A living, giving garden DEVELOPMENT: Signs of life …22005 PT Cruiser005 PT Cruiser...
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Local news ...........A1-4 Weather ...............A2 Comment ..............A5 Canada ..............A6-7 Life ....................................A8 Money .................A9 Sports ...............B1-3 Classified ............B4-5 Entertainment ..................B6 Bridge .................B7 Comics, Horoscope . . . . ..B8 World .................................B9 Sunny and warm High 24° Low 19°. Page A2 $1.00 (includes gst) INSIDE WEATHER Check out the photos in our online gallery recorder.ca BREAKING NEWS Get the latest news updates all day, everyday recorder.ca INSIDE FALL HAS ARRIVED It was a day for patients, not politics, but the reality of impending bed closures at the Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC) was never far away as the facility held its Country Harvest Fall Fair yesterday. Page A3 FILM TRADITION In what’s becoming a September tradition, Film Brockville will raise the cur- tain on its fall season with a fundraising screening to benefit the Alzheimer Soci- ety of Leeds and Grenville. Page A4 IRONWOMAN She was nervous and excited and she survived to want to do it again. Prescott native Jenn Howitt finished fourth in her age category in her first-ever Ironman Canada in British Columbia on the weekend. Page B1 recorder Wednesday, September 2, 2009 Serving Brockville and the region since 1821 • Year 189 No. 171 20 pages ONLINE CLOSURE: Brighter future amidst darker days ahead RONALD ZAJAC Staff Writer Taylor Closs and Ryan Ada- Lacroix are looking ahead with optimism, despite a few bumps in the immediate future. The pair, both inpatients at the Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC), are engaged. As patients and staff at the former Brockville Psychiatric Hospital enjoyed a perfect day Tuesday for their annual Country Harvest Fall Fair, Closs proudly displayed her ring and noted the big day will be June 21, 2011. By then, however, the couple will be living elsewhere. “I’m looking at going to a group home in Ottawa because my part of the hospital is closing down,” said Closs, 20, who lives at the BMHC’s rehab unit. The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group announced in June that the BMHC will close its transi- tional care unit by March 2011, taking the equivalent of 136.5 full-time jobs out of the commu- nity. The 64 transitional treatment beds include 24 for dual diagno- sis (patients who suffer both from a developmental delay and a psychiatric disorder) and 20 each for rehabilitation and psy- chogeriatric services. Brockville Mayor David Hen- derson noted yesterday the impending closure cast a shadow over an otherwise fun day on the BMHC grounds. (See related story on page A3.) Closs, who is from Ottawa, is one of 56 patients still housed in those three transitional care units, people whom Royal Ottawa hopes to move into the community, or to other facilities in Kingston or the Ottawa area, by March of 2011. Ada-Lacroix, 24, of Almonte, is in the BMHC’s forensic unit, which is expected to keep oper- ating after the transitional ser- vices are gone, although he is hoping to be discharged long before his wedding day. The happy couple are opti- mistic things will work out for them despite any disruptions in the months ahead. And on Tues- day, Taylor and Ryan were focused entirely on enjoying the fall fair. “It’s not often that you get to go to a hospital and they have a fun fair like this,” said Closs. BMHC patient Loretta Hor- bick spoke on behalf of the other patients as the day-long fair kicked off around the lunch hour, thanking staff for organiz- ing the event. Organizer Kevin Johnston, a recreational therapist at BMHC’s Elmgrove unit, said the fair began five years ago, inspired by his childhood on a farm. Inpatients looking further afield for new homes RONALD ZAJAC The Recorder and Times Ryan Ada-Lacroix, left, and Taylor Closs, both inpatients at the Brockville Mental Health Centre, plan to tie the knot in June 2011. NICK GARDINER The Recorder and Times Daycare children at the Brockville YMCA prepare to help serve a spaghetti dinner Tuesday cele- brating the facility's first Giving Garden, a project suggested by the Brockberry Cafe. Pictured children are, in front from left, Camryn Bos and Lucas Haystead, and back from left, Faith Chap- lin, Courtney Orr, Jack Chaplin and Amelia Foley. In the rear are YMCA executive director Sueling Ching, Brockberry chef Seth O'Hara and cafe staff Jennifer Robinson. See story on page A3 COMMUNITY: A living, giving garden TERRI SAUNDERS Sun Media A Merrickville woman who died trying to save a drowning teenager more than two years ago has been honoured by the governor general. Roxanne Lalonde, 32, jumped into the Rideau River on April 21, 2007, in an attempt to rescue 15-year-old Grant Gallipeau from a fast-moving current near the Andrewsville Bridge. The leading seaman and 12- year veteran of the Canadian navy could not rescue the boy. Two weeks ago, Lalonde’s mother received a letter from Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean saying her daughter had been awarded the Medal of Bravery, an honour that recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. “I was very proud,” said Riemke