OPINION editionap.ca “Our children deserve better”
NEWS
editionap.ca
Assault and mischief charges
The Editor, In a show of solidarity and passion, over 300 strong from Plantagenet came forward July 16 to in one voice oppose the proposed project of bringing an asphalt plant to our town. To the administration this was a simple fact-finding mission, but to the citizens of our little hamlet this was a consensus of the highest order. It seemed both county and township found it necessary to repeatedly describe the process of having to make written re- quests for every bit of information. Com- plaints and opposing views had to be handled in the same manner, making it clear if that if these written requests were not obtained, the average citizen would be excluded from the process at the criti- cal time. Each came with their own set of maps all emphasizing the 120- meter rule. This distance about the length of a good home run or a poor golf drive is the safety zone that assures compliance and total se- curity in all ways. This was also the excuse why only people living within the range of a home run were advised of the project. The least said about that one the better. Next a call for “transparency” was made on all communications and documents per- taining to this project. “Post it all; make it available to everyone”was the rallying call. I was given the impression that publish- ing the information on the internet would be done, however, I remain skeptical. This request showed little enthusiasm from both the county and the township. Considering the lack of information both parties have made available to the population so far, I believe it is fair to say that the battle for info will continue. Absent from the meeting was spin. Intimi- dated by the crowd, or more likely a simple reluctance to create debate, it seemed the only positive argument made for bringing this plant to Plantagenet was to save 50 or so travel miles from suppliers in Cornwall or Ottawa. Perhaps the sad part of the evening was the poor performance and silence of the mayor. newsroom@eap.on.ca Fund-raisers Catherine, Maxime and Daniel Léveillée, also known as the CMD Voyageurs, have set out on another long-distance canoe trip but this time the objective is different. After raising about $27,000 for the Hawkesbury and District General Hospi- tal, the trio is aiming to have a very unique family activity – paddling 500 kilometres between North Bay and Hawkesbury. The trek started July 14 and is to end July 29. NEWS
eling at 121 km/h in a posted 70 km/h zone. The vehicle was intercepted. Cas- tellon David Benitez, 43, of Gatineau, was charged with racing a motor vehicle. The car was towed and impounded for seven days. The driver’s licence was also seized and suspended for seven days. Benitez is scheduled to appear in L’Orignal court August 2. Crash leads to charge A Hawkesbury man was charged follow- ing a two-vehicle crash at Cassburn Road and County Road 17 south of L’Orignal sat noon July 6. One car had rolled over in the collision which left two persons with non- life-threatening injuries. The investigation led by Constable Raoul Doucet revealed that the driver of a black GMC Jimmy 2005 had failed to stop for an amber light at the intersection. Both vehicles were severely damaged. Karl Bazinet, 37, of McGill Street was charged with failing to stop for an amber light. Community - part of the solution If you have information about any crimi- nal matters call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-8477 or the Hawkesbury O.P.P. at 613- 632-2729. Persons giving tips to Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call will stay anonymous and your pres- ence won’t be needed in court. Tips can also be sent via text message and e-mail. For more information visit the National Capital Crime Stoppers’ website at www. CrimeStoppers.ca . Schooner recalls 1812 The schooner Lois McClure, which is a full-scale replica of an 1862-class sailing canal boat, will be docking in Carillon on July 27 to commemorate the 200th anni- versary of the United States declaration of the War of 1812. “The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 provides an opportunity to return to Can- ada and explore this important chapter in world and regional history,” say the orga- nizers. The Lois McClure left Crown Point, New York on May 20 during the Lake Champlain Bridge Celebration. It arrived in Québec for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and will be in Carillon at the Carillon Canal his- toric site from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27.
When asked directly if he would like his grandchildren to live next to a plant that uses cyanide, benzine and such, he simply shrugged like to say he did not know. He was later asked what the expected direct benefits were for Plantagenet. The speak- er referred to permanent jobs and tax rev- enues specifically. He again admitted that he did not know. This in an honourable man from the education system, respected and, I believe, admired by several generations of this town. Yet I could not help but wonder who was running the boat. What we need from our mayor in my opinion is a Don Quixote who will join the population and storm the windmills of special interests and money in favour of the person next door. This event could very well be a turning point for the future of Plantagenet as we know it. A wonderful legacy for a man of his history, however, is he up for the fight? I wish I knew. To his credit he did confirm that there would be another meeting at a date to be determined. A host of local specialists for wildlife and the environment also contributed to the discussion, indicating in simple terms that the cost was too dear. “Our children deserve better,” said one of the speakers. “No birds sing around Asphalt plants,”said another to roaring applause. Yet the most passionate speakers of all were our neighbours. These long-standing residents and some recent arrivals ex- pressed their views with such sincerity and conviction that one could not help but be moved. In conclusion perhaps it is time to call it like it is. Plantagenet does not wish to have heavy industry in its back yard. It is that sim- ple! This project will affect our town on so many different levels that it should not be left to few people in a dark room to make the call. The solution is clear. Give it to the townsfolk. Put it on the bal- lot and call for a referendum on the proj- ect. It’s the only true democratic way. Roger Broughton, Plantagenet Inspired by the television program “North-West Destination,” Daniel and his daughter, Catherine, started their first jour- ney in 2007 – a 60-kilometre expedition from Carillon to Wendover. Their goal was to experience a canoe expedition as the pioneers used to do it. From a family activity, it became a mis- sion. In fact, between 2008 and 2011, the CMD Voyageurs had paddled 900 kilo- metres as a fund-raising activity for the Hawkesbury hospital, bringing in $27,300. editionap.ca
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July 6, shortly after 10 p.m. Hawkesbry On tario Provincial Police officers respond- ed to a call about someone causing mis- chief to vehicles outside a Main Street East, Hawkesbury apartment. Constables Steve Roy and Jonathan Bouchard found a man hiding behind a vehicle. Further investiga- tion revealed that the man had earlier been at friend’s apartment having a drink. At one point, the friend refused to give the suspect more alcohol which resulted in the suspect assaulting the tenant of the apartment, police say. The tenant evicted the guest. At that point, the intoxicated man would have caused mischief to a motorcycle and cars that were parked outside the apart- ment. Allan Chavez, 26, of Montréal, has been charged with assault andmischief. His court date is also August 1. Drug seizure July 6, shortly after 3 p.m., Constable Marc Lauzon intercepted a black Mazda 6. After discovering a small quantity of an il- licit drug, the officer charged Sébastien Plouffe, 21 , of Catherine Street in St-Isidore was charged with possession of cocaine. Hit and run A Calumet man was charged after Hawkesbury O.P.P. officers received a call from a Greenlane Road resident in Cham- plain about a vehicle that hit the ditch in front of his residence. The vehicle struck an address post and then hit a tree. The driver was able to drive away but witnesses were able to identify the licence plate. The inves- tigation, led by Constable Raoul Doucet, re- vealed that the driver of a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta would have fallen asleep and hit the ditch in front of the residence, damaging the property. The vehicle was driven away from the scene of the collision and was found further down the road. The driver had not sustained any injuries. Steven Deslauriers, 20, of Principale St., Calumet was charged with careless driving and failing to remain at the scene of a col- lision. Stunt driving On the afternoon of July 7, Constable Jonathan Bouchard was performing radar duty, monitoring the speed of vehicles on County Road 17 in the Township of Champlain. Shortly after 2 p.m., he ob- served a blue 2003 Toyota Corolla trav-
500-kilometre canoe trek
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Solide propriété 2001 située dans un secteur famillial. 4 chambres, garage simple attaché, piscine h-t, grand patio ensoleillé et bien plus... À quelques pas de la 50…
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