John Lawless
Kingston, Vernon
As seen in:
MSN Canada,
Sunday Mirror,
The Guardian,
The Sunday Times,
CKWS-TV-2 (Kingston, ON),
Flipboard,
Global News,
National Post,
Liverpool Echo,
Ottawa Citizen
and
Covers:
Municipal politics, sports, crime, general interest.
Communications Coordinator at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum • Former journalist for @globalnews & @CastanetNews
Articles by John Lawless
Girl from Lansdowne back in the saddle after beating cancer and severe injury
Addy Myers, 11, has overcome adversity a few times and rebounded to pursue her passion. • • Addy Myers is back riding horses again following two extreme incidents: being diagnosed with kidney cancer and a traumatic horse-riding accident. /Submitted An 11-year-old girl has beaten all odds to follow her passion, leaving her troubles in the dust. Addy Myers has gone through more in her short life than many adults do their entire lives, but she isn’t letting that slow her down.
“For lovers of the bizarre”: Step inside Spencerville’s Diablo Manor
Skip to Content Storied local venue’s spooky season extends far past Halloween. • • Scott McClelland stands outside Diablo Manor in Spencerville. /The Brockville Recorder and Times SPENCERVILLE – Halloween season may be over, but the spooks at Diablo Manor are year-round.
Rideau Lakes council to return to in-person meetings
Township safety committee deems it safe to return to the chambers. • • Rideau Lakes mayor-elect John Fenik says he is eager to move on from the previous term of council and is pleased that all meetings in the township will be moved from virtual back to in-person. After a long and turbulent term of council, the Township of Rideau Lakes is looking to turn the page with this new set of elected officials.
Man arrested for mischief in intimate partner violence incident: Brockville police
Man allegedly punched holes in the wall, flipped TV stand. • • Brockville police have arrested one man following an intimate partner violence incident last week. On Friday, Oct. 30 at about 10 p.m., officers with the Brockville Police Service responded to a report of an intimate partner violence occurrence at a home in the north end of the city. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team.
Brockville Police Service shaves down projected deficit
Projected shortfall reduced by about $164K • • The main entrance of the Brockville Police Service headquarters is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times The Brockville Police Service is still projecting a large year-end deficit, but Chief Mark Noonan says it is working to reduce that number as much as possible. In June, it was reported that the police service would have a $551,883 shortfall by the end of 2026, but that number grew to $670,703 in September.
Brockville HART Hub location now open
Clients are expected to move in Nov. 9. • • Representatives from Lanark Leeds Grenville Addictions and Mental Health, members of the provincial government and local dignitaries cut the ribbon at the new Brockville HART Hub on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times After a number of delays that pushed back operations by nearly a year, the Brockville Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub is now officially open.
Three kilograms of crystal meth, other drugs seized in Edwardsburgh Cardinal and Kemptville bust: OPP
Drugs, firearms and cash were seized • • Ontario Provincial Police shoulder flash. /Postmedia Network The OPP East Region Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) has arrested three people in connection with a drug trafficking investigation that began in the summer. On Oct. 22, with assistance from the OPP Emergency Response Team, Canine Unit and Grenville County OPP, CSCU carried out search warrants at a property in Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township and a storage facility in Kemptville.
Confusion surrounding Athens election now settled
There was uncertainty around councillor-elect Darin Alguire’s intentions to serve on council • • Municipal elections in Ontario were held on Oct. 26, 2026. File While the election in most municipalities in Leeds and Grenville went rather smoothly, there was some confusion in Athens Township surrounding an incumbent councillor. Darin Alguire, who had served on council for the previous term, had put his name forward to run again in the 2026 election. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Brockville MEDtalks stroke awareness event draws sold-out crowd
Event was hosted by Brockville and District Hospital Foundation. • • Dr. Albert Jin delivers his presentation at the Brockville & District Hospital Foundation's MEDtalks stroke awareness event at the Aquatarium on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation welcomed a sold-out audience to MEDtalks on Oct.
Kemptville District Hospital turns to fundraising to purchase 3D mammography system
Hospital’s current machine has reached its end of life. • • Kemptville District Hospital is fundraising for a new 3D mammorgraphy system KEMPTVILLE - September 02, 2022 -- Kemptville Hospital. Assignment 138080 Jean Levac/Ottawa Citizen /Postmedia The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Foundation is fundraising to purchase a new 3D mammography system.
A look at all the election night winners in Leeds and Grenville
Only two incumbent mayors retained their seats. • • Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor-elect Henry Oosterhof poses for a photo at his family farm following his election night win on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times Based on Monday’s election night results, many residents across Leeds and Grenville were looking for a change in leadership.