Bles. “It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since this happened. It doesn’t seem like that long ago.” Gallipeau’s body was found downriver from the bridge less than an hour after Lalonde jumped in after him. Paramedics plucked Lalonde from the river after the failed attempt. She died in hospital. “She was just doing what she was trained to do,” said Bles. “Nobody was surprised she did what she did.” The award will be presented at a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall at a later date. “Without hesitation, she jumped in the icy waters to search for him, but was suddenly caught up by the strong under- tow and pulled towards the middle of the river,” reads the citation. “Others on shore tried to throw a lifeline to her, but the strong current quickly carried her downstream. Sadly, neither the boy nor Leading Seaman Lalonde survived.” Lalonde has received other honours since her death, includ- ing the Commissioner’s Citation for Bravery awarded to her by the OPP in September 2007. “These awards keep her memory alive,” said Bles. “In some ways, it’s like she’s still here.” Posthumous honour for Lalonde HONOUR: Medal of Bravery STEVENSON TRIAL JACK WALKER Staff Writer A 37-year-old Mallorytown man accused of killing his estranged wife professed his innocence shortly after his arrest for the murder. “Who?” Andrew Stevenson asked OPP Constable Rob Sin- clair when he advised the accused he was being arrested for the murder. “Your wife,” replied Sinclair. “Is she OK?” asked Stevenson. “I don’t know,” answered the officer. Sinclair told Stevenson’s first- degree murder trial Tuesday the accused was extremely upset, hyperventilating, gagging and crying after his arrest at his mother’s residence at 177 Rock- field Road, near Mallorytown on December 23, 2006. Two hours earlier, Stefanie Stevenson was felled by a shot- gun blast to the right side of her head in the driveway of her MacOdrum Drive residence in Brockville. The 33-year-old mother of two was just getting into her van to drive to the Brockville General Hospital for her night shift on the maternity ward when she was shot. Sinclair said he twice read Stevenson his rights, including his right to call a lawyer. “I haven’t done anything wrong,” Stevenson responded. “I don’t need a lawyer.” Sinclair testified he and Sergeant Glen King were origi- nally dispatched to Stevenson’s residence at 117 Mountain Road, RR 1 Mallorytown. Accused appeared shocked, upset see BMHC | Page A2 see TRIAL | Page A2 MICHAEL JIGGINS Staff Writer City council’s economic devel- opment and planning commit- tee huddled behind closed doors Tuesday night to learn details about a plan to revive the mori- bund Moorings condominium project. In a brief discussion during the open session of yesterday’s meeting, the committee heard a new ownership group has taken possession through a power-of- sale process and is seeking an 18-month extension on the existing site plan agreement. Director of planning Maureen Pascoe Merkley said that agree- ment between the city and the previous owner, Brockville Moorings Corp., is set to expire Sept. 24 of this year. The identity of the ownership group was not disclosed, but Mayor David Henderson told The Recorder and Times he has met with one of the principals, who he said lives in the Kingston area. “They gave me the impression that they are willing to go ahead with the site remediation this fall,” said the mayor. Heading into last night’s closed session, Henderson said “it’s like Missouri, let’s see it” when it comes to whether the new owners actually develop the property. However, he stressed he sup- ports extending the site plan agreement because it offers the best chance for city residents to see the property cleaned up. Work on the site’s environ- mental cleanup stopped sud- denly last fall when the previous owners’ plans foundered on financial difficulty. Since then, the fenced-in property at 119 Water Street adjacent to the Brockville Museum has become an increasing source of complaints. Moorings afloat? DEVELOPMENT: Signs of life for riverfront property see MOORINGS | Page A2 Beattie Dodge Chrysler Jeep Come In And Test Drive Quality Used Vehicles. Come In And Test Drive Quality Used Vehicles. Great Buys... Save Thousands From New! Great Buys... 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Transcript of A living, giving garden DEVELOPMENT: Signs of life …22005 PT Cruiser005 PT Cruiser...
Local news . . . . . . . . . . .A1-4Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A2Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A6-7Life ....................................A8Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1-3Classified . . . . . . . . . . . .B4-5Entertainment ..................B6
Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7Comics, Horoscope . . . . ..B8World .................................B9
Sunny and warmHigh 24° Low 19°.Page A2
$1.00(includes gst)
INSIDE WEATHER
Check out the photosin our online gallery
recorder.ca
BREAKING NEWSGet the latest newsupdates all day,everyday
recorder.ca
INSIDE
FALL HAS ARRIVEDIt was a day for patients,
not politics, but the realityof impending bed closuresat the Brockvil le MentalHealth Centre (BMHC) wasnever far away as the facilityheld its Country Harvest FallFair yesterday.
