes.

The boys, Charles Weaver, 12, and Henry Vardy, 16, had constructed a flimsy raft from fence rails and according to their statement, attempted to cross Lake Ontario, with raw carrots and ears of corn as supplies. Embarking at 5 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, the boys started from a point two miles west of Wellington. They had walked from Belleville. Caught in floe ice they drifted helplessly until sighted at 3.30 Wednesday afternoon by Gerald Gibson and John Steen, who fired a shotgun to attract their attention.

The heroic rescuers were Messrs. Gillis Ingram and Dayton Murphy who with boat and ladders embarked on their perilous trip and succeeded in bringing in the marooned youths after a heroic four-hour struggle with drifting ice. Anxious villagers lined the shore, flashing automobile lights an effort to aid the rescue party. A huge spotlight cast a guiding light.

Rushed to the office of Dr. Thompson, the victims were given hot refreshments.

Henry Vardy, 16, the elder of the two boys, maintained splendid poise and showed exceptional coolness during the ordeal, according to G. R. Ingram.

Vardy, a short, stocky youth, seemed utterly unperturbed when relating his experiences, and displayed a coolness worthy of a man of mature years. He seemed very little the worse for his experiences, with the exception of his feet and legs which were soaking wet.

Weaver, 12 years of age, and small for his years, seemed glad to be rescued and flashed white teeth in a large grin, as a cup of hot milk was handed to him and a news photographer snapped his picture.

Read the story complete in Living History at pictongazette.ca

we know he has already started. Despite knowing that Trump was a convicted rapist and felon, our Premier said that he supported the re-election of Donald Trump 100%!! I suppose this is what we can expect from a high school drug pusher who becomes our premier. See what can happen when you don’t know who you are supporting and why?

It is time for the public to be heard.

Vote wisely!

Dennis fox, northport

CALL IT CANADIAN

I have noticed the growing movement to buy Canadian. We are unifying as a nation under threat from the U.S.

I went shopping at a supermarket in town and was surprised by how much Canadian fresh produce was available along with produce from countries like Belgium, Mexico, Colombia, and more. Generally,  fish, chicken, beef, pork, bacon, eggs, pastas, soups, dairy, tissues and more are also Canadian.

It was time consuming to check the country of origin on each item. Many people elsewhere have noticed that their supermarket is putting tags on Canadian goods to highlight Canadian origin.

Perhaps the supermarkets in towns here in PEC would like to help in identifying Canadian goods with a maple leaf or flag tag.

I want to acknowledge two good pieces in the Gazette last week (January 29). Jason Parks’s editorial, On the Sidelines, about Council representation, was very well thought out and expressed. It sensibly and rationally described our County’s municipal council requirements and challenges.

Secondly I greatly appreciated Karen Valihora’s story regarding the proposed Cold Creek development, Protecting Waring’s Creek (News). Her format was excellent and the content provided by the respondents was helpful in its detail and clarity. Thanks for those.

Gary Westoll, Picton

Inside Kate’s Rest

Two former residents say isolation and inadequate support make the remote Big Island house very hard to leave

It shoud be idyllic.

ELEANOR

ZICHY LJI REPORTER

Kate’s Rest, on a threeacre waterfront property on Big Island, has offered a roof, regular meals, and peace to those facing homelessness since 2007.

It calls itself a “permanent supportive housing residence for low-income individuals and families who are in immediate danger of becoming homeless or were homeless.”

The property was purchased in 2006 by Brian Hart, an ordained priest and former Pastor of St. Gregory the Great in Picton and St. Frances of Rome in Wellington. Mr. Hart was removed from his position as pastor by the Archbishop, whose concerns included alleged fraudulent use of parish funds.

Mr. Hart opened a boarding house in 2007. He has since donated the property to the Kate’s Rest Foundation, the registered charity he created in 2021 to help fund his work.

Tax filings say Kate’s Rest “provide[s] food, transportation, and assistance in programs, while connecting the residents to education, legal, health, and social

services.” Mr. Hart refers to residents as his “friends,” and he lives and boards in the house right alongside them.

Advertising on social media stresses peer support, harm reduction, access to counselling, education, and opportunities to work. Residents can garden, paint, or help put on a new roof.

But Kate’s Rest is not a true “supportive housing” facility. It does not offer the kinds of supports that must come with that designation. That has created confusion.