Shankar victorious in Prescott, and who else has claimed the mayor’s seat in Leeds and Grenville
Incumbent Prescott mayor wins close race • • From left: Prescott councillors-elect Bob Dixon, Leanne Burton, Justin Kirkby, mayor-elect Gauri Shankar and MP Michael Barrett pose for a photo on election night on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times It was a close race for the mayor's seat in Prescott, and incumbent Mayor Gauri Shankar will be serving as the head of council for another term.
Mayor, deputy mayor square off in Merrickville-Wolford
Incumbent mayor Michael Cameron seeks to retain his seat • • Incumbent Mayor Michael Cameron, left, and incumbent Deputy Mayor Anne Barr are the two mayoral candidates for Merrickville-Wolford in the 2026 municipal election. The two top elected officials in Merrickville-Wolford are going head-to-head in this year’s municipal election. Incumbent Mayor Michael Cameron is seeking re-election, while Deputy Mayor Anne Barr is challenging him for the seat.
Athens mayoral candidates eager to start new chapter
Two in the running to succeed Herb Scott. • • Anne Marie Dancy, left, and Ray Heffernan are the two mayoral candidates for Athens in Monday's municipal election. After decades of leadership under Herb Scott, it is now time for a fresh face in the mayor’s chair in Athens. Scott initially filed his papers to run again, but ended up withdrawing just before the nomination period closed, leaving the door open for two candidates: incumbent Coun. Anne Marie Dancy and Ray Heffernan.
Brockville warming centre location revealed
New space is slated to open Nov. 1 • • Reverend Marianne Emig Carr shows off the space that will be used as the new overnight warming centre at First Presbyterian Church in Brockville on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times A local church has opened its doors to give people experiencing homelessness in the community a warm place to rest their heads for the winter.
Fifth family doctor recruited to Leeds Grenville region
Dr. Imran Tariq will be joining the St. Lawrence District Medical Centre in Lansdowne. • • United Counties of Leeds and Grenville A fifth family doctor has been successfully recruited to the Leeds Grenville region, following the announcement of four family doctors relocating to the area last month. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, in a joint agreement with Brockville, Prescott and Gananoque, has welcomed Dr. Imran Tariq from the United Kingdom.
Ontario invests $750K into finding new business for former Invista site
Provincial grant aims to combat U.S. tariffs by finding businesses to use former manufacturing site. • • The Invista site in operation near Maitland. The Brockville Recorder and Times This story was updated to correct a typographical error. The provincial government is providing some cash for Augusta Township in hopes of filling the vacancy left at the Maitland Chemical Industrial Park. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Tait’s bakery gets another fresh start in downtown Brockville
The downtown institution held its grand reopening on Monday. • • Elizabeth Barlow, the new owner of Tait's Fresh Start, stands behind the counter during the bakery's grand opening event on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times A staple of Brockville’s downtown has been saved. Tait’s Fresh Start, also known colloquially as Tait’s Bakery, officially reopened its doors Monday morning after a brief closure when the business was shuttered in May.
Girl jumps out second-storey window, bites police officer: Brockville police
Skip to Content Youth was charged with a number of other offences • • A female youth has been charged with a number of offences, including assault of a police officer. At about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, police say officers responded to a home in the central area of Brockville regarding an assaultive female youth. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service chief to retire
Jeff Carss served as chief since 2019. • • Leeds and Grenville Paramedic Chief Jeff Carss speaks to the Joint Services Committee on Tuesday, July 4., 2023 FILE PHOTO Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service Chief Jeff Carss is retiring, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary career in emergency medical services spanning nearly four decades. Carss began his career in the fall of 1988 with Thames Valley Ambulance in London, Ont. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Bill Dixie Jr. wins Leeds and Grenville economic development award
County government cites Dixie’s business leadership, community involvement. • • Bill Dixie Jr. stands with his spouse, Pam, by one of their commercial service vehicles that can be seen completing projects in the community. Lifelong resident, business owner and community leader Bill Dixie Jr. has been named the 2026 recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.
Front of Yonge mayoral candidates aim to put residents first
Three candidates seeking the mayor’s chair • • From left: Coun. Carson Massey, Coun. Margaret Fancy and Kirby Perkins are the three mayoral candidates running in the upcoming Front of Yonge Township municipal election. After 20 years, Front of Yonge Township will have a fresh face in the mayor’s chair. Earlier this year, longtime Mayor Roger Haley announced he will be retiring from public service, leaving the door open for a new candidate to take his place.