Page A3
FILM TRADITIONIn what’s becoming a
September tradition, FilmBrockville will raise the cur-tain on its fall season with afundraising screening tobenefit the Alzheimer Soci-ety of Leeds and Grenville.
Page A4
IRONWOMANShe was nervous and
excited and she survived towant to do it again. Prescottnative Jenn Howitt finishedfourth in her age category inher first-ever IronmanCanada in British Columbiaon the weekend.
Page B1
recorder
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Serving Brockville and the region since 1821 • Year 189 No. 171 20 pages
ONLINE
CLOSURE: Brighter future amidst darker days ahead
RONALD ZAJAC
Staff Writer
Taylor Closs and Ryan Ada-Lacroix are looking ahead withoptimism, despite a few bumpsin the immediate future.
The pair, both inpatients atthe Brockville Mental HealthCentre (BMHC), are engaged. Aspatients and staff at the formerBrockville Psychiatric Hospitalenjoyed a perfect day Tuesdayfor their annual Country HarvestFall Fair, Closs proudly displayedher ring and noted the big daywill be June 21, 2011.
By then, however, the couplewill be living elsewhere.
“I’m looking at going to agroup home in Ottawa becausemy part of the hospital is closingdown,” said Closs, 20, who livesat the BMHC’s rehab unit.
The Royal Ottawa Health CareGroup announced in June thatthe BMHC will close its transi-tional care unit by March 2011,taking the equivalent of 136.5full-time jobs out of the commu-nity.
The 64 transitional treatmentbeds include 24 for dual diagno-sis (patients who suffer bothfrom a developmental delay anda psychiatric disorder) and 20
each for rehabilitation and psy-chogeriatric services.
Brockville Mayor David Hen-derson noted yesterday theimpending closure cast a
shadow over an otherwise funday on the BMHC grounds. (Seerelated story on page A3.)
Closs, who is from Ottawa, isone of 56 patients still housed in
those three transitional careunits, people whom RoyalOttawa hopes to move into thecommunity, or to other facilitiesin Kingston or the Ottawa area,by March of 2011.
Ada-Lacroix, 24, of Almonte, isin the BMHC’s forensic unit,which is expected to keep oper-ating after the transitional ser-vices are gone, although he ishoping to be discharged longbefore his wedding day.
The happy couple are opti-mistic things will work out forthem despite any disruptions inthe months ahead. And on Tues-day, Taylor and Ryan werefocused entirely on enjoying thefall fair.
“It’s not often that you get togo to a hospital and they have afun fair like this,” said Closs.
BMHC patient Loretta Hor-bick spoke on behalf of the otherpatients as the day-long fairkicked off around the lunchhour, thanking staff for organiz-ing the event.
Organizer Kevin Johnston, arecreational therapist at BMHC’sElmgrove unit, said the fairbegan five years ago, inspired byhis childhood on a farm.
Inpatients looking further afield for new homes
RONALD ZAJAC The Recorder and Times
Ryan Ada-Lacroix, left, and Taylor Closs, both inpatients at theBrockville Mental Health Centre, plan to tie the knot in June 2011.
NICK GARDINER The Recorder and TimesDaycare children at the Brockville YMCA prepare to help serve a spaghetti dinner Tuesday cele-brating the facility's first Giving Garden, a project suggested by the Brockberry Cafe. Picturedchildren are, in front from left, Camryn Bos and Lucas Haystead, and back from left, Faith Chap-lin, Courtney Orr, Jack Chaplin and Amelia Foley. In the rear are YMCA executive director SuelingChing, Brockberry chef Seth O'Hara and cafe staff Jennifer Robinson. See story on page A3
COMMUNITY: A living, giving garden
TERRI SAUNDERS
Sun Media
A Merrickville woman whodied trying to save a drowningteenager more than two yearsago has been honoured by thegovernor general.
Roxanne Lalonde, 32, jumpedinto the Rideau River on April21, 2007, in an attempt to rescue15-year-old Grant Gallipeaufrom a fast-moving current nearthe Andrewsville Bridge.
The leading seaman and 12-year veteran of the Canadian
navy could not rescue the boy.Two weeks ago, Lalonde’s
mother received a letter fromGov. Gen. Michaelle Jean sayingher daughter had been awardedthe Medal of Bravery, an honourthat recognizes acts of bravery inhazardous circumstances.
