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Articles by Harper Cotie
YMCA golf tournament raises more than $223,000 for Eastern Ontario communities
Photo: YMCA of Eastern Ontario, submitted The first YMCA Community Classic was held Monday at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, attracting 144 golfers for a day focused on golf, community and giving back. The money raised will help provide financial assistance for YMCA memberships and programs, summer camp access, youth recreation and leadership opportunities, and community programs.
Single mother calls for school busing changes after child denied transportation
An Eastern Ontario single mother is calling for changes to school transportation eligibility after her six-year-old was denied busing despite a long walk to school. Gloria Poore says her chronic pain and childcare responsibilities make the daily journey difficult. She is also worried about winter sidewalk conditions in her neighbourhood.
Eastern Ontario woman speaks about deadly Nepal floods leaving thousands missing
An Eastern Ontario woman is speaking out about the devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal, where more than 1,000 people have died and thousands remain missing. Tabsum says that damaged roads, bridges and limited rescue equipment have made the disaster response difficult. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2044/files/2026/09/090126-taysum-01.mp3 Tabsum thanked Canada for its support and called for people worldwide to stand with Nepal during the crisis.
Eastern Ontario woman speaks about deadly Nepal floods leaving thousands missing
An Eastern Ontario woman is speaking out about the devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal, where more than 1,000 people have died and thousands remain missing. Tabsum says that damaged roads, bridges and limited rescue equipment have made the disaster response difficult. Tabsum thanked Canada for its support and called for people worldwide to stand with Nepal during the crisis. She says her family members are safe, but many others have lost loved ones and homes. Story by: Harper Cotie
Eastern Ontario woman speaks about deadly Nepal floods leaving thousands missing
Tabsum says her family members are safe, but many others have lost loved ones and homes (MBC News File Photo) An Eastern Ontario woman is speaking out about the devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal, where more than 1,000 people have died and thousands remain missing. Tabsum says that damaged roads, bridges and limited rescue equipment have made the disaster response difficult. Tabsum thanked Canada for its support and called for people worldwide to stand with Nepal during the crisis.
New school bus eligibility rules are coming to Eastern Ontario
ArturVerkhovetskiy / Depositphotos.com Kids are gearing up to return to the classroom and Student Transportation Eastern Ontario (STEO) is implementing new service levels for the 2026-27 school year. General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, Janet Murray says kindergarten students remain unaffected, while there are some changes for grades 1-8.
Memorial Cup visits Brockville Wednesday, Thursday thanks to Jack LaBrash
vencav / Depositphotos.com Brockville native and Kitchener Rangers’ forward Jack LaBrash is bringing the Memorial Cup home for the first time since the Rangers defeated the Everett Silvertips to clinch the title back in May. He explained how it felt to win with his teammates. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2107/files/2026/08/073126-labrash-01.mp3 He said he’s pumped to come home.
Growing Up On The Farm Fueled by Kubota: The Wells Family Farm
Growing Up on the Farm, a look into local agriculture fueled by KUBOTA. Today, we are profiling The Wells Family Farm in Jasper, Ontario. Alongside her parents and grandparents, Kaylee Wells is proud to work on the three generation, 250-acre cow-calf beef operation with 50 hereford cows. Wells says a typical day on the farm in the summer mostly involves doing hay and getting those crops off so that they can feed their cattle throughout the year.
Local MPP says Ontario speed limit increase is another step towards future highway changes
It’s official, Ontario has increased speed limits to 110 km/h on an additional 938 kilometres of provincial highways including sections of Highways 401 and 416 in eastern Ontario. Local MPP Steve Clark says this is another step towards the eventual conversion to six and eight-lane highways in the future. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2107/files/2026/06/062626-clark-01.mp3 Here’s Clark with more on the change.
Ontario police warn distraction thieves use fake kindness to target residents
Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents in the East Region to stay alert after reports of distraction thefts in local communities. Police say the incidents happen quickly and often involve suspects who start conversations, show fake kindness, or offer gifts to distract victims before stealing jewelry or other valuables. While seniors are often targeted, police say anyone can become a victim.
Crown seeking adult sentence for Brockville teen accused in triple murder case
An update on the case in the triple homicide of three Brockville residents. The 17-year-old youth accused in the murder of Wanda, Mackayla and Nikita Elliott, appeared in court last week. Crown Attorney Alan Findlay clarified that the Crown is seeking an adult sentence, not an adult trial. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a youth sentence carries a maximum 10-year term with the first six served in custody, and the remaining four years served under supervision in the community.
Crown seeking adult sentence for Brockville teen accused in triple murder case
The 17-year-old youth accused in the Brockville triple murder case involving Wanda, Mackayla and Nikita Elliott, appeared in court last week. Crown Attorney Alan Findlay clarified that the Crown is seeking an adult sentence, not an adult trial.