Maitland’s St. James Anglican Church celebrating its bicentennial
Church held first service in 1827 • • St. James Anglican Church in Maitland is celebrating its bicentennial in 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times A cornerstone of the Maitland community has reached a historic milestone this year. St. James Anglican Church, a stone church that sits atop the hill under an old oak tree, is celebrating its bicentennial this weekend with two days full of events, which include musical performances, a luncheon and an anniversary service.
Mallorytown Unattached Patient Clinic closing this month
Clinic set to close on Oct. 30 • • Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley, left, former Upper Canada Family Health Team (UCFHT) executive director Sherri Fournier-Hudson, pharmacy owner Mayur Vadher, UCFHT board chair Dr. Ambrose Au, MPP Steve Clark, and UCFHT clinical program manager Manish Watts celebrate the official opening of the Mallorytown clinic on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
What’s open, closed and happening in Brockville on Thanksgiving weekend
Many businesses closed on the holiday Monday • • Brockville's City Hall clock tower is shrouded by fall leaves on Blockhouse Island on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times The fall colours have arrived again for another season, meaning Thanksgiving is now upon us. It’s a holiday that prioritizes spending time with family and friends, giving thanks for what you have, and giving back to the community. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
New overnight warming centre coming to Brockville for the winter months
The location of the the new facility has not yet been revealed. • • United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke listens in during the Joint Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times People experiencing homelessness in the Brockville area will have a warm place to rest their heads this winter.
Outgoing Rideau Lakes mayor advertising for other candidates
Mayor is endorsing a number of candidates in the municipal election • • Rideau Lakes mayor Arie Hoogenboom speaks at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville planning advisory committee meeting on Dec. 10, 2025. /The Brockville Recorder and Time Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom may not be running in the upcoming municipal election, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be sitting on the sidelines.
Prescott mayoral candidates have competing visions for the future
Two candidates vying for town’s top job • • Tim MacKay. left, and Gauri Shankar face off for the Prescott mayor's seat in the 2026 municipal election. Prescott voters now have an opportunity to have a say for mayor at the ballot box in this election. In 2022, Mayor Gauri Shankar was acclaimed, but this time around he has a challenger. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team.
Second person charged in Augusta murder: OPP
Deceased has also now been identified • • Police have charged a man with second degree murder in connection with a homicide in July in Augusta Township. Augusta resident David Collison, 40, is the second person arrested in this case, and has been charged with second degree murder, indignity to a dead body, assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.
Disclosure continues in Brockville triple murder case
Progress is slow as accused is back in court • • Flowers adorn the Women's Memorial on Blockhouse Island on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Brockville, Ont. The family of murder victims LouWanda, Mackayla and Nikita Elliott has asked that any floral tributes to them be placed here. /The Brockville Recorder and Times The case involving the accused in a Brockville triple murder earlier this year continues to move slowly through the court system.
Crosby Cookhouse destroyed by fire
Restaurant forced to close for the season • • The Crosby Cookhouse was forced to close for the season following a fire earlier this month. Owners of a Rideau Lakes restaurant are hoping to rebuild after suffering a devastating fire earlier this month. The fire destroyed the Crosby Cookhouse, forcing the business to close down for the season. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team.
New-look Brockville Braves starting fresh before home opener
Ownership, coaching changes implemented in the off-season • • Brockville Braves head coach Andy Bryan leads a practice at the Brockville Memorial Centre on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. A change in ownership, an entirely new coaching staff, and a nearly brand-new roster is ushering in a new era of Brockville Braves hockey for the 2026-2027 season.
New-look Brockville Braves starting fresh before home opener
A change in ownership, an entirely new coaching staff, and a nearly brand-new roster is ushering in a new era of Brockville Braves hockey for the 2026-2027 season. In the off-season, the Central Canada Junior Hockey League (CCHL) club underwent significant changes, starting with a change in ownership that took place in June. Kris Hodgins bought out the shares of the team from Hani Greiss and Gratiela Dim, making him part-owner with Dustin Traylen.
One dead in car crash in North Grenville: OPP
September 18, 2026 at 11:03 a.m. One person has died following a single-vehicle crash in North Grenville. Just before 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, officers from the Grenville County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), North Grenville Fire Department, and EMS responded to a single-vehicle collision on County Road 43 near Burritts Rapids Road. Police say the 44-year-old driver from Ottawa was pronounced dead at the scene.