“It’s a good concept,” said one former resident, who spoke to the Gazette on the condition that he not be named. Though grateful Kate’s Rest was there in a time of great need, he noted the facility didn’t offer everything it claims to.

“The way they pitch the place is like ‘oh we’ll help you get you back on your feet’ and get your life together and stuff, but once you’re out there there’s nothing around, there’s no mode of transportation, they’re not willing to take you anywhere so you’re just kind of stuck,” said another former resident, who also did not want to be named.

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario defines “supportive housing” as offering

both housing assistance and “wraparound support services” counselling, addiction, and peer supports.

But at Kate’s Rest, “no one is set up with counsellors or support workers,” said a former resident.

Kate’s Rest spokesperson Mary Di Mambro is clear: “This is a residence, not a treatment facility, and not a mental health facility,” she said. “It’s a place for shelter and food.”

As Mr. Hart puts it, “We are not licensed, nor do we have qualified staff to provide medical or mental health services or other resident care programs. We are just plainly not that kind of a place.”

But, he notes, “It would be wrong to assume then that we are negligent or do not provide proper supervision of the residents.

“We are more closely akin to an apartment building with people who live there that help each other out.”

FEW OPTIONS

Residents find their way to Kate’s Rest through referrals from social service agencies including Ontario Works (OW) and Belleville’s John Howard Society. Some referrals come from the OPP. Mr. Hart also notes referrals from the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services; hospital social workers; and the clergy.

There is also The Bridge, an integrated care hub for those suffering addiction in Belleville, where Kate’s Rest’s President, and resident, Ryan Brough, also works.

These social services agencies provide clients in need with a list of housing resources. Clients choose where they would like to go that means the agency is not responsible for where they end up, or for oversight over the options it lists.

Social service workers note that Kate’s Rest is one of the very few choices available to those facing homelessness in the region. Those who arrive may also be struggling with severe dependencies and mental health challenges.

Mr. Hart stresses, however, that professional support is neither immediately available, nor accessible in a structured way.

“There are no programs per se,” he told the Gazette “When someone arrives, they need to become de-stressed,” he explains, adding, “we let them be for a few months.”

It leaves some residents wondering where the professed support is, and what the expectations are.

“Is there a goal to reeducate? to get them clean?” asks one former resident. “There’s no guidance.”

“Peer support” at Kate’s Rest is grounded in “companionships of empowerment,” a Christian philosophy of collective spiritual growth that Mr. Hart made central to the organization’s original by-laws.

When asked about specific peer-support programs, however, Mr. Hart says, “I sit with them during court appearances. I’ve gone into doctor’s offices, gone into dentist’s offices and held their hands.” He shops with people. He even teaches them to drive in his car.

As Ms. Di Mambro puts it, “it’s a oneman show.”

While Mr. Hart has a vision, former residents describe isolation and dependency on a rural property deep in Demorestville. Many do not have phones, never mind cars. Some cannot drive.

They said transportation was ad hoc, often offered as a kind of favour, or when it suited Mr. Hart. Without reliable transport, making a commitment to attend work or school was out of reach.

Those looking for structured peer support, such as that offered through Alcoholics Anonymous, couldn’t rely on regular transportation to get there. One resident recounts that when he asked for an assurance of regular transportation so he could attend a college class, it was denied.

When they did get a ride somewhere, they note, Mr. Hart rarely let them out of his sight.

Meanwhile, without addiction support, drug use is unsupervised, and out in the open.

Both former residents report that drug dealing occurs openly on the property. They were rarely given notice when a new tenant moved in. One walked into a

common space to find a new face taking fentanyl on the couch.

MONEY MATTERS

Most residents board with Mr. Hart in a two-story, nine-bedroom house. Others, occasionally including families with young children, live in one of five small cabins on the grounds. There can be anywhere from 19 to 23 residents at a given time. Currently there are 20.

The facility has always operated as a standard rooming house, offering shelter in exchange for rent.

It charges $600 per month for a room in the house, $700 for the cabins, and $25 for internet. The rent coincides with the income allotted through Ontario Works and ODSB social assistance cheques.

As one former resident notes, many can’t afford a cell phone because there is no money left after the rent is paid. The house has no landline. Residents rely on borrowing each other’s phones or, on occasion, Mr. Hart’s.

15 boarders paying $600 or $700 each comes to about $10,000 a month in income for Kate’s Rest, or $120,000 a year.