Doug Ford’s Brockville visit announces new jail
Alongside Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and local MPP Steve Clark, Premier Ford was in Brockville Monday afternoon to announce that the Ontario government has issued a Request for Qualifications to move forward with the new Brockville Correctional Complex and an expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre. The Premier addressed local residents concerned about more criminals being transported to Brockville.
Province to fund expansion of Brockville correctional facility
Alongside Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and local MPP Steve Clark, Premier Ford was in Brockville Monday afternoon to announce that the Ontario government has issued a Request for Qualifications to move forward with the new Brockville Correctional Complex and an expansion of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre. The Premier addressed local residents concerned about more criminals being transported to Brockville.
Canadians warned to avoid Puerto Vallarta as violence erupts and flights turn back
Global Affairs Canada is urging Canadians to avoid travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as violence escalates following the death of a drug lord. Shootouts, explosions and roadblocks are just some of the things the federal agency is warning about across parts of southwestern Mexico. Several flights from Canada bound for Puerto Vallarta turned around mid-air and returned home due to safety concerns.
G. Tackaberry and Family Home hailed as a game changer for Leeds & Grenville
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the 192-bed, G. Tackaberry and Family Home on County Road 42 in Athens on Wednesday afternoon. The man behind it all, George Tackaberry said it means everything to him and his family. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2107/files/2026/02/012826-tackaberry-athens-01.mp3 Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP, Steve Clark said it’s a game changer for long-term care in the area.
WHAT’S GOOD NEAR GANANOQUE: Leeds and Grenville awarded federal funding to fight homelessness - here’s what’s next
Leeds and Grenville is among the first Canadian communities to receive funding from the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund. The grant supports the John Howard Society’s Pathways Cabin Program expansion, adding 24 new supportive housing units. Vanessa, a proud cabin resident and now employee of the John Howard Society, spoke during yesterday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
BGC South East expands into Leeds and Grenville following BBBS closure
BGC South East, formerly BGC Kingston, is expanding its programs and services into Leeds and Grenville to support children, youth, and families following the announced closure of Big Brothers Big Sisters Leeds and Grenville, effective December 31, 2025. BGC CEO Harold Parsons says this was part of their plan.
Former Ontario resident living in Jamaica talks devastation from Hurricane Melissa
The island of Jamaica has been utterly devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Former Ontario resident Mica Shamray says her and her family are safe, but it’s hard to put into words. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2116/files/2025/10/103025-shamray-01.mp3 She says it’s bad in Montego Bay where they live, but the southern parts of the island in places like Black River, Treasure Beach, Bluefields and Whitehouse are just gone.
Former Ontarian describes total destruction in Jamaica after hurricane
The island of Jamaica has been utterly devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Former Ontario resident Mica Shamray says her and her family are safe, but it’s hard to put into words. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2053/files/2025/11/103025-shamray-01.mp3 She says it’s bad in Montego Bay where they live, but the southern parts of the island in places like Black River, Treasure Beach, Bluefields and Whitehouse are just gone.
Jays fan reacts to first World Series berth in 32 years
Ryan Hutton has been an avid fan of baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays his entire life. He enjoyed playing the game from age five to 13 and then umpired for two years. He goes to lots of games at Rogers Centre and said his favourite Blue Jay is Bo Bichette, who appears to be good to go for the World Series after being sidelined for the entire postseason so far due to injury.
Burnbrae’s expansion plans in Elizabethtown-Kitley receive push back from neighbours
Elizabethtown-Kitley Township neighbours are voicing their concerns with Burnbrae Farms’ plan to develop four new barns at the corner of Kitley Line 9 and Johnson Road. Jeff Mack says the residents were not informed about this. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/10/101625-jeff-mack-01.mp3 While others are concerned about their wells going dry from an increase in water usage, Jeff Mack says he’s worried about an increase in traffic.
Playoff Blue Jays bring larger crowds to local restaurants
Playoff Blue Jays bring larger crowds to local restaurants The entire country is talking about the Toronto Blue Jays after defeating the New York Yankees in dominating fashion over the weekend to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five American League Division Series. Local restaurants are benefiting from the Blue Jays’ early postseason success with larger crowds and tons of excitement. At Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse, Lindsay said the atmosphere was terrific.
Downie Wenjack CEO reveals shocking truth about Canadians and more on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Today marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this important day, President and CEO of the Downie Wenjack Fund, Sarah Midanik, spoke about the following. When asked about Gord Downie’s impact on Canadians and getting the message out. Since he first brought Chanie Wenjack’s story to Canadians attention to where we are now and everything Gord accomplished, Midanik talked about the power of timing.
Via Rail sparks outrage with sudden cuts to Eastern Ontario train stops
Local leaders are speaking out after Via Rail announced they will be cancelling several Eastern Ontario stops as part of a new three-month pilot project starting Sept. 29. Communities like Brockville will lose key morning service. Some passengers may be rebooked on later trains, but only if space allows. MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Steve Clark says like many, he too relies on the service.
Senators CEO talks ahead of the club’s 30th season
The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for a major milestone this year. The 30th anniversary of their first game on Oct. 8th, 1996. President and CEO Cyril Leeder breaks down what will be a special weekend in January, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Tire Centre. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2107/files/2025/09/091925-cyril-leeder-02.mp3 Fans can expect tributes, entertainment, and special appearances, making it one of the biggest weekends of the season.
Local MPP talks future improvements to Highway 401
Improvements to Highway 401 are coming and MPP for Leeds-Grenville Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Steve Clark says people can start to visualize it in this area. Clark says it’s going to take a long time to get done.
LLGAMH focused on “changing the narrative” during Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month and it’s being recognized locally by Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health. Chris Curry, Program Director of Planning and Implementation talks about their theme for the month. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/09/091525-curry-01.mp3 Curry says suicide is not a crime and a case of it should be referred to as “death by suicide”, rather than “committed suicide”.
Long Term Care Minister blown away by new home in Athens
Ontario’s Long Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta was recently in Athens to see the new G. Tackaberry and Family Home. The facility is ready to open, and her first impressions were strong. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/09/091025-long-term-care-minister-01.mp3 Kusendova-Bashta also stressed the importance of early staff recruitment.
Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson pays tribute to Ken Dryden
The hockey world continues to mourn the loss of Ken Dryden. The Hall of Fame goaltender who won six Stanley Cups in eight years during the Montreal Canadiens’ dynasty in the 70’s, passed away last Friday at age 78 after a battle with cancer. Former teammate Larry Robinson said he was one of the best. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/09/090925-robinson-01.mp3 Robinson said his favourite memory of Dryden comes from the 1976 Stanley Cup Final vs.
Former Braves coach named CCHL Commissioner
The Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) has named Jesse Winchester its new League Commissioner. Winchester has deep ties to the league as a former player with the Cornwall Colts (2001-2004) before moving on to play four years at Colgate University. Afterwards, the Long-Sault native enjoyed a successful playing career appearing in 285 NHL games with 233 of them as a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Brockville Mayor comments on the apartment fire tragedy in the city’s north-end
Yesterday afternoon, Brockville Police confirmed that an 88-year-old woman has died following an apartment fire on Windsor Drive in the north-end of Brockville on Wednesday evening. Two more individuals were rushed to Brockville General Hospital with injuries. Brockville Mayor Matt Wren says a person’s home should always feel safe.
Local MP comments on Air Canada strike
On the heels of the news that Air Canada is beginning to cancel flights as it prepares for a possible flight attendants’ strike on Saturday, MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand-Islands and Rideau Lakes, Michael Barrett says Air Canada needs to find a solution. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/08/081425-barrett-01.mp3 “We regret the impact a disruption will have,” said Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau.
5th Annual Gord Brown Memorial Golf Tournament has record year
Yesterday, 144 golfers hit the links at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Club in Lansdowne for the 5th annual Gord Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of the late MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand-Islands and Rideau Lakes and in support of vital local programs through the United Way of Leeds & Grenville and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario. Gord’s brother and tournament chair, Jeff Brown says its a record year for the event.
Eddy & The Stingrays’ Summer Sizzler at Happy Green Acres
It’s another weekend of live music at Happy Green Acres Campground in Mallorytown with Eddy & The Stingrays’ Summer Sizzler tonight until Sunday. On the stage at 9 p.m. tonight is the Bob Seger Tribute – Rock & Roll Never Forgets, featuring Brockville’s own Willy Stevenson on lead vocals. He says he’s excited to play in front of family and friends at a great venue.
Emergency room stays busy at BGH
The emergency room at the Brockville General Hospital continues to be very busy. Here’s BGH President and CEO, Julie Caffin. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/07/072225-caffin-01.mp3 Caffin says she hopes the re-opening of Mapleview Lodge, and the expansion of Sherwood Park Manor in the spring will help with that. Measles cases continue to rise in Alberta and other parts of Ontario. Here’s Caffin on whether or not there are any cases in this area.
Growing Up on the Farm Fueled by KUBOTA: Greaveston Farms
Growing Up on the Farm, a look into local agriculture, presented by Grenville Mutual Insurance and James Purcell Insurance Brokers…also fueled by KUBOTA. Today we are profiling Greaveston Farms and Holsteins in North Augusta. Ron Greaves is the second generation on the family farm after his father purchased the land back in 1946. It’s a robotic dairy farm that crops around 850 acres of land and milks 135 cows.
American visitors launch river rally to back Canada in surprise show of cross-border love
Ogdensburg, New York residents held an “Elbows Up for Canada” rally on Saturday to show solidarity with Canadians. Called the “Friendship Flotilla,” participants boated along the St. Lawrence River with flags and signs, promoting cross-border unity. Our Evan Gibb caught up with this woman at Blockhouse Island to get her thoughts. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/07/070725-flotilla-streeter-01.mp3 He also talked to Roger Hill, a resident of Cardinal.
Local MP says Carney needs to stand up to Trump in negotiations
A Canadian digital services tax irritated President Trump and the U.S. administration last week. It did so much so that Prime Minister Carney was told implenting it would end trade negotations between the two countries. Leeds-Grenville-Thousand-Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, a member of the opposition, didn’t like the move.
Game-Changer for Canada? Barrett breaks down new law and surprise defense boost
Parliament has passed what’s called the ‘One Canada Economy Act’. Leeds-Grenville Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett explains. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/06/062625-barrett-01.mp3 Barrett adds that the Conservatives have added amendments to ensure proper oversight. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an increase in defense spending at the NATO summit, after years of criticism that the country wasn’t spending enough.
Honeymoon Suite returns to the 1000 Islands Regatta
An iconic Canadian group returns to the big stage on Blockhouse Island for opening night of the 1000 Islands Regatta tomorrow (Friday, June 27). Gary Lalonde, the bassist for Honeymoon Suite tells us how he deals with performing in the heat, and what the audience can expect. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/06/062525-gary-lalonde-01.mp3 Lalonde says Brockville has been his home for a long time.
MP Barrett says Canadians need their money back following Auditor General Report
On the heels of the Auditor General Report this week, LGTIRL MP Michael Barrett explains the issue of the Liberal government paying ArriveCan’s main contractor, GC Strategies without knowledge of work being completed.
Brockville looks forward to the financial bump from the Tall Ships Festival
Brockville’s Tall Ships Festival is just over a week away (June 20-22), and the city is looking forward to seeing the financial impact that it will have. Lyndsay Bigley from Brockville Tourism says advance ticket sales have gone really well. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/06/061125-bigley-01.mp3 She adds that luxury experiences like the Parade of Sail, four-hour adventure sails, and one of their luxury breakfasts are already sold out.
Local brewery owner says there are ways to avoid high tariffs on cans
Last week, we found out that U.S. President Donald Trump had put 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum coming into Canada. For local breweries, that means an increase in the cost of importing cans. However, Phil Audet, Owner of ARBRU Solar Brewery in Mallorytown says there are ways to pivot. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/06/061125-phil-audet-01.mp3 Phil says they’re currently getting their cans from a Canadian supplier.
Brockville & Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee says the city needs a bowling alley again
After an illustrious bowling career as both a competitor and executive, Stan Smith will be one of the five, new inductees into the Brockville & Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. For 17 years, Stan co-owned and ran the Brockville Bowling Centre which was located behind the Town Center Plaza on Ormond Street. He says they had a good run, despite being too small scale.
YMCA of Eastern Ontario CEO talks pickleball and expansion
Construction is set to begin this week In early April, we learned about the large expansion that’s coming to the gymnasium at the YMCA in Brockville. Here’s Rob Adams, CEO of the Y’s of EO on what’s coming and when construction will begin.
Kasey Donaghue talks nursing at BGH
This is National Nurses Week It’s National Nurses Week (May 12-18), and locally at Brockville General Hospital, Kasey Donaghue is a registered nurse in the operating room at BGH. Kasey says that his Mother Angie and his grandmother were big influences on him to get into the nursing profession. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/05/051525-donaghue-bgh-01.mp3 He takes us through what a typical day in the “OR” looks like.
Local MPP talks grants and new role in Parliament
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand-Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark has been sworn in as the Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario Premier, Doug Ford. Clark says it ties in nicely with his role as Government House Leader. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2047/files/2025/05/050925-steve-clark-01.mp3 Clark was officially sworn in on May 6th. Clark also talked to our Bruce Wylie about a grant opportunity for local businesses.
Our daily look at Canadian Mental Health Week: Michael Landsberg talks Sick Not Weak and more
Our focus on Mental Health Week includes some great insight from the former host of TSN’s Off The Record and the founder of Sick Not Weak, Michael Landsberg. Landsberg has been extremely open about his struggles with depression that date back to 2009. Here he is to shed some light on what he went through. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2107/files/2025/05/050525-landsberg-02.mp3 In 2016, Landsberg founded Sick Not Weak.
You won’t believe how one day is changing the lives of over 114,000 girls
Girls Inc., the longest-running girls’ leadership organization, is hosting its second annual Girls Inc. Together Giving Day today, Thursday, May 8. This 24-hour virtual fundraiser brings together supporters across Canada and the U.S. to raise money for more than 114,000 girls in the Girls Inc. network, including right here in Lennox and Addington County. With programs run in schools and communities, Girls Inc. equips girls to be strong, smart and bold.
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