Tuesday, Feb. 25th - The Ontario government has announced it is taking action to improve the system for moose harvest management and ensure a sustainable moose population.

     “We’re taking a smarter approach to moose harvest management to make moose hunting more fair and more accessible while ensuring the sustainability of the moose population,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Our government recognizes the importance of moose hunting to Ontario families and communities.”

     The changes were informed through consultation with the Big Game and Management Advisory Committee (BGMAC) and include:

   •  further restrictions on calf hunting so more calves have a better chance of reaching adulthood

   •  moving from a draw to a points-based system that will give preference to applicants who have been unsuccessful in getting a tag for the greatest number of years

   •  fee restructuring for licences and tags 

Ontario will continue to conduct moose aerial inventory surveys in specific areas each winter, which will help estimate moose population status and trends to ensure continued sustainability of moose in the province.

      “We know a healthy and sustainable moose population is critical to support continued hunting opportunities for generations to come,” said Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Decisions on moose hunting are based on what we know of the current population numbers to ensure sustainability across the province.”

     “We are pleased to see the government moving forward with changes to Ontario’s moose management program,” said John Kaplanis, Chair of BGMAC. “We feel the changes will strengthen moose harvest management in Ontario and provide latitude to adapt to the variety of challenges that are inherent in moose management. We look forward to continuing our work with the government and providing valuable advice to the Minister on the management of big game in Ontario.”

Tuesday, Feb. 25th - The provincial government is providing funding to help Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry modernize service delivery including ways to speed up the process for approving new housing and commercial developments. The funding is provided through the Municipal Modernization Program  . . .        - See more here . . .

Friday, Feb. 21st - The Winchester District Memorial Hospitalis committed to helping local communities stay healthy. The hospital recently announced two new community education programs being offered interested parties. 

     “We want patients and families to be partners in their care,” explains Cholly Boland,  CEO. “These education sessions are one way that we connect with our local communities and share important preventative health care information.”

     The Seaway Valley Community Health Centre and the hospital will present a six-week programs for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease intended to help patients and family members better manage this condition. To register, please call 613-774-2422 ext. 6352.

     A second six-week program offers Powerful Tools for Caregivers.  Adult caregivers will be provided valuable tools on reducing stress, making tough decisions, and developing strategies to put health back in the hands of patients. This program will be offered for the first time in Winchester by WDMH, the Seaway Valley Community Health Centre and Living Healthy Champlain. To register, please call 613-774-2422 ext. 6352.

Friday, Feb. 21st - The Municipality of South Dundas’ Community Improvement Plan Program is accepting applications to be submitted is March 27, 2020 at 1:00 pm. This community initiative program works towards improving the existing commercial industry. The plan offers eligible applicants the opportunity to access funding (grants and/or loans) to improve commercial buildings located in the Municipality of South Dundas.

     “The CIP program works towards stimulating private investment and improving our business community,” said Rob Hunter, Economic Development Officer. “We are excited to continue the program.”

Wednesday, Feb. 19th, - The governments of Canada and Ontario are helping the province’s beef sector grow and develop new markets by investing up to $2 million in projects that enhance operations at provincially licensed abattoirs. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), the governments are providing cost-share funding to provincially licensed abattoirs . . .       -  See more here . . .

Thursday, Feb. 20th – The boys’ team from Glengarry District High School (GDHS) won the bronze medals at the Ontario School Curling Provincial Championships, held in Chatham, Ont. earlier this week with the Carleton Place High School (CPHS) boys’ curling team winning the silver medals.       - See more here . . .

Thursday, Feb. 20th - Every year, there are more than 4,700 surgeries at Winchester District Memorial Hospital. For each patient’s procedure, specialized equipment ensures the surgeons have the best tools in hand.

     Backed by generous donors, the WDMH Foundation has funded three new pieces of equipment for the OR – a new camera head, a second glidescope, and an image guidance system. The total cost of the equipment is $66,414.75. 

     “We are so grateful to our donors,” says Kristen Casselman, Managing Director. “New equipment such as this helps to improve efficiencies and offer more services close to home.” 

     The camera head is used to see inside a patient’s body during laparoscopic surgery. The original camera head was broken and needed to be replaced. 

     The glidescope is used to secure a patient’s airway and manage their breathing. The anesthetist then has a clear view to safely intubate a patient. 

     The image guidance system helps ear, nose and throat surgeons navigate the sinuses during surgery. This instrument has a tracking chip for each patient and allows the surgeon to guide the procedure on a monitor. 

     Casselman explains the importance and impact of these donations, “Many people are surprised to learn that the provincial government does not fund the purchase of medical equipment for Ontario hospitals. To help ensure that WDMH has the right tools to provide excellent health care for our patients, the Foundation works with donors who care about WDMH and who want to make an impact. And we want to say thank you!”