CJRO News: February 10 to February 16, 2025
Hello bonjour and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I'm Candice Vetter reporting from Embrun.
The Ontario Ministry of Education has approved $11.3 million for an expansion at Cambridge Public School in Embrun. This project will add 427 new student spaces, including five kindergarten classrooms, 12 regular classrooms, a resource room and special education space, upgraded parking, bus lanes and drop-off areas. The expected opening is September 2028.
This funding follows on announcement in last week’s news of funding for a 268-student French public elementary school with 49 childcare spaces in Russell, funding for a new 412-student French Catholic elementary school in the Leitrim area, and $2.4 million to add 92 spaces to the Notre-Dame-des-Champs elementary school in NDC.
Here’s a reminder that Russell Township residents can view the proposed Official Plan at an open house on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Township Hall.
Also in Russell, the Township Council has announced the launch of a new Organic Waste Collection Program to collect and compost organic waste, which includes food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials. The program, which starts April 7, is designed to help reduce waste and improve sustainability efforts. It will be collected weekly along with regular garbage collection. Green bins for the township were first proposed over a decade ago by Cindy Saucier, when the community was under the threat of a mega-landfill being established in Quarry Lake in North Russell. For more information including rules for collection see www.russell.ca/organic.
The Casselman Municipal Council has lowered the planned increase in police fees, reducing the budgeted fee by $25 per household, from nearly $390 to under $365. A provincial compensation program to offset the unexpected rise of municipal policing costs of the Ontario Provincial Police has been granted to municipalities using the OPP. A police reserve fund is being established. Casselman Council has also reduced garbage collection fees by $25, according to a media release which said the reduction was due to cost-saving measures, which were not specified.
This is Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week, and the OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers to avoid risky behaviours. The OPP’s news release said its data shows risky driving behaviours that lead to snowmobile fatalities are the same ones year after year. Since the 2014-15 season 145 snowmobilers have lost their lives in OPP jurisdictions. Excessive speed, in particular driving too fast for the conditions, alcohol impairment , driver inattention and lack of helmet use are among the deadly factors. The news release also advised nearly 40% of the fatalities occurred on frozen lakes and rivers. Riders are reminded to avoid frozen waterways altogether. Ontario snowmobilers have access to an expansive network of trails. Through the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), riders can obtain real-time trail status information.
The OPP have reported that Quinton Racine of Westmeath, one of the men wanted for a violent home invasion in Pembroke, was arrested on February 9 in Pembroke. An arrest warrant is still issued for Bradyn Anderson, age 22 of Waltham, Quebec. He faces charges of Assault with a weapon, Aggravated assault, Forcible confinement, Disguise with intent, and Mischief. Police stressed that he is dangerous and if he is seen call 911 immediately and do not approach. The OPP asks anyone with information on him or the home invasion to call 1-888-310-1122.
Last week I said Marionville had the last carnival of the winter season, but the Vars Winter Carnival and the Limoges Winterfest are still ahead. In Vars the short carnival will be the afternoon of February 15 at Alcide Trudeau Park in Vars. There will be snow rides, a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, and more. The Limoges Winterfest put on by the Limoges Recreation Committee is February 14 to 17. For both events check Facebook for details.
CJRO reports on the local news that matters, so send tips to newscjro@gmail.com by Monday mornings. Listen to the news and Local First on cjroradio.com anytime or on the Tune In or Radio Player Canada apps, the Radio App, Apple Music, iHeart Radio, or at FrequencyNews.ca. I'm Candice Vetter for CJRO and the Local Journalism Initiative. CJRO FM, last on the dial and first for local news.
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