Yet a Kate’s Rest tax return filed in 2022, obtained by the Gazette through a Freedom of Information request, claimed rental income of just $23,469. In 2021, it reported rental income of $0.

Reported expenses, too, were at the bare minimum. $1,144 for vehicles and transportation. Nothing for education and training for staff and volunteers. In 2021 nothing was paid in compensation.

At most, one staff person is paid in any given year; total staff compensation in 2024 was $18k.

Mr. Hart says the facility is, “very cost effective per person,” boasting a tight ship in comparison to Leeward House, a transitional housing facility that serves half the number of clients and is fully funded by Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services’s Homelessness Prevention Program.

County Spokesperson Mark Kerr notes Leeward House “provides a full range of on-site supports to residents using international best standards of care  — Housing First, trauma informed, harm reduction.”

Kate’s Rest became a registered charity with a Board of Directors in 2021. That transition paved the way to federal, provincial and municipal grants. In 2024, it reported over $40,000 in combined Federal and Municipal Grants, $100,000 in

revenue from other charities, and another $57,000 in unspecified non-government grants.

It also declared $88,000 in rental income.

But the residents say none of the funding seems to translate into more assistance or even facility improvements. They said the main house and cabins were in a state of disrepair: black mold in the main house and unsafe well water.

“Unless it was donated, we rarely got anything,” said a former resident, adding, “90 percent of the food comes from the food bank.”

Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS) provided a onetime contribution of $162,000 to support a new septic system in 2022, which has been installed. It also granted $50,000 in operating funding for the 2022/23 fiscal year. Otherwise, it says, it has little to do with Kate’s Rest, beyond including it on its community resources list.

WORK OPPORTUNITIES

Mr. Hart runs Kate’s Rest with the help of Mr. Brough, another resident employed as President. They offer residents manual work around the property as an opportunity to get involved and earn some money.

But the former residents say there is no a system in place to distinguish between chores and paid tasks, or to assign either. Favourtism rules, as well as degrading, dirty, and chaotic conditions.

“They’ve got it so people won’t clean up after themselves because they figure if they leave it long enough someone will get paid to do it,” said a former resident. “It results in massive amounts of flies and insects.”

They also say they got paid in gift cards.

When asked if there was a set wage for work, Mr. Hart said, “no, not really.”

The residents say they got gift cards, redeemable for groceries at Metro, at Amazon, or at Oasis Fuels in Tyendinaga.

“Most people would use grocery store cards to buy Beer Store cards,” noted one.

While Mr. Hart denied former residents’ claims that work is paid in gift cards, the chari-

1973-2024

Thanks to all our good customers and friends. Smitty calls his customers his friends. Smitty also wants to thank his good employees.

Please keep coming back. We have same day delivery, low prices and good service after sale

ty’s 2024 tax return lists gift cards as an operating expense.

Mr. Hart did acknowledge he receives gift cards from the food bank and other donors.

“How are they going to get money to do anything?” asked one former resident. “They rely on working on the property then they get paid in gift cards.”

Complaints could be met with “passive” reprisals from Mr. Hart and Mr. Brough in the form of withheld rides, work opportunities or even food.

“Say someone’s got a dietary restriction, they’ll make sure food is not edible for that person. Or the food will get very bare.”

The former residents also say Mr. Hart could retaliate by cutting people with addictions from their liquor supply.

“You get a lot of people in there who have substance abuse issues, and he enables it. If someone’s got a problem with alcohol, he’ll give them money for alcohol,” said one.

The result is that it is very difficult for residents to establish independence.

“I think they like to keep people there for whatever reason,” another noted. “There’s a lot of help when people move in

“This is a residence, not a treatment facility, and not a mental health facility. It’s a place for shelter and food.”

Mary Di Mambro Kate’s REST spokesperson

—but when it comes to moving out, you’re on your own.”

AN ONGOING CRISIS

Kate’s Rest is one of few emergency housing facilities for people facing homelessness in the region. There is a seven-year waitlist for subsidized housing in Prince Edward County.

While deeply affordable and supportive housing units are in the works for the former Queen Elizabeth School and at Nicholas Street, they are not coming anytime soon. Those who rely on social assistance to survive have been left behind by inflation and the austere funding from the province. Ontario Works benefits have not increased since 2018, when they went up 1.5%. Open Policy Ontario data shows between 2012 and 2022, ODSP increased by approximately half the rate of inflation.

The former residents of Kate’s Rest said it was a key place to go in dire circumstances.

But they were also clear that it needs more oversight, and its residents need more support to re-enter the community on their own terms.

— with files from Karen Valihora

Chamber Awards

KAREN VALIHORA

Awards of Excellence

The Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards took over The Regent last Thursday evening. At the historic center of Picton Main, and the County’s business community, it was the perfect place to assemble some 20 nominees competing in seven award categories.

While entries were down just 20 this year compared to 43 last year spirits were high.

There were nine nominees for the Business of the Year award alone, including heavyweights like OneLook Productions, also hard at work on site recording the event, Kingfisher Financial, Lighthouse Tutoring, and Meadows Baby and Kids.

Tim Jones, CEO of PEC Community Partners, and President Assaf Weisz accepted the honour on behalf of their hardworking team.

“We had no idea, in a way, when we started just how this project would evolve and flow,” said Mr. Jones. “The support and partnership we have over 200 community partners we are really only at the start of a crazy awesome adventure.”

Mr. Weisz commended the entire team at the Base. “This is the hardest working team I’ve ever been part of the evenings, the weekends but in addition, all the corners of the County have come together to contribute to this project.

“We are betting very big on the County, on its continued prosperity and its future, and we know the community is doing so as well.”

The competition also included The Royal Hotel, which won in the Employer Excellence category.

General Manager Sol Korngold accepted on behalf of the Sorbara Group and his team, noting, “this is indeed an honour amidst such company.” Nominees included Edward Jones and County Stage. “2024 was The Royal Hotel’s third year of operations. I remember we hosted the 2020 Chamber Awards in the lobby of the Royal Hotel virtually.” The Chamber Awards were launched just four years ago. This was the second year they were held in person.

Mr. Korngold noted The Royal’s successes in 2024 included a coveted Michelin Key The Royal was only hotel in Ontario outside Toronto to win the distinction. The key puts the hotel and the County on an international map of top-tier destinations.

From the beginning, the mantra has been all along, we are doing this not just for people from afar, but for all of us.

Sol Korngold, The Royal Hotel, Employer Excellence Award

“From the beginning, the mantra has been all along, we are doing this not just for people from afar, but for all of us.”

The categories and nominees spanned every aspect of life in the County – the arts, finance, health and childcare, retail, and, of course, hospitality.

The HUB Child and Family Centre won the Community Impact Award, another busy category with The Wellington Times, MLP Residence, and I-Float in The County in the running in a field of six.

Other major wins were Willful for Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Hitchon’s Hearing for Distinctive Excellence in Business. Hitchon’s has been in business in the County since 1951.

Willful’s Kevin Oulds spoke on behalf of the company he started with partner Erin Bury. He stressed the sheer difficulty of the entrepreneurial life, noting, as did many others over the course of the evening, that the wins come only after years of effort.

In business 8 years, Willful is a digital platform that offers clients the opportunity to easily and inexpensively create a will. It now employs 20 people across Canada. The Wellington-based startup suggests a model for remote work in the County.

Comedy Country won for Cultural Enrichment and Contribution to the Arts. Executive Director Paul Snepsts noted, “this is a really wonderful acknowledgement of ten years of work.” He and partner

Business Culture

Julianne Snepsts came to the County in 2012 and brought their comedic forces with them. The pair founded the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival in 2005.

“Over ten years, thousands have participated in creating live comedy in a place that really has no business hosting a live comedy scene,” he joked, thanking all those who had come to Comedy Country or taken its “boot camp” workshops.

“Sponsorship of the arts and cultural businesses really yields a fantastic return on investment,” he noted. “Please, all of you, remember that when I call you this spring.”

Award applications were adjudicated by an independent panel chaired by Peter Drummond. It operated independently of the Chamber, with judges drawn from near and far.

Luminaries who made remarks or presented awards included Master of Ceremonies Duarte Da Silva, who doubles as Chamber CEO; Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams appeared on the big screen; Mark Kirkpatrick, President of Loyalist College; Mark Musca, President of Albert College,

Sandi Ramsay, of the Centre for Workforce Development; Brad Roach of Community Futures; and Mayor Steve Ferguson.

“The business community here is the best of what the County has to offer,” said the Mayor, who commended Mr. Da Silva for his contributions to the County’s fiveyear Economic Development plan.

“But as my favourite philosopher, Mike Tyson, always said, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

“We all feel sucker-punched right now by that other guy, Mike Tyson’s friend, Donald Trump. The tariffs and other threats from south of the border, never mind two elections, create uncertainty, and economies do not like uncertainty.

“The County can plan,” he noted “but those plans must and will be flexible and responsive.

“Council will be discussing a Shop Local campaign this week another area where collaboration with the Chamber and efforts like it’s Made in the County label, will be essential for coordinating a successful, County-wide, and country-wide, effort.”

THE AWARD

The County’s Business Excellence Awards come in the shape of giant glass raindrops filled with colour and light, handmade by Mark Armstrong Glassworks in Wellington.

The hefty orbs mark at once the place, surrounded by water, and the cause for celebration, the reflected light that great businesses, and great people, spread throughout their communities.

Let’s help each other Make your giving go further

The County Foundation is the local community foundation for Prince Edward County Our aim is to create a vibrant and inclusive community for all

GRANTS

Introducing: The PEC Arts Fund

The County Foundation will be accepting applications for the newly established PEC Arts Fund from February 10th until March 24th at 4 pm

Max Grant Size: $15,000 ($3k-$5k typical)

https://jppexhibitions.omeka.net/admin/exhibits

This new fund will support the work of organizations that have a stated organizational mandate to provide services, programs and amenities in the realm of the arts

Visit our website for full details on applying!

VITAL SIGNS

Did you know?

Prince Edward County has a highly engaged creative community. The Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Industry represented 266 jobs in 2019, 44% above the national average

Eighty-six per cent of the artists living in our community are self-employed, more than three times higher than the selfemployment rate of all workers in the County (25%), and much higher than the rate among all Ontario artists (69%)

Participating in leisure and culture activities contributes to our well-being as individuals and to our communities

Apply for grants or learn more: www thecountyfoundation ca

Sports

Winter Freeze 2025

Even a day late, ice races still a hit

of racers considering

and cheer everyone on it

A

Classes included snowmobiles, 2WD quads, 4x4 ATVs, dirt bikes and a 110 cc class for children aged 5-12.

At Last

Pirates finally ground Jets in penultimate regular season game

JASON PARKS

Ad generously supported by:

In more ways than one, the Picton Pirates’ win over visiting Amherstview Thursday night was a much needed result for the local Provincial Junior Hockey League team.

With just two regular season games left, Picton needs every point possible in order to maintain its tenuous hold on third place in the Tod Division. The clubs chasing them – primarily the Jets – have multiple games in hand. A clean win was key last Thursday.

But for the Pirates, just beating the Jets was a key feat. While there’s not much separating Amherstview and Picton in the standings at this point, the Bucs had yet to defeat the Jets in five previous meetings.

That was until Thursday night, when Picton put together a tidy, playoff-like effort and shaded the visitors 2-1.

Picton netminder Nolan Lane came up big for his squad, making 31 stops for his 17th win of the campaign.

Two goals by Gerrit Kempers and Kirk Stevenson kept Picton ahead of the Jets’ only success from former Pirate Carter McKee.

With the win, Picton moves three points clear of the fourth place Jets and four points ahead of the Lakefield Chiefs. The Jets have two games in hand on Picton while the Chiefs have one. Coincidentally, Lakefield travels to Amherstview on Saturday for a game in which the Pirates will be praying for a

non-three point affair.

While their prospects for finishing no worse than fourth in the Tod are promising, Lakefield could win their last two games and hold the tiebreaker over Picton.

In addition to playing the Chiefs, the Jets still have a tough road in their second-to-last game of the regular season involving a visit to Division-leading Napanee on Friday.

The Pirates wind up their regular season at home against Frankford Thursday night for their Pink in the Rink cancer fundraising event. At least a point in that game secures fourth place. Two points and a cough by the Jets the following night means Picton will finish third and play Port Hope in the first round of the Schmalz Cup playoffs. Otherwise, their opening round opponent is Lakefield.

HADC HERE

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

In other hockey action, the Hockey Association for the Developmentally Challenged Gladiators are returning to Picton on Saturday, February 15th to play the Northumberland Bulldogs. Composed of players with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other special needs, the teams are co-ed and open to players of all ages. The action gets underway at 2:30 p.m. and admission is free.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING:

County of Prince Edward Committee of Adjustment Meeting

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Edward Building, 280 Picton Main Street, 2nd Floor, Picton

In accordance with the requirements for giving notice under Section 45 of the Planning Act and related regulations, Committee of Adjustment will meet its requirements for holding a public meeting. We invite the public to participate either in-person or through written comments submitted to the respective Planner prior to the meeting.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the public meeting can register by contacting pthompson@pecounty.on.ca by 4:00pm on Friday, February 14.

Upon registering to speak at the meeting, members of the public will be emailed instructions on attending the meeting.

Minor Variance File Numbers:

• Minor Variance File No.: A2-25 - Parrish & Heimbecker Limited, as the leasing tenant of, and as authorized by the owner, ABNA Investments Ltd. o/a Picton Terminals - 24 White Chapel RoadLot 125, 130-131 Registrar's Compiled Plan 28 Hallowell and Part Lot 11 Concession 1 Southwest of Green Point Sophiasburgh Part 1 47R2991; Wards 2 and 6 (Bloomfield/Hallowell and Sophiasburgh) To reduce the setback from the high water mark for the Concrete Storage Silos and the Grain Elevators and to permit the erection of new structures to support the legal non-conforming use of the property for the transshipment of bulk commodities, including iron ore, aggregate, farming and steel products, bio-mass, scrap metal and barrels. Planning Manager Michael Michaud (michaud@pecounty.on.ca)

Please Note: Notices with key maps have been provided to landowners within 60 metres of the subject lands and have therefore not been included with this notice. Should you be interested in reviewing the application, including any related mapping, please contact Development Services (contact information below).

For more information about this matter, including information about preserving any appeal rights, please contact:

The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward Development Services

Location: 280 Picton Main Street, 2nd Floor, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 / Mailing: 332 Picton Main Street, Picton, ON K0K 2T0 Telephone: 613.476.2148 / Fax: 613.471.2051 / www.thecounty.ca

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13 and may be contained in an appendix of a staff report, published in the meeting agenda, delegation list and/or the minutes of the public meeting and made part of the public record. The County collects this information in order to make informed decisions on the relevant issues and to notify interested parties of Council’s decisions. It may also be used to serve notice of a Local Planning Appeal Tribunal hearing. Names and addresses contained in submitted letters and other information will be available to the public, unless the individual expressly requests the municipality to remove their personal information. The disclosure of this information is governed by the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M. 56. Questions about this collection and disclosure should be directed to the Clerk at clerks@pecounty.on.ca

This notice is available in alternate formats upon request.

Affordable Housing Incentives

Council waives taxes at affordable housing

Council will waive municipal and school board taxation on three affordable housing projects for a term of 20 years.

Councillors voted last month to declare 30 Disraeli Street; Nicholas Street Homes, above Delhi Park; and Leeward House as Municipal Capital Facilities.

Under section 110 of the Municipal Act, the designation allows for financial assistance to offset part or the full cost of an Affordable Housing development.

Director Adam Goheen explained the process incentivizes both public and private developers to offer a certain threshold of affordable rental units.

The property at 30 Disraeli Street is owned by the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation. Part of the bylaw agreement with the County means the Affordable Housing Corporation must develop the property into 12 housing units that will be maintained as Affordable.

Developers also must obtain an occupancy permit within two years of the date on which the agreement is executed.

On Nicholas Street, the agreement

developments

is between the municipality and Nicholas Homes Limited, which intends to develop the property into a mixed-income rental community with a range of housing types.

Nicholas Homes proposes a 98-unit apartment building, a six-unit townhouse block, and a semi-detached building with two units of supportive housing. The agreement dictates no less than half of the 106 Housing Units shall be deemed Affordable Housing for the entirety of the term.

The third property, Leeward House, is a municipally operated transitional housing facility owned by Base31.

The developer partnered with the municipality when it purchased the former Maples retirement residence to create a transitional housing facility. It provides housing, rehabilitative and therapeutic support to individuals experiencing homelessness.

“This is a huge milestone and we should be applauding our staff for building these agreements,” said Councillor Phil St-Jean. “This is a watershed moment for this community, and we are going to create truly affordable housing.”

AROUND THE ISLAND

WELLINGTON UNITED CHURCH

Minister: Rev. Doug Carter “Hope, Love and Peace for All”

Sunday Service 10:30 am

All are welcome!

Casual dress encouraged.

death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, our chain will link again.

Ben, Kris, Emily, Max, Kate and Maeve.

Love forever and always, Your Family

Betty Vanhecke April 24, 1939 –February 8, 2009

A wonderful Mom and Grandma No length of time can take away the memories You are in the hearts of those who loved you And there you will always be! Love you

CHURCH

(Beside Mariner’s Museum) Welcoming our new minister Rev. Aaron Miechkota

Celebrating 100 Years of the United Church of Canada in 2025

Sunday, February 16th 9:00am Worship Service

Wheelchair Accessible 613-476-8435

Follow us on Facebook

243 Main St., Wellington 613-399-3708 SOUTH BAY UNITED

AROUND THE ISLAND CLASSIFIEDS

Hugh John Jackson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh John Jackson, a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Hugh left this world peacefully at the age of 87, on January 26, 2025. Born on December 10, 1937, in Wilberforce, Ontario, Hugh had a fulfilling life. Hugh is survived by his loving daughter Cheryl and son Paul. He was a cherished father-in- law to Raymond and Marie-Eve. Among his greatest joys were his grandchildren Christopher, Jeffrey and Julia Champoux, Louis and Antoine Jackson and great grandchildren Hallie, Hannah and Espen Champoux, who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Hugh was predeceased by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife Nancy (nee Gorsline), whom he shared 64 wonderful years with. Hugh was also predeceased by his parents Arthur and Madeline and his brother Alan whose memories continue to live in the hearts of those who knew them. Hugh enjoyed fishing, golfing and in later years embraced woodcarving. His passion for this art produced many intricate and beautiful pieces which will be treasured by his family for years to come. Even before leaving high school Hugh became an educator. His first teaching job was a one room schoolhouse on Schoharie Road. His teaching career took him to Peterborough, Richmond Hill, Pembroke and then back to Prince Edward County in 1976 where he found his life calling. During the next five decades Hugh forged a career as a much-respected real estate broker. His compassion and generosity were well-known in The County as was his beaming smile. He has left an indelible impression on those he touched with his kindness. In keeping with Hugh’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. The family of Hugh would like to thank the staff of Hospice Prince Edward; Debbie and Dale Courneyea and the many healthcare workers who assisted Dad to remain as long as possible at home. If desired, in lieu of flowers donations to the Hospice Prince Edward or to the Loyalist Humane Society in his honour would be appreciated by the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.milestonecremation.ca

William Earl “Willie” FROST August 21, 1941 –February 1, 2025

Entered into rest at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, Picton, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, William Frost of Picton, died at the age of 83. Son of the late Fred Frost & Wilhelmina (nee Snider) and husband of the late Carolyn (nee Spafford). Loving father of Ken (Ann) of Milford, and Kathy (Kevin Breau) of Cloyne. Grandfather of Rebecca, Mellissa (Wes), Jessie (Brittany), and great grandfather of Anna, Abby, Ivy, Grace, Logan and Carson. Survived by his sister Margaret Ferguson (late Clifford) of Cherry Valley and predeceased by his brothers, Fred, Gordon and Morley. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held in the Spring at Cherry Valley Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450) Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com

Obituaries

Stephen Denis Ferreira

Was born on April 10, 1932 in Trinidad and Tobago. He was known fondly by his friends in Guyana as “Burp the Twerp, the Super Duper So-and-So,” he had a love for sailing and was an exceptional runner. In 1964, he and his wife, Claire, moved to Toronto, where he built a career as an insurance agent with Manulife—a perfect fit for him, as he loved talking with people. He had a knack for connecting with others, always ready with a joke to brighten someone’s day. Thirty years ago, they retired to Picton, Ontario, to be closer to family. A generous and hospitable man, he and Claire loved to welcome friends and family into their home, sharing meals, laughter, and memories. Their house was always filled with music, and they especially enjoyed dancing together. Denis was a devoted husband, married to his beautiful wife Claire for nearly 67 years. He loved her to the end, and she misses him dearly. He was also a proud father to six children: Tamara (Paul) Elliott, Yolande (Scott) Wentworth, Brian Ferreira, Richard (Beth) Ferreira, Peter (Brenda) Ferreira, and Mary (Chris) Smith. His legacy lives on through his 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, whom he loved to embarrass—often by barking at them, (especially in front of their friends). They even wrote a song about it. Denis was a man of faith who firmly believed in the resurrection of Christ. He looked forward to the promise of being raised again in the Kingdom of God which is to be established on this earth. He spent the last 15 months of his life at West Lake Terrace, where he was well cared for. Denis died on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 92. A Celebration of His Life will be held in the spring. Rest in peace, Dad. We love you. Cremation has been entrusted to Milestone Cremation Services, Napanee. Memorial donations made to Denis’ favourite charitable organizations would be appreciated by the family. Agape In Action (agapeinaction.com) or Meal-a-day (cmadfa.com/ donate/). Online condolences, photos and memories can be shared at www.milestonecremation.ca.

Brian Laverne Wright April 30, 1964 - January 30, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Laverne Wright of Picton, on Thursday January 30, 2025 at the Belleville General Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the loving husband and best friend of 31 years to Tammy Flegg. Pre-deceased by his parents Arthur and Suzanne Wright. He will be forever cherished by his sisters Wanda Thissen (Theo) of Waupoos, Diane Stevenson (Randy) of Milford, and his sisters-in-law Nancy and Tracey Flegg both of Smith Falls. Uncle Brian will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephew, Shannon, Corrie, Chad, Taylor, Angela, Naomi, and Amanda. He will be fondly remembered by his extended family and many friends. Brian had a love for motorcycles especially Harley-Davidson’s. He always looked forward to his weekend rides with all his buddies. All family and friends are welcome at the Elks Lodge, 21 Elk St. Picton on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 1-4 pm to Celebrate Brian’s Life. If desired donations may be made in Brian’s memory to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Cremation has taken place with Milestone Cremation Services, Napanee. On-line memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.milestonecremation.ca

Donald Keith “Don” Van Meer

February 2, 1934 –February 4, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Don Van Meer announce his sudden passing at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, Picton, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 91. Don was the beloved husband of the late Lauretta Van Meer (nee Platt). Cherished father of Caroline Blackman (late Wayne) of Belleville, Jennifer Van Meer (late Jacques) of Scarborough, and the late Donnie (surviving Kelly) of Bloomfield. Proud grandfather of Anthony (Brandi), Julien, and Gabriel and great grandfather of Benjamin and Noah. Son of the late Archie Van Meer & Leila Vera (nee Van Skiver)Van Meer. Predeceased by his siblings Ray Van Meer, Betty MacKinnon and Sonny Kimmerly. Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Mr. Van Meer is resting at Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450). Funeral Service was held in the Chapel on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 2 pm with visitation for 1 hour prior to the Funeral Service. Rev. Doug Carter officiating. Spring Interment in the family plot at Cherry Valley Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation “Back the Build” would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.

Mary-Rose Swan September 7, 1953February 5, 2025

Mary passed in her 72nd year on Wednesday February 5 2025 surrounded by her girls after a brief, but strong fight Mary-Rose is survived by her 4 daughters, Tanya (Kyle Fox), Tricia (Stacey Felske), Amanda (Brian Carroll) and Mariah (Jordan Chapman) and her beloved and cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, Jackson, Hayden, Hayley, Hanna, Sofie, Ayvah and Jamison. Mary-Rose is the daughter of the late Terrance Loftus and the late Mary (Minnings). She will be missed by her siblings, Carol (Bob Phillips), Francis (Gary Kenny), David (Jane), Marcia (Paul Ryther), Jackie Suszter and Mary-Rose will be happy to meet her brother Kenny at the gates of heaven. Mary was a proud mother, grandma and a hard-working woman. Mary moved to Prince Edward County in 1972 from Phelpston Ontario with her husband Barry Swan to raise her family. Mary brought joy to the farmers of Bloomfield by making them breakfast every morning at The Junction. She was also a part of the Bloomfield social committee, which was instrumental in bringing smiles to the town by bringing them the first nighttime Bloomfield Santa Claus parade. And she continued to bring smiles to everyone she met for the rest of her life. Mary will be missed for her sense of humour and her ability to light up every room. Mary’s family would like to extend our warm thanks to the staff at Colllingwood and Orillia hospitals who provided mom with tremendous support and care. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 10 from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Lynn-Stone Funeral Home in Elmvale. A Celebration of life will be held in Prince Edward County on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Further details to follow. Memorial donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to lynnstone@sympatico.ca

AROUND THE ISLAND

DAY AT THE KNOLL

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14TH & SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15TH, 2025

3-Course plated dinner Seating times from 5pm to 8pm. Reservations are required 613-393-2090.