“I was very proud,” saidRiemke Bles. “It’s hard to believeit’s been two years since thishappened. It doesn’t seem likethat long ago.”
Gallipeau’s body was founddownriver from the bridge lessthan an hour after Lalonde
jumped in after him. Paramedicsplucked Lalonde from the riverafter the failed attempt. She diedin hospital.
“She was just doing what shewas trained to do,” said Bles.“Nobody was surprised she didwhat she did.”
The award will be presented ata formal ceremony at RideauHall at a later date.
“Without hesitation, shejumped in the icy waters tosearch for him, but was suddenlycaught up by the strong under-tow and pulled towards the
middle of the river,” reads thecitation. “Others on shore triedto throw a lifeline to her, but thestrong current quickly carriedher downstream. Sadly, neitherthe boy nor Leading SeamanLalonde survived.”
Lalonde has received otherhonours since her death, includ-ing the Commissioner’s Citationfor Bravery awarded to her bythe OPP in September 2007.
“These awards keep hermemory alive,” said Bles. “Insome ways, it’s like she’s stillhere.”
Posthumous honour for LalondeHONOUR: Medal of BraverySTEVENSON TRIAL
JACK WALKER
Staff Writer
A 37-year-old Mallorytownman accused of killing hisestranged wife professed hisinnocence shortly after his arrestfor the murder.
“Who?” Andrew Stevensonasked OPP Constable Rob Sin-clair when he advised theaccused he was being arrestedfor the murder.
“Your wife,” replied Sinclair.“Is she OK?” asked Stevenson.“I don’t know,” answered the
officer.Sinclair told Stevenson’s first-
degree murder trial Tuesday theaccused was extremely upset,hyperventilating, gagging andcrying after his arrest at hismother’s residence at 177 Rock-field Road, near Mallorytown onDecember 23, 2006.
Two hours earlier, StefanieStevenson was felled by a shot-gun blast to the right side of herhead in the driveway of herMacOdrum Drive residence inBrockville. The 33-year-oldmother of two was just gettinginto her van to drive to theBrockville General Hospital forher night shift on the maternityward when she was shot.
Sinclair said he twice readStevenson his rights, includinghis right to call a lawyer.
“I haven’t done anythingwrong,” Stevenson responded. “Idon’t need a lawyer.”
Sinclair testified he andSergeant Glen King were origi-nally dispatched to Stevenson’sresidence at 117 Mountain Road,RR 1 Mallorytown.
Accusedappearedshocked,upset
see BMHC | Page A2see TRIAL | Page A2
MICHAEL JIGGINS
Staff Writer
City council’s economic devel-opment and planning commit-tee huddled behind closed doorsTuesday night to learn detailsabout a plan to revive the mori-bund Moorings condominiumproject.
In a brief discussion duringthe open session of yesterday’smeeting, the committee heard anew ownership group has takenpossession through a power-of-sale process and is seeking an18-month extension on theexisting site plan agreement.
Director of planning MaureenPascoe Merkley said that agree-ment between the city and theprevious owner, BrockvilleMoorings Corp., is set to expireSept. 24 of this year.
The identity of the ownershipgroup was not disclosed, butMayor David Henderson toldThe Recorder and Times he hasmet with one of the principals,
who he said lives in the Kingstonarea.
“They gave me the impressionthat they are willing to go aheadwith the site remediation thisfall,” said the mayor.
Heading into last night’sclosed session, Henderson said“it’s like Missouri, let’s see it”when it comes to whether thenew owners actually develop theproperty.
However, he stressed he sup-ports extending the site planagreement because it offers thebest chance for city residents tosee the property cleaned up.
Work on the site’s environ-mental cleanup stopped sud-denly last fall when the previousowners’ plans foundered onfinancial difficulty.
Since then, the fenced-inproperty at 119 Water Streetadjacent to the BrockvilleMuseum has become anincreasing source of complaints.
Mooringsafloat?
DEVELOPMENT: Signs of life for riverfront property
see MOORINGS | Page A2
Beattie Dodge Chrysler JeepCome In And Test Drive Quality Used Vehicles.Come In And Test Drive Quality Used Vehicles.
Great Buys... Save Thousands From New!Great Buys... Save Thousands From New!
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2005 PT Cruiser2005 PT CruiserConvertibleConvertible
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St#29874ASt#29874A
$15,995$15,995
2006 Chrysler2006 Chrysler300 Touring300 Touring
Road wheels,Road wheels, sunroof, dark glass,sunroof, dark glass,
silver w/ matchingsilver w/ matching interior,interior,
local trade local trade $14,995$14,995St#2988ASt#2988A
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