In this week's episode of "Good Morning from Rockland" the new, weekly breakfast show by TVC22 host Thomas Stockting provides a news round up including: COVID-19 Update; We meet Clarence-Rockland’s new Councilor; We speak to Maison Interlude House about Women Abuse Prevention Month; The annual Warden’s Banquet & Recreational Pathway deal details announced.

WOMEN ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

November marks Women Abuse Prevention Month, raising awraeness and creating a time to empower and focus on the issues surrounding Violence Against Women and Gender Based Violence. 

In Canada, gender-based violence is defined as violence that is inflicted upon a person or persons due to their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender - it is essentially any form of abuse, assault, or harassment that can be linked back to dominant societal norms surrounding gender. 

Women Abuse Prevention month is a time to hear stories and find resources as education and awareness is the best way of reducing abuse against women. 

To discuss the local situation and some of the preventative measures we spoke to Linda Bissonette, a Supervisor at Maison Interlude House. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Now, let’s take a look at the local COVID-19 situation in our region. (BRUCE - EOHU GRAPHIC)
At the time of recording there were 6 active cases in Prescott-Russell of which 1 was in Clarence-Rockland. As you can see, that's a decrease of 6 in the UCPR and 2 in Clarence-Rockland. 

Our 7 day rolling average is now at 2.2 with only 2 people in hospital throughout the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, one of which is in the ICU. 

92% of people now have one dose of the vaccine locally with 88.8% at two doses. There have also been nearly 6000 third doses administered and earlier this week, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer for the EOHU, said that younger less vulnerable people will be eligible for the third dose in the new year. 

Speaking of vaccinations, Health Canada has just approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in Children Aged 5-11. On Monday afternoon Dr. Roumeliotis explained how parents and guardians can go about booking their appointment locally, as well as resources for those who are hesitant.

RECREATIONAL PATHWAY & WARDENS BANQUET

The annual Warden’s banquet for the United Counties of Prescott-Russell was held over the weekend, honoring current warden and Mayor of the Township of Alfred Plantagenet, Mr. Stehapne Sarrazin.

The 2021 edition of the event was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Alfred, giving Mr. Sarrazin’s friends, family and colleagues the chance to honor the Warden after the event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. 

Late Clarence-Rockland Mayor, Mr. Guy Desjardins and last year’s warden, Mr. Pierre Leroux were both acknowledged during the evening as Mrs. Cindy Anthony of the KIN Club of Russell was the recipient of the coveted JP St. Pierre Award due to her “outstanding contributions” for the community. 

During the banquet, the United Counties of Prescott-Russell also confirmed their intention to continue supporting the recreational pathway with a financial support of $540,000 over the course of 10 years. 

This money will be used to ensure a successful transition of the pathway from VIA Rail to the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Corporation and aid some of the costs of maintaining it. 

Warden Sarrazin said; “It is clear that we still have work to do before reaching a final agreement, but we are grateful for the trust and patience of Trail users in our efforts. We are pleased to be able to support the PRRTC and are confident that all the elements are aligned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Trail.”

NEW COUNCILLOR

Last month, the City of Clarence-Rockland announced that they had appointed Mr. Kyle Cyr to fulfill the duties as Councilor of Ward 2 until the end of the current mandate next year. 

Mr. Cyr, who was the Councilor for Ward 5 in Clarence-Creek between 2002-2009 had to hit the ground running, entering into his role just before the budgetary deliberations. 

Earlier this week I spoke with Mr. Cyr about the process of setting the 2022 municipal budget, where he had slightly different goals to some of his fellow councilors, as well as asking him whether we can expect to see his name on the ballot next election.