Canadian Coast Guard adds first large vessel on Great Lakes in over 30 years Original
The Canadian Coast Guard officially welcomed Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Judy LaMarsh into its fleet on Thursday, the first time an additional large vessel has joined the Great Lakes region in over 30 years. Based in Prescott, the vessel will carry out icebreaking and buoy tending operations across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in Ontario and Quebec.
‘I hope everyone cherishes the memories’: Brockville’s Keystorm Pub to close its doors
The downtown pub’s last day of operations is Oct. 23 • • Server Sara Marchand, left, and general manager Amanda Toohey pose at the bar of the Keystorm Pub on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times A staple of Brockville’s nightlife is closing its doors after decades of being a significant part of the downtown core. Owner Dan Thompson made the tough decision to close the Keystorm Pub after owning it for 24 years, with its last day of operations slated for Friday, Oct. 23.
What’s open, closed and happening in Brockville over the Labour Day weekend
Many local businesses running modified hours on the holiday weekend • • A view of downtown Brockville as seen from Blockhouse Island on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times The Labour Day weekend is upon us, the unofficial sign that summer has come to an end. While a large portion of the workforce gets the day off, there are still a fair number of big businesses that remain open on the holiday Monday, some with reduced hours. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
“We’re successful because we care”: Palliative care golf tournament raises $341K
Skip to Content Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament celebrates another successful year of fundraising • • Curtis Ross tees off on the 10th hole at the Brockville Country Club during the Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times Mother Nature was almost as generous as this year’s Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament participants, holding off the rainy weather until after the round was finished.
AI Governance Isn’t a Speed Bump. It’s the On-Ramp to AI Adoption
Written by: John Lawless AI Governance Isn't a Barrier. It's the Foundation. AI governance doesn't have to slow adoption. Done well, it helps firms move faster because teams know what they can use, how to use it, and where the guardrails are. A framing I hear often about AI governance is a fear that it may stand in the way of actually using AI. Legal must approve it. Compliance needs to review it. Security has to sign off.
Free cycle tourism workshop makes stop in Rideau Lakes
Township invites local businesses, community members to participate • • Sign on Leeds and Grenville County Road 42 east of Delta. /SunMedia The Township of Rideau Lakes is inviting local tourism and business operators, business networks, municipal and economic development representatives, cycling and community organizations, and advocates to attend a free cycle tourism workshop. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Portland Community Hall.
Kayaking for Cancer hits $1 million fundraising mark
Charity event reaches historic milestone after 26 years on the water • • Kayaking for Cancer has reached the $1 million fundraising milestone after 26 years. One of the country’s largest third-party cancer charity events has paddled its way to $1 million raised for cancer research. After 26 years, Kayaking for Cancer reached the $1 million raised milestone after bringing in $47,000 during this year’s event. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament returns to Brockville for 33rd year
Annual charity golf tournament supports Brockville General Hospital’s Palliative Care Team • • A participant in the Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament tees off on the 10th hole during the afternoon draw at the Brockville Country Club on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. A long-standing tradition is back again for another year.
Brockville overdose awareness event aims to reduce stigma
Event organizers say local overdose crisis is worsening • • Brockville Overdose Outreach Team co-founder Jes Besharah meets a member of the community at the International Overdose Awareness Day event beside city hall on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. /The Brockville Recorder and Times In the seven years of International Overdose Awareness Day events taking place in Brockville, the event’s organizers say this year's is the most important.
Brockville overdose awareness event aims to reduce stigma
August 31, 2026 at 4:16 p.m. In the seven years of International Overdose Awareness Day events taking place in Brockville, the event’s organizers say this year’s is the most important. While the event that was held beside Brockville City Hall Monday afternoon aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding addiction, organizsers are reckoning with the reality that the issue is only getting worse as the years go on.
First residents move into new Athens long-term care home
All residents from Maple View Lodge moved in after lengthy delay Published Aug 28, 2026 • Last updated 21 minutes ago • 3 minute read United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, George Tackaberry, and Athens Mayor Herb Scott welcome the G. Tackaberry and Family Home's first resident, Nick French. Photo by UNITED COUNTIES OF LEEDS AND GRENVILLE STAFF Article content The long-awaited opening of the new G.
Brockville Memorial Centre roof repairs nearly finished
Roof repairs are the first phase of the large Multi-Use Recreation Facility project Published Aug 26, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read Workers repair the Brockville Memorial Centre roof on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Photo by John Lawless /The Brockville Recorder and Times Article content Repairs to the roof of the Brockville Memorial Centre are nearly finished and will be done in time for the first bookings of ice time, according to the City of Brockville.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with John
Contact John, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack